When planning hunting activities, it is important to monitor that the increase in the number of species popular in hunting (e.g. wild boar) would not be supported too much, by forgetting the negative impact of these species on the ecological balance. The existence of non-native species unpopular in terms of hunting, such as a raccoon dog or an American mink, in our ecosystems is already in itself a big natural disaster; it is difficult to imagine solving or alleviating the problem without hunting activity.
Hunting policy
Shaping of hunting policy and the execution of national functions is the task of the Ministry of the Environment and its administrative field.
The Forestry Department of the Ministry of the Environment develops legislation (Hunting Act) and strategic plans of the field, while The Environmental Board and Estonian Environment Agency perform state functions.
The cooperation partner of the Ministry of the Environment is the largest umbrella organisation of the hunters, Estonian Hunters’ Association, with whom an administration contract has been issued for performing hunting-related tasks.
Hunting Act
In 2013, a new Hunting Act was approved. Hunting Act ensures the protection of game animals and management of their abundance, as well as directs hunters and land owners toward cooperation.
When the new Hunting Act entered into force, the basis for organising game management also changed; the prior evaluation of the quality of habitats was replaced by monitoring the state of game populations.
Hunting boards have been formed at each county, which involve representatives of land owners, hunters and the state. In hunting boards, it is agreed how many animals and of which gender and age animals are hunted, how the borders of hunting areas are changed, and how the user of the area, that is, a uniting association, is changed if necessary.
Fee for hunting right
As of June 1st 2013, the fee for hunting right shall be paid by all hunters, also the citizens of foreign states who wish to hunt in Estonia.
The fee as of 1 January 2025 is 25 euros per year and can be paid by online payment on the website jahiluba.ee or by SMS. Information and instructions for making the payment are available on the jahiluba.ee website.
According to the administration contract issued between the Ministry of the Environment and the Estonian Hunters’ Association, the Estonian Hunters’ Association organises the conduction of hunting theory exam and shooting tests, as well as issues hunting certificates or a shooting test certificate on large game animals. To get the certificate, one should turn to the representatives of the Estonian Hunters’ Association.
Legislation full texts in English
Large Carnivores in Estonia
Estonia is home to three large carnivore species — the brown bear, the wolf and the lynx — all of which are maintained in a generally favourable conservation status. Their estimated population sizes are approximately 1,000 brown bears, 200 wolves and 800 lynx. Annual monitoring and science-based management help ensure the long-term viability of these species while reducing conflicts with people. Although large carnivores play an important ecological role, they may cause damage to apiaries, livestock and crops, and therefore Estonia applies targeted prevention measures and, where necessary, regulated management to support safe coexistence between humans and wildlife.
See also:
Last updated: 27.11.2025
