On Wednesday, 20 August 2025, the waterfowl hunting season begins. In public bodies of water, one hunter is allowed to hunt no more than 10 waterfowl per day.
In accordance with amendments to the Hunting Regulations, the waterfowl hunting season starts on 20 August and continues until 15 December. As before, from 20 August to 14 September, waterfowl hunting is permitted on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while from 15 September to 15 December it is permitted every day. The same hunting period applies to forest geese. Meanwhile, three duck species – long-tailed ducks, shovelers, and gadwalls – may be hunted from 15 September to 30 November.
In public bodies of water and their shoreline protection zones, huntable waterfowl may be hunted without coordination with the holder of hunting rights. However, hunting in public lakes and rivers located within city territories is permitted only in accordance with the hunting procedures established by the respective municipality. The State Forest Service urges hunters to be considerate and respectful of people who live or отдых near water bodies.
Hunters should also take into account that in specially protected nature areas different waterfowl hunting seasons, prohibitions, and restrictions may apply. Before going to a hunting area, it is recommended to clarify the legal status of the specific hunting grounds and the restrictions related to waterfowl hunting. Throughout the territory of Latvia, the use of lead shot ammunition in hunting is effectively prohibited.
Harvested waterfowl must be registered in the mobile application “Mednis” by adding a photograph. The image must clearly show the bird’s head, beak, and an outstretched wing. The photograph should be taken in the best possible lighting conditions, ensuring that the waterfowl is clearly visible and identifiable. Multiple birds of the same species may be photographed in one image. Regulations allow the registration of harvested waterfowl on the shore of the water body. The State Forest Service urges hunters to ensure that the registered information is submitted to the State Forest Register within one day after the hunt.
The State Forest Service reminds hunters that when participating in waterfowl hunting, they must be familiar with and comply with hunting safety regulations. Every year, violations of hunting safety requirements are detected. The most common include transporting a loaded hunting firearm; during hunting from a boat “on the rise,” firearms being used by two or more hunters in the boat; and shooting at birds that are on the water.
The State Forest Service is a direct administration authority under the supervision of the Minister of Agriculture, which oversees compliance with regulatory enactments governing forest management, hunting, and nature protection, and also implements forest fire protection. The Service maintains the State Forest Register, which compiles information on forests, economic activities carried out therein, hunting, and game animals. The mission of the State Forest Service is to ensure the responsible use and preservation of forests for future generations.
Source: vmd.gov.lv