Chapter 1 General provisions
§ 1. Scope of regulation of Act
This Act sets out the formation and use of a hunting district, monitoring of wild game, hunting quotas and structure, and other principles of hunting, determines the documents certifying hunting rights, sets out the compensation for damage caused by wild game, and the state supervision and liability.
§ 2. Application of Act
(1) The requirements of this Act apply to hunting within the boundaries of protected natural objects, unless otherwise provided by the Nature Conservation Act or the protection procedure established under this Act.
(2) The provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act apply to administrative proceedings prescribed in this Act, taking account of the special rules provided in this Act.
§ 3. Hunting grounds
(1) A hunting ground is an area which is suitable for free habitation of wild game and used for hunting purposes.
(2) The following are not hunting grounds:
1) areas designated by plans within cities, towns and small towns and clearly defined built up areas of villages (hereinafter populated areas), as well as recreation and leisure areas where safe hunting is impossible;
2) zones in protected areas where hunting is prohibited by law or legislation established under the law.
§ 4. Wild game
(1) Wild game (hereinafter game) is divided, for the purpose of its protection and control, into large game and small game.
(2) Large game include the following:
1) moose;
2) red deer;
3) roe deer;
4) wild boar;
5) brown bear;
6) wolf;
7) lynx;
8) grey seal.
(3) A list of small game is provided in hunting rules which are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
§ 5. Hunting district
A hunting district is an area formed for hunting large game, the hunting ground of which covers at least 5000 hectares within a circular boundary.
§ 6. Landowner's rights in hunting
A landowner has the right, to the extent and in accordance with the rules provided by this Act:
1) to organise small game hunt on their land;
2) to enter into an agreement for organisation of hunting activities on their immovable;
3) to impose conditions for hunting on their land or prohibit hunting there;
4) to initiate replacement of a user of a hunting district;
5) to make proposals to the hunting council to change to boundaries of a hunting district.
§ 7. Hunting right and fee for hunting right
(1) A hunting right is the right of a natural person to hunt, provided they hold documents certifying the hunting right and they have paid the fee for the hunting right.
(2) A fee for the hunting right is paid once a year pursuant to the Environmental Charges Act and legislation established under this Act.
§ 8. Hunting year
A hunting year is a period from 1 March to the last day of February of the following year.
§ 9. Hunting council
(1) A hunting council is formed for the organisation of regional hunting activities on equal footing with representatives of users of a hunting district and representatives of landowners. A state representative is also appointed to a hunting council. The territorial jurisdiction of a hunting council is not larger than a county.
(2) The Director General of the Environmental Board forms a hunting council and approves its membership and operating procedures.
(3) A hunting council is competent to:
1) make proposals to the Environmental Board for the organisation of hunting of brown bear, wolf and lynx;
2) agree on hunting quotas and structure of moose, red deer, roe deer and wild boar (hereinafter also cloven-hoofed game);
3) make proposals to the issuer of a permit in proof of right to use hunting district for revocation of the permit in proof of right to use hunting district where the terms agreed under subsection 1 of § 22 of this Act have been violated;
4) make proposals to the issuer of a permit in proof of right to use hunting district for changing boundaries of a hunting district;
5) provide an opinion to the issuer of a permit in proof of right to use hunting district concerning extension of the permit in proof of right to use hunting district.
§ 10. Administrative co-operation in hunting
(1) The state may involve a hunting organisation that is a legal person in private law in the organisation of hunting activities. In order to involve hunting organisations, the minister in charge of the policy sector may enter into an administrative contract for the assignment of the duty specified in subsection 3 of § 29, subsection 8 of § 36, subsection 62 of § 40 and subsection 8 of § 42 in accordance with the rules provided in the Administrative Co-operation Act.
[RT I, 29.06.2018, 5 – entry into force 01.08.2018]
(2) Supervision over the performance of an administrative contract entered into under subsection 1 of this section is exercised by the Ministry of Climate.
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]
(3) Where an administrative contract is terminated unilaterally or other circumstances arise which prevent the continuation of performance of any administrative duty, the Environmental Board organises further performance.
Chapter 2 Formation and Use of Hunting District
§ 11. Formation of hunting district
(1) Hunting grounds are divided into hunting districts.
(2) A hunting district is formed by a directive of the Director General of the Environmental Board. The same directive also approves the map of a hunting district. The directive must contain the following data:
1) the name of a hunting district;
2) the area of the hunting district and hunting grounds;
3) the hunting district boundary description.
(3) Where the area of an island does not permit the formation of a hunting district set out in § 5 of this Act and the island is not joined to any other hunting district, a hunting district with an area less than that provided in § 5 of this section may be formed.
(4) The parts of the water area of the sea, Lake Lämmijärv, Lake Võrtsjärv, Lake Peipus, Lake Pskov, and other water bodies not located entirely in one hunting district which are suitable for hunting activities are divided between hunting districts adjacent to the water area according to the principle of equal distance in the course of the formation of a hunting district.
(5) The provisions concerning open proceedings apply to formation of a hunting district and changing its boundaries, taking account of the special rules provided in this Act.
(6) A decision on formation of a hunting district specified in subsection 2 of this section, as well as the map of the hunting district is published by the Environmental Board on its website, and a relevant notice regarding the formation of the hunting district is published in the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded and at least one national newspaper or local newspaper.
§ 12. Changing boundaries of hunting district
(1) Boundaries of a hunting district are changed where:
1) the hunting grounds of a hunting district is smaller than 5000 hectares;
2) a hunting district not released for use is divided;
3) hunting grounds, which is not included in any hunting district, is added to a hunting district;
4) a hunting district is divided at the request of a user of the hunting district;
5) users of adjacent hunting districts have agreed on changing the boundaries of hunting districts;
6) the hunting council submitted a reasoned proposal.
(2) In the case provided in clauses 4 and 5 of subsection 1 of this section, a written application is submitted to the Environmental Board, which must include:
1) applicant's name, registry code, registered office and contact details;
2) description of changing boundaries of a hunting district;
3) date of submission of the application, and signature of the applicant's representative.
(3) Where an application for changing boundaries of a hunting district meets the requirements, the Environmental Board commences proceedings for changing the hunting district and notifies the applicant thereof by post or electronic means within seven days as of the receipt of an application in accordance with the requirements.
(4) The Environmental Board adopts a decision on changing boundaries of a hunting district within three months after receipt of the application in accordance with the requirements or the making of proposal. The decision is communicated to the applicant or the hunting council by post within seven days as of the adoption of the decision.
(5) In the case provided in clauses 4 and 5 of subsection 1 of this section, a state fee is paid for review of an application for changing boundaries of a hunting district according to the rate provided in the State Fees Act.
§ 13. Right to use hunting district
A right to use a hunting district is the right to organise hunting in the hunting district and to carry out monitoring of wild game on the grounds and in accordance with the rules provided by law and the legislation established on the basis of the law.
§ 14. Permit in proof of right to use hunting district
(1) The right to use a hunting district is granted by a permit in proof of right to use hunting district.
(2) The following have the right to obtain a permit in proof of right to use hunting district:
1) a legal person registered in Estonia;
2) a state agency.
(3) A permit in proof of right to use hunting district is issued and records thereof are kept by the Environmental Board (hereinafter issuer of permit).
(4) A permit in proof of right to use hunting district is issued for ten years.
(5) A permit in proof of right to use hunting district is issued on the condition that the applicant for the permit has an immovable in the same hunting district or a written agreement with at least one landowner who has an immovable in the same hunting district for the organisation of hunting activities on their immovable.
(6) Where two or more applications are submitted for the right to use one and the same hunting district and where all the applicants do not agree to their being granted joint right of use, such applicant is preferred who has, within the boundaries of the hunting district, an agreement concerning a larger area with landowners for the organisation of hunting on their immovables.
(7) The following is indicated in a permit in proof of right to use hunting district:
1) name and registry code of the holder of the permit;
2) address and email address of the holder of the permit;
3) name and location of the hunting district;
4) commencement and expiry date of the permit;
5) name, registry code and address of the issuer of the permit.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(8) A map of the hunting district is attached to a permit in proof of right to use hunting district.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(9) [Repealed – RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
§ 15. Application for permit in proof of right to use hunting district
(1) In order to obtain a permit in proof of right to use hunting district, a digitally signed application is submitted to the issuer of permit through the environmental decisions information system with the following data:
1) name and registry code of the applicant;
2) address, email address and telephone number of the applicant;
3) name of the hunting district applied for.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(2) An application for a permit in proof of right to use hunting district is accompanied by the details of the immovable property of the applicant located in that hunting district or a written agreement specified in subsection 5 of § 14 of this Act, including a list of agreements which indicate:
1) name and registry code of the applicant;
2) address, email address and telephone number of the applicant;
3) name and personal identification code or registry code, email address and telephone number of the landowner;
4) number and area of the cadastral unit;
5) date on which the consent of the landowner was granted, and signature of the landowner.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(3) Applications are received within 30 days as of the entry into force of the decision forming a hunting district or after publication of a notice set out in subsection 4 of § 20 of this Act.
(4) [Repealed – RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(5) Where an application for a permit in proof of right to use hunting district complies with the requirements, the issuer initiates the proceedings for issue of the permit and notifies the applicant thereof through the environmental decisions information system within seven days as of the receipt of an application in accordance with the requirements.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(6) For review of an application for a permit in proof of right to use hunting district, an applicant must pay a state fee at the rate provided in the State Fees Act before submitting the application.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
§ 16. Publication of application for permit in proof of right to use hunting district
(1) An issuer of permit publishes, with regard to an application in accordance with the requirements for a permit in proof of right to use hunting district, a notice in the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded within 14 days as of the day of receipt of the application.
(2) The following is published in a notice specified in subsection 1 of this section:
1) name of the hunting district applied for, and name, registry code and address of the applicant;
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
2) local authority which area is included in the hunting district;
3) time at which and place where it is possible to examine the application, and reference to the opportunity to submit proposals and objections.
§ 17. Issue of or refusal to issue permit in proof of right to use hunting district
(1) An issuer of permit issues a permit in proof of right to use hunting district or refuses to issue the permit within one month as of the receipt of an application in accordance with the requirements.
(2) An issuer of permit refuses to grant a permit in proof of right to use hunting district where:
1) an applicant for a permit in proof of right to use hunting district has a punishment for violation of hunting legislation;
2) the applicant for a permit does not conform to the requirements provided in subsections 2 and 5 of § 14 of this Act;
3) the applicant for a permit has knowingly submitted false information;
4) the hunting district is already in use.
(3) A permit in proof of right to use hunting district and a decision to issue or refuse it is formalised electronically in a digitally signed form in the environmental decisions information system.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(4) A permit in proof of right to use hunting district is made public within 14 days of the issue of the permit in the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded and published in the environmental decisions information system.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
§ 18. Extension of permit in proof of right to use hunting district
(1) A permit in proof of right to use hunting district is extended for the next ten years provided the current user of a hunting district has submitted, six months before the expiry of the permit in proof of right to use hunting district, to the issuer of the permit in proof of right to use hunting district an application in accordance with the requirements together with the position of the hunting council.
(2) A permit in proof of right to use hunting district is not extended where:
1) the applicant for a permit has knowingly submitted false information;
2) the hunting council did not support the extension of the permit;
3) the user of the hunting district failed to perform the obligations provided in the permit in proof of right to use hunting district.
(3) The issuer of permit reviews the application specified in subsection 1 of this section and adopts a decision concerning extension of the permit within two months as of the receipt of an application in accordance with the requirements.
(4) A decision to extend or refuse a permit in proof of right to use hunting district is formalised electronically in a digitally signed form in the environmental decisions information system.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(5) A decision to extend a permit in proof of right to use hunting district is made public in the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded within 14 days as of the adoption of the decision to extend the permit and disclosed in the environmental decisions information system.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
§ 19. Changing permit in proof of right to use hunting district
A permit in proof of right to use hunting district is amended where:
1) the data specified in clause 1 of subsection 1 of § 15 of this Act have changed;
2) the legislation on which the requirements set out in the permit in proof of right to use hunting district were based has been amended, and the public interest that the permit in proof of right to use hunting district be amended outweighs the person's certainty;
3) the holder of the permit has submitted a reasoned application.
§ 20. Expiry and revocation of permit in proof of right to use hunting district
(1) The validity of a permit in proof of right to use hunting district terminates where:
1) a legal person or state agency that received a permit in proof of right to use hunting district is liquidated;
2) the user of a hunting district gives notice of their intention to relinquish the right to use hunting district;
3) the term of a permit in proof of right to use hunting district has expired.
(2) A permit in proof of right to use hunting district is revoked where:
1) false information was knowingly submitted upon applying for the permit;
2) landowners who own at least 51 per cent of the immovable properties of the hunting grounds of the hunting district and at least 51 per cent of the area of the hunting grounds have submitted a joint application to this effect;
3) the hunting council has submitted a reasoned proposal for this purpose;
4) the hunting grounds of the hunting district is smaller than 5000 hectares;
5) the hunting district is divided at the request of the user of the hunting district;
6) the user of the hunting district fails to perform the obligations provided in the permit in proof of right to use hunting district;
7) the user of the hunting district has more than one punishment for violation of the requirements of this Act or legislation established on the basis of this Act.
(3) In the case specified in clause 2 of subsection 2 of this section, the following is indicated in an application:
1) name of the hunting district;
2) name and personal identification code or registry code, email address and telephone number of each landowner;
3) number and area of the cadastral unit of each landowner;
4) signature of each landowner, and date of their consent.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(4) The issuer of a permit in proof of right to use hunting district publishes a notice concerning the expiry or revocation of the permit in the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded and in at least one national newspaper or local newspaper. The notice of expiry or revocation of the permit includes, among other things, information on the opportunities to apply for the right to use a hunting district that has become vacant.
Chapter 3 Monitoring of Wild Game, Hunting Quotas and Structure
§ 21. Monitoring of wild game
(1) Monitoring of wild game is organised to observe the status of game populations.
(2) A user of a hunting district is required to monitor game within the boundaries of their hunting district.
(3) A list of monitoring data and procedure for their collection is established and the agency authorised to organise state monitoring is designated by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
(4) Each year, the agency appointed under subsection 3 of this section prepares a game monitoring report. The monitoring report must contain the following data:
1) description of the status of the game population;
2) change in the status of the game population;
3) forecast of the status of the game population and risk factors;
4) recommended game hunting quotas and structure.
(5) A monitoring report is published on the website of the agency designated under subsection 3 of this section.
(6) Where the results of a monitoring report indicate that the favourable status of a species is endangered or where an increase in the population of the species causes a significant negative impact on the environment or threat to human health or property, an action plan specified in § 49 of the Nature Conservation Act is prepared.
§ 22. Wild game hunting quotas and
(1) Hunting quotas and structure of moose, red deer, roe deer and wild boar are agreed each hunting year by hunting districts by the hunting council based on the report specified in subsection 4 of § 21 of this Act and a proposal of the user of the hunting district.
(2) Hunting quotas of brown bear, wolf, lynx and grey seal are established each hunting year by the Environmental Board based on the report specified in subsection 4 of § 21 of this Act and a proposal of the hunting council.
(3) Small game hunting quotas are decided each hunting year:
1) within the boundaries of their immovable property – by the landowner;
2) in a hunting district – by the user of the hunting district, unless the landowner has established any restrictions.
(4) The Environmental Board has the right to establish additional restrictions and conditions based on the action plan specified in subsection 6 of § 21 of this Act. Restrictions and conditions are communicated to the user of a hunting district by post or electronic means and published in the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded and in at least one national newspaper or local newspaper.
Chapter 4 Hunting
§ 23. Hunting
(1) Hunting is the tracking, pursuit, capture or killing of game.
(2) A person’s presence in the wild with a product of hunting, a hunting firearm, a hunting dog, a hunting bow with broadhead arrows or traps is considered equivalent to hunting.
(3) The following are not considered hunting:
1) tracking, pursuit, capture or killing of game that has entered a densely populated area;
2) killing of game in a place where it is kept in an artificial environment, which is registered with the Environmental Board;
3) killing of game injured in a traffic accident or any other accident on the spot of the accident;
4) person's presence on hunting grounds with an unloaded hunting firearm in a rifle bag or holster or a hunting dog on a leash;
5) person's presence on hunting grounds with a hunting bow in a bow bag or case;
6) running routine, testing or training of a hunting dog at the time and in the place permitted for this purpose;
7) tracking, pursuit, capture or killing of game for scientific purposes in accordance with the procedure established by the Nature Conservation Act.
(4) The Environmental Board organises hunting:
1) to prevent danger to human life or health;
2) to kill introduced species not specified in the hunting rules and accidentally released into the wild;
3) to prevent damage caused by game outside the hunting season;
4) to kill injured game outside the hunting season;
5) to contain a disease spread by game;
6) in a hunting district or on hunting grounds not released for use or in a part of a public water body, which falls outside a hunting district;
7) on a protected natural object which is not included in a hunting district.
(5) In the case specified in clauses 6 and 7 of subsection 4 of this section, the principles of organisation of hunting, and the period of validity of a hunting permit and its price by game species are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
(6) The maximum price of a hunting permit specified in subsection 5 of this section is 500 euros and the minimum price 0.5 euros.
(7) It is permitted to hunt large game in hunting districts which hunting ground area within a circular boundary is at least 5000 hectares, except for the case provided in subsection 3 of § 11 of this Act.
§ 24. Hunting equipment and methods
(1) Authorised hunting equipment includes:
1) firearms with a smoothbore barrel and rifled barrel and combination rifle-shotguns, except for fully automatic firearms;
2) semi-automatic firearms registered for hunting purposes, with a magazine capable of holding up to two cartridges;
3) pistols and revolvers;
4) hunting bows;
5) traps;
6) lures;
7) hunting dogs;
8) bounding flag lines.
(2) Authorised hunting methods include:
1) stalking;
2) hunting from hides;
3) calling hunt;
4) driven hunt;
5) search hunt;
6) burrow hunt;
7) pursuit of game.
(3) Authorised hunting means and methods and hunting seasons by game species are established in hunting rules by the minister in charge of the policy sector.
(4) It is prohibited to hunt:
1) in a way that is dangerous to humans;
2) in a manner which damages and destroys the natural habitat of the animal, unless otherwise provided by law or legislation established on the basis of law;
3) using self-shooting devices, explosives, electrical devices, birdlime, snares, net, poison, gas and smoke;
4) pursuing game in motorised water craft, motor vehicles and all-terrain vehicles, shooting at the game from motor vehicles and all-terrain vehicles or using motorised water craft, motor vehicles and all-terrain vehicles in any other manner for shooting game;
5) using artificial light sources;
6) using an aircraft;
7) using crossbows, air rifles, firearms with laser sight or sighting devices for night shooting;
[RT I, 09.03.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2018]
8) game fleeing from a natural disaster;
9) game in a helpless state, unless otherwise provided by law;
10) by falconry;
11) using firearms that are not hunting firearms;
12) using bows that are not hunting bows for the purposes of subsection 1 of § 27 of this Act;
13) In the place and using the tool set out in points 11 and 13 of the second column of entry 63 of Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, pp 1–850.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(5) Flashlights and headlamps may be used to determine shooting results and to search for wounded and dead game.
(6) The prohibition provided in clause 4 of subsection 4 of this section does not extend to hunting waterfowl, beaver and mink from a water craft with an engine not running.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(7) In order to contain a disease spread by game, the Environmental Board has the right to establish the conditions and period of time during which shooting of game from a motor vehicle and all-terrain vehicle with an engine not running, using a motor vehicle and all-terrain vehicle in another manner, using an artificial light source and using a nightstand is permitted.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
§ 25. Use of immovable property for hunting
(1) A contract with the owner of an immovable property as to be entered into in order to hunt on the immovable property. A contract for the use of state land for hunting is entered into with a person designated by the administrator of the state land.
(2) Unless a landowner has prohibited hunting on their land, hunting without a contract is permitted from sunrise until sunset on an immovable property which is neither fenced nor marked, but not closer than at the distance of 200 metres from any building.
(3) A landowner may not prohibit the following on their immovable property:
1) transporting of products of hunting;
2) tracking or killing of game wounded in the course of hunting or injured due to other reason;
3) hunting to contain a disease spread by game in accordance with the rules established by the Director General of the Environmental Board.
§ 26. Use of hunting firearms and ammunition
(1) A hunting firearm is a firearm which was acquired under the Weapons Act for hunting purposes.
(2) A pistol and revolver may be used for killing small game that have been caught.
(3) At a large game hunt, it is prohibited to load a gun with a rifled barrel cartridge loaded with full metal jacket bullets and shoot such cartridges.
(4) Moose, brown bear, red deer, wild boar and grey seal may only be shot with a bullet.
(5) When hunting moose, brown bear, red deer, wild boar and grey seal using a gun with a rifled barrel, the calibre of the rifled barrel must be at least 6.5 millimetres and the weight of a bullet used in cartridge at least 9.0 grams.
(6) A rimfire cartridge may be used for killing small game that have been caught and for hunting of a raccoon dog, marten, polecat, mink, muskrat and birds, except for anserine and coot.
(7) Use of lead shots for hunting waterfowl is prohibited.
§ 27. Use of hunting bow
(1) A hunting bow for the purposes of this Act is a sporting bow specified in clause 8 of subsection 1 of § 18 of the Weapons Act with a draw force from 20 to 45 kilograms, which is used in hunting and which bears the number of the hunting certificate of the user of the hunting bow in weatherproof manner.
(2) Hunting with a hunting bow is permitted with arrows of at least 20 grams, which are equipped with broadheads of at least 6.4 grams and which cutting diameter is at least 24 millimetres, and which bears the number of the hunting certificate of the user of the hunting bow in weatherproof manner.
(3) The use of a hunting bow is permitted for hunting small game.
(4) Specific requirements for the use of a hunting bow are established in hunting rules by the minister in charge of the policy sector.
§ 28. Use of traps
(1) It is permitted to use the following as traps:
1) box trap which does not injure game;
2) crow fyke;
3) muskrat fyke;
4) beaver fyke;
5) restraining net and scoop net for catching beavers alive;
6) steel trap immediately killing the game;
7) hog trap.
[RT I, 01.12.2015, 3 – entry into force 11.12.2015]
(2) A trap and hidden trap must have, in a visible place, a sign with the number of the hunting certificate of the trap owner. The legibility of the sign must be ensured throughout the catching period.
(3) The use of a hog trap is only permitted for shooting wild boar for the purpose of controlling the spread of African swine fever in the cases determined by the Environmental Board.
[RT I, 01.12.2015, 3 – entry into force 11.12.2015]
§ 29. Use of hunting dog
(1) A hunting dog may be used for hunting provided it has a hunting dog's passport or other document certifying the breed of a hunting dog and it has been microchipped or tattooed. A hunting dog's passport or other document certifying the breed of a hunting dog has to be carried when hunting with a hunting dog.
(2) The list of breeds of dogs authorised for hunting is established in hunting rules by the minister in charge of the policy sector.
(3) A hunting dog's passport is issued and the records of the hunting dogs' passports are kept by the Environmental Board or a person who entered into an administrative contract with the Ministry of Climate under subsection 1 of § 10 of this Act.
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]
(4) The rules for applying for and issue of a hunting dog’s passport and the standard format for the passport is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
(5) Outside the period authorised for hunting with a hunting dog, a hunting dog may be:
1) used for searching for wounded, dead game and game injured in a traffic accident or in another manner;
2) run without shooting game in the place designated in a written permit of the user of a hunting district from 1 September to 30 September;
3) tested and trained on the proposal of a landowner or a user of a hunting district at the time and in the place prescribed in a written permit issued by the Environmental Board.
§ 30. Use of decoy
(1) Shapes, aromatic preparations and devices imitating game sounds may be used as decoys for luring game, except for electronic devices.
(2) No live animals may be used as decoys.
§ 31. Collective hunt
(1) A collective hunt is a large game hunt conducted with the participation of several persons and organised on the basis of a hunting permit issued to at least one person participating in the hunt.
(2) To organise a collective hunt, a hunt leader is elected from among the persons participating in the hunt, who prepares a list of participants in the hunt which must accompany them when hunting. A hunt leader must hold a valid hunting certificate.
(3) A list of participants in a hunt must include:
1) number of at least one hunting permit;
2) names and signatures of all the participants in the hunt;
3) time and place of the hunt;
4) name and signature of the hunt leader.
(4) A person entered in the list of participants in a hunt need not have documents necessary for hunting and documents certifying the use of hunting equipment, unless they use hunting equipment which requires such a document or the hunting permit issued to them is not added to the list of participants in the hunt.
(5) A hunt leader is required to:
1) remove from the hunt an intoxicated person or a person with obvious signs of illness;
2) inform participants in the hunt of hunting safety requirements, wild game that may be hunted and special requirements indicated on the permit;
3) supervise personally or appoint a person who supervises, during a collective hunt, shooters or drivers according to the shooting position or starting point of the drive and indicate the direction of the drive;
4) take necessary measures in the event of any accidents;
5) make a notation on a hunting permit in the case of killing and wounding wild game;
6) submit to the user of a hunting district a list of participants in the hunt by the end of the hunting year.
(6) A participant in a collective hunt is required to:
1) comply with lawful orders of a hunt leader;
2) sign the list of participants in the hunt as confirmation of being aware of the hunting safety requirements and hunting requirements.
§ 32. Hunting safety requirements
Hunting safety requirements are established in hunting rules by the minister in charge of the policy sector.
§ 33. Killing game showing signs of rabies and notification thereof
(1) A game showing obvious signs of rabies may be killed without a hunting permit.
(2) The Agriculture and Food Board must be promptly notified of a killed game showing signs of rabies. Where there was no hunting permit for killing a game showing signs of rabies, the Environmental Board must also be promptly notified.
[RT I, 17.11.2021, 1 – entry into force 01.12.2021]
§ 331. Killing wild boar showing signs of African swine fever and notification thereof
(1) A wild boar showing obvious signs of African swine fever may be killed without a hunting permit.
(2) The Agriculture and Food Board must be promptly notified of killing a wild boar showing signs of African swine fever. Where there was no hunting permit for killing a wild boar showing signs of African swine fever, the Environmental Board must also be promptly notified of the killing.
[RT I, 17.11.2021, 1 – entry into force 01.12.2021]
§ 34. Product of hunting
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a product of hunting is a game killed in the course of hunting and the meat, skin or other raw materials of the game that was killed.
(2) A products of hunting belongs to the person who obtained the hunting permit and who killed the game, unless it follows otherwise from good hunting practice and an agreement of the persons who participated in the hunt.
(3) The possessor of a product of hunting must certify the origin of the product of hunting.
(4) The user of a hunting district or the Environmental Board must be promptly notified of any large game that was killed in a traffic accident or that had to be killed as a result of a traffic accident, or of parts of such large game.
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
(5) Large game specified in subsection 4 of this section and any parts of such game belong to the user of a hunting district who disposes of or buries the dead large game of no commercial value on the spot based on an agreement with the landowner.
Chapter 5 Document certifying hunting rights
§ 35. Documents certifying hunting rights
(1) Documents certifying the hunting right are:
1) hunting certificate;
2) hunting permit;
3) list of persons participating in a hunt;
4) shooting test certificate for large game;
5) shooting test certificate for bowhunting.
(2) A document certifying a hunting right must be carried at the time of hunting or be executed electronically, except in the case specified in subsection 4 of § 31 of this Act.
[RT I, 09.03.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
(3) A list of participants in a hunt is required only in the case of a collective hunt.
(4) In the case specified in subsection 4 of § 23 of this Act, the Environmental Board may organise hunting of game not included in the list of game on the basis of a large game hunting permit.
§ 36. Hunting certificate
(1) A hunting certificate is a document on paper or executed electronically which certifies a natural person's ability to hunt.
[RT I, 09.03.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
(2) A hunting certificate may be issued to a person who is at least 16 years of age, who has undergone hunting training and who has successfully passed a hunting theory examination.
(3) Where an applicant for a hunting certificate does not wish to use a hunting firearm in hunting, a corresponding notation is made on the hunting certificate and they need not pass a shooting test.
(4) A hunting certificate is valid for ten years.
(5) A hunting certificate is not issued to a person who has been deprived of hunting rights as punishment and whose data concerning the punishment have not been expunged from the criminal records database or who does not meet the requirements provided in subsection 2 of this section.
(51) No hunting certificate is issued to a person with regard to whom a court order made under clause 1 of subsection 1 and subsection 2 of § 1772 of the Code of Enforcement Procedure has entered into force. The prohibition specified in the first sentence of this subsection terminates upon entry into force of a court order made under subsection 1 of § 1775 of the Code of Enforcement Procedure.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 4 – entry into force 01.03.2016]
(52) No hunting certificate is issued to a person with regard to whom an administrative court has issued a permission, on the basis on the application provided in subsection 5 of § 331 or subsection 5 of § 711 of the Military Service Act, to refuse to issue a hunting certificate. The Environmental Board or a person who has entered into an administrative contract with the Ministry of Climate under subsection 1 of § 10 of this Act terminates the prohibition specified in the first sentence of this subsection, where the circumstances for refusal to issue a hunting certificate to a person have ceased to exist and the Defence Resources Agency or the Defence Forces have notified the Environmental Board or the person who entered into an administrative contract with the Ministry of Climate, and the ruling of an administrative court does not prescribe otherwise.
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]
(6) At the request of a person to whom a valid hunting certificate was issued in a foreign country, a hunting certificate with a period of validity of up to one year is issued within ten days following the submission of an application and payment of the state fee or charge provided in subsection 10 of this section without undergoing hunting training and passing a hunting theory examination.
(7) Where a hunting certificate is extended, the data are amended, a hunting certificate is lost or becomes unusable or where the validity of a hunting certificate is suspended, the hunting certificate is extended or a new hunting certificate is issued or the validity of the hunting certificate is restored within ten days following the submission of an application and payment of the state fee or charge provided in subsection 10 of this section.
(8) A hunting licence is issued on paper or electronically and records on hunting licences are kept and hunting theory examinations and shooting tests are organised by the Environmental Board or a person who has entered into an administrative contract with the Ministry of Climate under subsection 1 of § 10 of this Act (hereinafter jointly issuer of certificate).
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]
(9) The standard format of a hunting certificate, the rules for taking of a hunting theory examination and shooting test and for applying for and issue of a hunting certificate, as well as the requirements for hunting training and trainers, and the rules for training are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
(10) For the purpose of review of an application for issue, extension, exchange and restoration of validity of a hunting certificate, as well as for taking of a hunting theory examination or shooting test, a state fee is paid according to the rates provided in the State Fees Act, or, where carrying out of an administrative task has been delegated by an administrative contract, the charge provided in the administrative contract.
(11) The charge specified in subsection 10 of this section is cost-based, clear and based on the principle of equal treatment and designed in such a way as to cover justified costs of the service concerned. The amount of the charge is provided in an administrative contract entered into under subsection 1 of § 10 of this Act and it must not exceed the rate of the state fee established for the service.
§ 37. Suspension of validity of hunting certificate
(1) The validity of a hunting certificate is suspended for up to three years where:
1) a decision to withdraw the hunting right has entered into force with regard to the person who received the certificate;
2) the person who obtained the certificate was punished for activities specified in §§ 50–63 of this Act.
(2) The validity of a hunting certificate is suspended by a decision of the issuer of the certificate and the decision is promptly delivered to the holder of the certificate by registered letter with advice of delivery. In the case specified in subsection 4 of this section, the decision may be published in the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded, where it is not possible to deliver the decision in any other manner. The decision is deemed to have been publicly delivered when ten days have expired after the day of its publication in the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded or when the person confirms receipt of the notification in the information system of the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded.
[RT I, 06.07.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
(3) The validity of the hunting certificate of a person is suspended for an unspecified term where a court order made for suspension of the hunting right under clause 1 of subsection 1 of § 1772 Code of Enforcement Procedure enters into force with regard to the person who received the certificate.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 4 – entry into force 01.03.2016]
(4) The validity of a hunting certificate of a person is suspended for an indefinite period where an administrative court issues a permission for this on the basis on the request provided in subsection 5 of § 331 or subsection 5 of § 711 of the Military Service Act and the ruling of the administrative court does not prescribe otherwise. When making the decision on suspension of the hunting certificate, the issuer of the certificate is guided by the data collected during the hearing of the person by the Defence Resources Agency, Defence Forces or administrative court, where obtaining of any additional data is not required.
[RT I, 06.07.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
§ 38. Consequences of suspension of validity of hunting certificate, and restoration and renewal of its validity
(1) After suspension of validity of a hunting certificate, the person who obtained the certificate is required to hand over the hunting certificate to the issuer of the certificate on the working day following the service of the decision or court order to suspend the validity of the certificate. The term of suspension of validity commences as of the service of the decision or court order to suspend the validity of the hunting certificate.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 4 – entry into force 01.03.2016]
(11) The issuer of a certificate makes a notice on suspension of an electronic hunting certificate in the relevant electronic information system.
[RT I, 09.03.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
(2) Where a challenge or complaint against a decision to suspend validity of a hunting certificate is filed with a court and the administrative authority adjudicating the challenge or the court declares the suspension of validity of the hunting certificate to be contrary to law, the issuer of the certificate is required to return the hunting certificate immediately after the entry into force of the decision, and in the case of an electronic hunting certificate, delete from the electronic information system the notation on suspension of its validity.
[RT I, 09.03.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
(21) Suspension of validity of hunting right provided in clause 1 of subsection 1 of § 1772 of the Code of Enforcement Procedure terminates upon entry into force of a court order made under subsection 1 of § 1775 of the Code of Enforcement Procedure. Upon termination of suspension of the hunting right due to the reason specified in the first sentence of this subsection, the issuer of the hunting certificate returns the deposited hunting certificate and, in the case of an electronic hunting certificate, deletes the notation on suspension of its validity from the electronic information system.
[RT I, 09.03.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
(22) Suspension of the validity of a hunting certificate provided in subsection 4 of § 37 of this Act is terminated, where the bases for suspension have ceased to exist and the Defence Resources Agency or the Defence Forces have notified the Environmental Board or the person who entered into an administrative contract with the Ministry of Climate under subsection 1 of § 10 of this Act and the order of the administrative court does not prescribe otherwise.
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]
(3) Where validity of a hunting certificate is suspended for longer than 12 months, the person may restore the validity of the hunting certificate only provided they successfully pass a hunting theory examination.
(4) Where a person fails to extend the term of validity of a hunting certificate within 12 months as of the expiry of the term of its validity, the person may renew the hunting certificate provided they successfully pass a hunting theory examination.
§ 39. Revocation of hunting certificate
(1) A hunting certificate is revoked where a person obtained the certificate by fraudulent means or where the hunting certificate was issued to the person on the basis of a document containing falsified or false information.
(2) A decision on revocation of a hunting certificate is made by the issuer of hunting certificate.
(3) The authority which adopted the decision notifies the person concerned of a decision to revoke a hunting certificate by registered letter with advice of delivery within ten days as of the adoption of the decision on revocation of the certificate, and the person is required to hand over the hunting certificate to the authority which adopted the decision.
§ 40. Hunting permit
(1) A hunting permit grants the right to hunt game. A hunting permit is issued to a person who holds a valid hunting certificate.
(2) Hunting permits include large game and small game hunting permits.
(21) A hunting permit for hunting of elk, red deer, wild boar and roe deer is issued after their hunting volume and structure have been agreed upon in the hunting council, except in the cases provided in subsection 4 of § 22 and clauses 1, 3, 4 and 5 of subsection 4 of § 23 of this Act.
[RT I, 17.03.2023, 3 – entry into force 01.04.2023]
(3) A hunting permit is issued and its term of validity is determined by:
1) the user of a hunting district for hunting in the hunting district;
2) the Environmental Board in the cases provided in clauses 6 and 7 of subsection 4 of § 23 of this Act.
(4) On the basis of a valid hunting certificate, the user of a hunting district is required to issue a hunting permit free of charge for hunting small game to a landowner hunting on their immovable property or a person designated by the landowner. On the proposal of the national infectious disease control committee, the Environmental Board has the right to establish, for the purpose of control of African swine fever, a period of time during which and an area where the user of a hunting district is required, on the basis of a valid hunting certificate, to issue a hunting permit free of charge for hunting wild boar to a landowner hunting on their immovable property.
[RT I, 01.12.2015, 3 – entry into force 11.12.2015]
(5) In the case specified in subsection 4 of this section, the wild game which hunting is permitted and the term of validity of the permit for up to one hunting year are determined by the landowner, except for a hunting permit issued to a person designated by the landowner, which term of validity must not be shorter than ten days.
(6) A hunting permit is issued within five working days as of the submission of an application.
(61) A person who obtained a hunting certificate under subsection 6 of § 36 of this Act on the basis of a valid hunting certificate issued in a foreign country is issued a small game hunting permit for hunting waterfowl after the person has undergone hunting training.
[RT I, 29.06.2018, 5 – entry into force 01.08.2018]
(62) Hunting training specified in subsection 61 of this section is organised by the Environmental Board or under subsection 1 of § 10 of this Act by a person who has entered into an administrative contract with the Ministry of Climate.
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]
(7) The issuer of hunting permits keeps records of the issue and return of hunting permits and of the data entered on hunting permits.
(8) The following is entered on a hunting permit:
1) number of the hunting permit;
2) name and official address of the issuer of the permit;
3) given name and surname of the recipient of the permit;
4) date of issue and period of validity of the permit;
5) area on which hunting is permitted;
6) game species the hunting of which is permitted; where the permit is a large game hunting permit, the age and sex of the large game, where necessary;
7) signature of the person who issued the permit.
(9) Up to three users may be entered in a hunting permit.
(10) A large game hunting permit is issued separately for hunting each specimen.
(11) The term of validity of a hunting permit is not extended.
(12) A hunting permit grants the hunting right only to the person entered in the permit, except in the case of a collective hunt provided in § 31 of this Act.
(13) The form of a hunting permit is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
(14) The requirements for training and trainers in the field of hunting upon issue of a small game hunting permit for hunting waterfowl to a person who has obtained a hunting certificate on the basis of a valid hunting certificate issued in a foreign country and the volume of training and its rules are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 29.06.2018, 5 – entry into force 01.08.2018]
§ 41. Completion, return and storing of hunting permit
(1) Upon capture of game, a relevant notation on a hunting permit is made by:
1) the owner of a hunting permit in the case of an individual hunt with regard to large game immediately after a large game is wounded or killed and at the end of the hunting day in the event of hunting small game;
2) a hunt leader in the case of a collective hunt immediately after a large game is wounded or killed.
(2) Where a large game is wounded, the date and time of the injury is immediately recorded on the hunting permit. Where a wounded large game is not captured within 24 hours, the validity of the hunting permit is terminated with a notation stating that the wounded animal was not found.
(3) Where an injured large game is found, the hunting district where the large game is found is recorded on the large game hunting permit together with the time of capturing the large game.
(4) A large game must not be removed from the place of its capture until a notation concerning the capture is made on the hunting permit.
(5) A hunting permit is returned to the issuer of the permit by direct delivery or by registered letter with advice of delivery within ten days as of the expiry of the term specified in the hunting permit. The issuer of permit preserves the returned hunting permits and lists of participants in hunts that have been sent to it for three years as of their receipt.
§ 42. Shooting test certificate for large game and shooting test certificate for bowhunting
(1) A shooting test certificate for large game is a paper document or electronic document which is issued to a person who holds a hunting certificate and which certifies the person's right to participate in a large game hunt as a hunter and to use a cartridge loaded with a hunting weapon bullet to shoot game.
[RT I, 09.03.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
(2) A shooting test certificate for bowhunting is a paper document or electronic document which is issued to a person who holds a hunting certificate and which certifies the person's right to participate in a small game hunt as a hunter and to use a hunting bow to shoot small game.
[RT I, 09.03.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
(3) The rules for application for, issue and maintenance of records of shooting test certificates for large game and shooting test certificates for bowhunting, the requirements for the taking of tests and the format of a shooting test certificate for large game and the format of a shooting test certificate for bowhunting is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
(4) Where a person was issued in a foreign country a certificate confirming the taking of a shooting test for large game or shooting test for bowhunting and not more than two years have passed as of taking of the last shooting test, the person is not required to take a shooting test for large game or bowhunting.
(5) A shooting test certificate for large game and a shooting test certificate for bowhunting is issued for two years.
(6) Upon expiry of a shooting test certificate for large game and a shooting test certificate for bowhunting, the term of validity of the certificate is renewed after taking of a shooting test for large game or a shooting test for bowhunting.
(7) Where a shooting test certificate for large game and a shooting test certificate for bowhunting is lost or becomes unusable, a new shooting test certificate is issued within ten days after submission of an application without the person having to pass a shooting test.
(8) Shooting tests for large game and shooting tests for bowhunting are organised, and shooting test certificates for large game and shooting test certificates for bowhunting are issued on paper or electronically by the Environmental Board or a person who entered into an administrative contract with the Ministry of Climate under subsection 1 of § 10 of this Act.
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]
(9) For the issue, extension of the term of a shooting test certificate for large game and a shooting test certificate for bowhunting and for conducting a shooting test, a state fee is paid according to the rates provided in the State Fees Act, or, where the carrying out of the administrative task was delegated by an administrative contract, the charge provided in the administrative contract.
(10) The charge specified in subsection 9 of this section is cost-based, clear and based on the principle of equal treatment and designed in such a way as to cover justified costs of the service concerned. The amount of the charge is provided in an administrative contract entered into under subsection 1 of § 10 of this Act and it must not exceed the rate of the state fee established for the service.
Chapter 6 Compensation for Damage Caused by Game
§ 43. Compensation for damage caused by game from funds of user of hunting district
The user of a hunting district compensates for any damage caused to the landowner by game under a contract specified in subsection 1 of § 25 of this Act at the request of the landowner.
§ 44. Partial compensation for damage caused by game from funds of user of hunting district in case of absence of contract
(1) In the case of absence of a contract specified in subsection 1 of § 25 of this Act, the owner of the immovable property or, based on their consent, another person has the right to demand from a user of the hunting district partial compensation for damage caused by cloven-hoofed game to crops and coniferous trees growing on the forest land within one vegetation period in the amount up to 100 euros per hectare per year in the place indicated in a game damage prevention notice.
(2) Crops specified in subsection 1 of this section are the crops specified in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1200/2009 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1166/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on farm structure surveys and the survey on agricultural production methods, as regards livestock unit coefficients and definitions of the characteristics (OJ L 329, 15.12.2009, pp. 1–28).
(3) The landowner or, based on their consent, another person submits to a user of the hunting district a game damage prevention notice, which specifies the location of the crops, reforestation of coniferous trees or coniferous forest stand which requires protection, and the protection measures implemented or planned for the protection of the property.
(4) The principles and methodology of assessment of the damage caused by cloven-hoofed game to crops and coniferous trees growing on forest land, the requirements for assessment reports, specified amount of compensation for damage and compensation rules, and the list of coniferous trees subject to compensation is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
(5) A user of the hunting district is not required to compensate for damage caused by cloven-hoofed games where:
1) the landowner or, based on their consent, another person has prohibited in writing hunting on their immovable property;
2) the damaged area of the crop is less than 100 square metres;
3) the crop damage on arable land with the size exceeding five hectares was caused within the first ten meters from the external border;
4) the replanted forest land has at least 1500 undamaged coniferous trees per hectare;
5) the forest stand has in the dominant canopy and sub-canopy the total of 1200 undamaged coniferous trees per hectare;
6) the landowner or, based on their consent, another person has failed to submit by 1 May of the current year to a user of the hunting district a game damage prevention notice;
7) the landowner or, based on their consent, another person has failed to implement measures indicated in a notice specified in subsection 3 of this section;
8) the landowner or, based on their consent, another person has hindered hunting in the place indicated in a game damage prevention notice.
§ 45. Reserve capital and compensation for amounts paid from capital
(1) A user of a hunting district or an organisation uniting its users forms a reserve capital to cover claims arising from damage caused by game to a landowner, which funds include fees collected from members, grants and other revenue.
(2) The foundation Environmental Investment Centre supports partial covering of claims paid from the reserve capital formed on the basis of subsection 1 of this section in the minimum amount of 10 per cent and the maximum amount of 30 per cent of the annual payments made by the reserve capital, and which does not exceed the annual amount of the fee for the hunting right for the year preceding the year applied for collected in the state budget.
(3) The foundation Environmental Investment Centre primarily supports partial covering of claims described in § 44 of this Act.
(4) Where an amount applied for exceeds the annual volume of the fee for hunting rights for the previous year collected in the state budget, the grant paid by the foundation Environmental Investment Centre is reduced proportionately for all applicants.
§ 46. State compensation for damage caused by game
(1) Damage caused by game is partially compensated by the Environmental Board based on the criteria provided in § 44 of this Act and the methodology established under subsection 4 of the same section where:
1) the damage occurs on the territory of a protected natural object where restrictions are set by law or protection rules on hunting the game that caused the damage;
2) the damage occurs in an area where the Environmental Board has suspended hunting of the game that caused the damage under subsection 4 of § 22 of this Act;
3) the damage occurs in an area, which is within one kilometre from the boundary of the area where hunting is prohibited under the Nature Conservation Act or protection rules;
4) the damage occurs on hunting grounds not joined to a hunting district or in an area, which is within one kilometre from the boundary of the hunting grounds not joined to a hunting district.
(2) Additional feeding of game is prohibited in areas listed in clauses 3 and 4 of subsection 1 of this section.
(3) Rules for compensation for damage incurred in the case specified in subsection 1 of this section are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
(4) Damage caused by brown bears, wolves, lynxes, geese and barnacle geese are compensated for in accordance with the rules established under the Nature Conservation Act.
Chapter 7 State Supervision and Damage Caused to Environment
§ 47. State supervision
State supervision over adherence to this Act and fulfilment of requirements of legislation established on the basis of this Act is exercised by the Environmental Board.
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
§ 471. Specific state supervision measures
For the purpose of exercising state supervision provided in this Act, the Environmental Board may apply the specific state supervision measures provided in §§ 30, 31, 32, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 53 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the rules provided by the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
§ 472. Specifications for state supervision
(1) The Environmental Board may inspect the gear which is used for hunting purposes without the presence of a person specified in subsection 2 of § 49 of the Law of Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
(2) The Environmental Board may enter a marked immovable property without the presence of the possessor or another entitled person where:
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
1) it is necessary for identifying or combating a serious threat and the involvement of these persons would result in a delay that would jeopardise the attainment of the purpose of the application of the measure, or
2) the purpose of entering a possession is to ensure access to another immovable property or a water body.
(3) The Environmental Board need not notify the possessor afterwards of the entry into a possession on the grounds provided in clause 2 of subsection 2 of this section where no supervisory operations or procedural acts concerning any offence were performed.
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
(4) In accordance with the rules provided in § 52 of the Law Enforcement Act, the Environmental Board has the right to remove from their original location and deposit as movable any hunting equipment which has to be marked in the manner arising from legislation to enable identification of its owner but which does not have the marking or which marking does not allow to identify the ownership. Products of hunting in the same original location with the hunting equipment are deposited together with the hunting equipment.
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
(5) For the purposes of supervision, an official of the Environmental Board may stay in and drive vehicles, including off-road vehicles and floating vessels, in land or water areas where staying and movement is prohibited or restricted by legislation for the purpose of environment protection.
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
§ 473. Use of direct coercion
(1) The Environmental Board is authorised to use physical force, special equipment and service weapons on the grounds and in accordance with the rules provided in the Law Enforcement Act.
(2) The special equipment of the Environmental Board is handcuffs.
(3) The service weapons of the Environmental Board are firearms.
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
§ 474. Non-compliance levy rate
Upon failure to comply with a precept, the upper limit of non-compliance levy imposed in accordance with the rules provided in the Substitutional Performance and Non-Compliance Levies Act is 32 000 euros.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]
§ 48. Damage caused to environment
The bases for calculation of damage caused to the environment by unlawful killing of game or destruction of or causing damage to natural habitats of game and the rates of damage by game species are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic taking into consideration that:
1) the upper limit of damage caused to environment by unlawful killing of game amounts to 2000 euros and the lower limit to 3 euros;
2) the upper limit of damage caused to environment by destruction of or causing damage to natural habitats of game amounts to 96 euros.
Chapter 8 Liability
§ 49. Hunting without hunting certificate
Hunting without a hunting certificate
is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units or by detention.
§ 50. Hunting without hunting permit
Hunting without a hunting permit
is punishable by a fine of up to 200 fine units or by detention.
§ 51. Hunting without shooting test certificate for large game
Hunting without a shooting test certificate for large game
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units or by detention.
§ 52. Hunting without shooting test certificate for bowhunting
Hunting without a shooting test certificate for bowhunting
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units or by detention.
§ 53. Hunting without payment for hunting rights
Hunting without paying for the hunting rights
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units.
§ 54. Hunting with hunting dog which has no hunting dog's passport and other document certifying breed of hunting dog
Hunting with a hunting dog which has no hunting dog's passport or other document certifying the breed of the hunting dog
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units.
§ 55. Testing and training of hunting dog at prohibited time and without permit
Testing or training of a hunting dog at a prohibited time or without a relevant permit
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units.
§ 56. Violation of requirement to carry document necessary for hunting while hunting
Violation of the requirement to carry a hunting certificate, hunting permit, shooting test certificate for large game, shooting test certificate for bowhunting, list of participants in the hunt, hunting dog's passport or other document certifying the breed of a hunting dog while hunting
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units.
§ 57. Hunting using prohibited means or methods, at prohibited time and in prohibited place
Hunting using prohibited means or methods, at a prohibited time or in a prohibited place
is punishable by a fine of up to 200 fine units or by detention.
§ 58. Violation of hunting requirements
Violation of hunting requirements when using hunting equipment or violation of hunting safety requirements
is punishable by a fine of up to 200 fine units.
§ 59. Failure to make notation on hunting permit concerning capture and wounding of game and making knowingly false notation
Failure to make a timely notation on a hunting permit concerning capture or wounding of game or making a knowingly false notation
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units.
§ 60. Violation of requirements for issue and return of hunting permits and of data entered on hunting permits
(1) Violation of requirements for issue and return of a hunting permit or of data entered on a hunting permit
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units.
(2) The same act, where committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of up to 3200 euros.
§ 61. Violation of hunting quota and structure established by Environmental Board
(1) Violation of a hunting quota or structure established by the Environmental Board
is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units.
(2) The same act, where committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of up to 3200 euros.
§ 62. Failure to perform obligations associated with permit in proof of right to use hunting district
(1) Failure to perform obligations associated with a permit in proof of right to use hunting district
is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units.
(2) The same act, where committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of up to 3200 euros.
[RT I, 23.12.2014, 14 – entry into force 01.01.2015]
§ 63. Failure to comply with requirements to issue small game hunting permit to landowner
(1) Failure to perform requirements to issue a small game hunting permit to the landowner
is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units.
(2) The same act, where committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of up to 3200 euros.
[RT I, 23.12.2014, 14 – entry into force 01.01.2015]
§ 64. Confiscation
The Environmental Board and a court may, pursuant to the provisions of § 83 of the Penal Code, confiscate the means of commission of a misdemeanour, a thing and product of hunting which was the direct object of commission of a misdemeanour provided in §§ 49–54 and 57–59 of this Act.
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
§ 65. Proceedings
(1) [Repealed – RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]
(2) Extrajudicial proceedings of misdemeanours provided in §§ 49–63 of this Act are conducted by the Environmental Board.
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
Chapter 9 Implementing provisions
§ 66. Repeal of Hunting Act
The Hunting Act is repealed.
§ 67. Transitional provisions
(1) Legislation established for formation of a hunting district before the entry into force of this Act is effective until changing of the boundaries of a hunting district under § 12 of this Act.
(2) A permit in proof of right to use hunting district which is valid upon the entry into force of this Act is in force for ten years following the entry into force of this Act to the extent this is not contrary to the provisions of this Act.
(3) A tenant hunting district formed under the Law on Hunting Management, on the basis of which no hunting district has been formed, is considered a hunting district for the purposes of this Act, and legislation established for its formation is effective until changing of the boundaries of a hunting district under § 12 of this Act.
§ 68. – § 71. [Omitted from this text.]
§ 72. Entry into force of Act
This Act enters into force on 1 June 2013.
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