It is proposed to reduce the elk hunting quota to 3,935; the option of abolishing the quota is no longer under consideration

The Ministry of the Environment is proposing a hunting quota of 3,935 elk for the 2026–2027 hunting season – almost 400 fewer animals than the limit in force over the past two seasons.

The Ministry told BNS that the proposed quota was drawn up based on data submitted by municipal commissions regarding the need for elk culling.

“When deciding on the number of elk that may be hunted, the commission must take into account requests from hunting ground users, hunting data from the previous hunting season, and information from the State Forest Service on changes in the negative impact of deer on forest plantations and other stands“ – the ministry stated.

“The impact of last winter on wildlife mortality must also be taken into account,” she added.

According to the draft order prepared by the ministry, the highest elk hunting quotas for the coming season would be set in the municipalities of Švenčionys (214), Varėna (205) and Ignalina (201) districts.

As reported by BNS, last year the Ministry of the Environment had proposed removing all restrictions on elk hunting in future, but this idea was abandoned.

According to the Ministry, this was influenced by comments from hunters and other social partners.

“Last year, whilst considering the possibility of removing restrictions on elk hunting, we received feedback from social partners and hunting organisations stating that elk inhabit and frequent an area that often spans more than one hunting unit, and therefore hunting must be co-ordinated between different hunting groups or clubs“,” the agency noted.

“It has therefore been decided that it is not appropriate to lift the restrictions on elk hunting at this time, and they remain in place to this day. (…) Lifting the elk hunting limits is not currently under consideration,” she emphasised.

During the 2025–2026 hunting season, 2,372 elk were hunted in Lithuania – this accounted for 55 per cent of the set limit.

Elks are the only hoofed game animals for which hunting is subject to quotas in Lithuania.