Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermen

1. Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermen

2. Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermen: is a public organization uniting the regional associations and unions of hunters and fishermen and coordinating their activities. Our organization carries on traditions of Society for Fair Hunting and Fishery founded in Lithuania in 1920 at the initiative of Prof. T.Ivanauskas and other nature lovers, forestry experts and well-known people of those times.

3. History In pre-war time before 1940 the Society was a part of International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) and restored its membership there in 1991. Since 2004 Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermenis a member of Federation of Associationsfor Game and Wildlife Conservation of European Union (FACE). Publications 1927 to 1940: magazine “Medžiotojas“ (“The Hunter), then “Hunter and Fisherman” and now “Hunting and Hunter .

4. Main goals of the association: Promotion of nature protection, ethical hunting and fishing Propagation of hunting and fishing traditions Protection and regulation of fish, birds and wild animals’ populations Improving qualifications of hunters and fishermen Development of hunting dogs breeding Organization of exhibitions of hunters and fishermen’s trophies, hunting dogs as well as competitions and conferences Active participation in activities of international organizations and cooperation with hunters and fishermen’s associations of neighbouring countries.

5. Structure: The Association unites regional societies and unions of hunters and fishermen which, in turn, incorporate circles and clubs within their districts. With only 18 ths hunters in Lithuania as recently as 1985, currently 30 ths hunters and over 37 ths fishermen are members of Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermen incorporating 46 regional societies and unions of hunters and fishermen. The Association administers hunting on the basis of not only its internal experience and that of hunters in other countries but also recommendations of scientists. Therefore projects are implementedin individual areas, based on principles of growth in populations of animals, which determine the biotechnical methodsfor managing the hunting practices.

6. Influence of Lithuania's hunting law on the populations of hunted animals.

7. The Hunting Law of the Republic of Lithuania 2002 Main provisions: 1.The wild animalsare state property 2.The minimum area of one hunting-ground is 1,000 ha Owner of the land is entitled to Forbid hunting on his/her property (land) Receive compensation for damages caused by wild animals Hunt on his/her property (land) under the agreed conditions

8. Positive outcomes: 900 hunting-grounds have been formed Hunting-grounds of the area of 5,000-7,000 ha prevail Number of conflicts between land owners and hunters decreased significantly Populations of ungulates have flourished

9. Conditions of Game Animal Populations in Lithuania

10. European elk (Alces alces) Estimated population size and hunting 1934 - 2010

11. RED DEER Estimated population size and hunting 1939-2010

12. ROE Estimated population size and hunting 1934-2010

13. WILD BOAR Estimated population size and hunting 1939-2010

14. Condition of beaver populations in Lithuania About 100,000 beavers live in Lithuania, with average population density of up to 4 families per 1,000 ha

15. Negative outcomes • Dissatisfied big landowners and political forces representing them • Imposed limits and other regulatory restrictions on hunting prevents hunters from managing the populations of ungulates independently, resulting in increasing impact on the environment.

16. Effects of hunting (M) and deaths on the road (Ž) on the fair game populations

17. Effects of hunting (M) and deaths on the road (Ž) on the fair game populations Moose Red deer Wild boar Roe deer Beaver Hare Badger Fox Raccoon dog Marten Mink

18. Effects of hunting (M) and deaths on the road (Ž) on the fair game populations European elk Red deer Wild boar Roe deer Beaver European hare Badger Fox Raccoon dog Marten Mink

19. Effects of hunting (M) and deaths on the road (Ž) on the fair game populations European elk Red deer Wild boar Roe deer Beaver European Hare Badger Fox Raccoon dog Marten Mink

20. Thank you for your attention