011. Primacy of the population
No individual interest — trophy, meat, convenience or tradition — outweighs the health of the population and the habitat that supports it. Where doubt exists, the animal is left alone.
Adopted 1993 · Last revised 12 January 2026
Environmental & Wildlife Conservation Policy
This policy binds every member, candidate and guest of Mednieku Klubs Mežvidus. It is stricter than the law requires, and it is enforced.
022. Evidence-based quotas
Culling is permitted only within the annual management plan approved by the State Forest Service and derived from our own census data. Quotas are set by age and sex class. A member who exceeds a class quota is suspended for the remainder of the season.
033. Protected and vulnerable species
Lynx, wolf, otter, all birds of prey, black stork, flying squirrel and every species protected under Latvian and European law are absolutely inviolable on our territory. Sightings are recorded and reported to researchers; nest and den sites are buffered and their locations withheld from publication.
044. Clean shot or no shot
Members must recertify their marksmanship annually. Shots beyond certified effective range, at unidentified movement, in poor light or at animals in water or deep snow are forbidden. Any wounded animal must be tracked to conclusion, if necessary with a certified tracking dog, before any other activity resumes.
055. No lead where it matters
Lead ammunition is prohibited in wetlands and near watercourses on our territory. The association has committed to a full transition to non-toxic ammunition and supports members through the change.
066. Winter responsibility
Feeding is a duty of the whole year's membership, not a bait for the hunting season. Hunting within 200 metres of an active feeding station is prohibited at all times.
077. Habitat first
Damage by ungulates to young forest is addressed first by fencing, repellents and improved browse, and only then by adjusted culling. We maintain glades, meadows and mast trees, keep watercourses unobstructed, and plant broadleaves annually.
088. Waste and traces
Nothing is left in the forest: no cartridge cases, no packaging, no vehicle ruts on soft ground, no fire outside designated places. Carcass remains are handled in accordance with veterinary rules and never left where scavenging birds or dogs may reach contaminated material.
099. Disease surveillance
Members participate in African swine fever and other disease sampling as directed by the Food and Veterinary Service. Biosecurity procedures for equipment, vehicles and clothing are mandatory and audited.
1010. Dogs and welfare
Working dogs must be trained, healthy, insured and under control. Cruelty to any animal, wild or domestic, results in immediate and permanent expulsion and a report to the authorities.
1111. Transparency and enforcement
Every cull, sighting of a protected species, injury and incident is logged. Records are open to members and to the authorities. The board investigates every reported breach; sanctions run from a written warning through suspension to expulsion, with referral for prosecution where the law has been broken.
1212. Review
This policy is reviewed by the general meeting at least every three years, and immediately after any incident that reveals a gap in it.