Fishing and hunting in BelarusResource Species of Game Animals of Belarus. One of the important types of biological resources is the resources of game fauna. Traditionally, the Republic holds spring and summer-autumn hunting for game birds, hunting for ungulates, and autumn-winter hunting for fur-bearing animals. According to the Rules for Conducting Hunting Management and Hunting (2005) as amended by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus dated March 21, 2018 №112, the list of groups and species of game animals includes 22 species of mammals and 32 species of birds. An analysis of official statistics on the dynamics of population and hunting of game animals over the past 5 years indicates a stabilization in the population of deer species (moose, red deer, roe deer). An increase in the wild boar population is observed, averaging 1.6 thousand individuals per year or 4%. This is primarily due to weather conditions (mild winters), the availability of sufficient food, and strengthened control over the exploitation of its population (combating poaching, increasing penalties for illegal hunting). However, overall annual growth in the population of ungulates is insignificant. In the past 3 years, a decline in the hare population has been observed. This is likely due to the consistently high number of predators (foxes, wolves, raccoon dogs, birds of prey), as well as weather conditions (cold spring periods, high humidity in summer months). The population of semi-aquatic animals (otter and mink) remains stable. A high growth rate in the beaver population has been recorded. In just the past 5 years, its population has increased by 58%, which is primarily due to reduced hunting pressure and the high adaptability of the species. The population level of predators remains quite high: wolves – 1.2 thousand individuals, foxes – 47.1 thousand, raccoon dogs – 8.5 thousand, which continues to have a strong negative impact on other types of game animals in the country (lagomorphs, young ungulates, and game birds). The capercaillie population has remained at a fairly stable level in recent years. At the same time, the black grouse population shows a downward trend, mainly due to weather conditions during the nesting period. Surveys of waterfowl populations indicate a decline in the number of individuals. According to experts, the main reasons for the decline in waterfowl numbers are increased pressure from introduced predators (American mink and raccoon dog), the intensified disturbance factor (spring hunting), and, as a result, disruption of the breeding process. Overharvesting at wintering grounds also significantly impacts the dynamics of waterfowl populations. IMPORTANT! Citizens of the Republic of Belarus may engage in hunting if they have:
Foreign citizens may engage in hunting if they have:
Amateur fishing is a key element of the recreational and health potential of the population. National parks, fish farms, and forestry enterprises organize sport, amateur, and underwater fishing. The catch limit is up to 5 kg per day. Many bodies of water in Belarus are specially stocked and equipped for recreation. Fishing is paid on most lakes located within national parks. Vouchers are sold around the clock by national park staff or at forestry units. According to the Rules of Amateur Fishing of the Republic of Belarus, any species of fish and aquatic invertebrates may be objects of amateur fishing, except for species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus. These include 10 species of fish: brook trout, European grayling (mainly found in small cold-water rivers of the Neman basin), common barbel, common ide, common nase (mainly inhabit large rivers and occasionally appear in small rivers), Atlantic salmon, brown trout (extremely rare species using some small rivers and streams — tributaries of the Viliya River — as spawning grounds), European smelt, European vendace, and sterlet. Thus, out of the 58 species of fish inhabiting Belarusian waters, 48 are considered objects of amateur fishing. However, in practice, only about half of them are commonly caught. Among amateur anglers, the most frequently caught fish are roach, perch, and pike. These three species account for 66.3% of the total catch by weight. Nearly one-third of the total catch is roach alone (32.8%). Other significant species in amateur fishing catches include bream, white bream, and crucian carp. The total catch of these species makes up about 25% of the overall catch. All types of fish may be caught in fishing grounds, except for eel. If a fish, crayfish, and/or lamprey belonging to a species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus or an eel is caught, it must be released back into the fishing grounds alive. The catch of all types of fish is prohibited from April 1 to May 30, except for amateur fishing using one fishing rod with a single hook or one spinning rod equipped with an artificial lure, with a single, double, or treble hook no larger than size №10 according to International Classification №1, during daylight hours from the shore. In addition to the fishing ban during the specified period, fishing grounds have specific bans on:
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