During the rut, red deer and elk males actively search for females, compete with other males, move more, and may stray into unfamiliar territories. Due to changed behavior, animals become less alert, so it is especially important to act responsibly in nature during this period.
Environmentalists remind that it is forbidden to use night vision and thermal scopes or their attachments fixed to firearms for hunting red deer and elk. These animals also cannot be hunted by shining a spotlight on them. Night vision and thermal scopes are allowed in hunting only in cases specified in the Hunting Rules.
Key requirements for hunters
It is important to observe the established hunting periods. Female red deer and calves may be hunted from September 1, and males until February 28. There are no hunting limits for red deer. Information about hunting periods for all game animals is published in the Department’s hunting memorandums.
The hunter must have a valid hunting ticket – paper or electronic, a hunting permit, an identity document, and a valid license to possess and use a firearm for hunting.
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It is also necessary to comply with firearm use and safe behavior requirements during hunting. The hunting weapon is removed from the case only upon arrival at the hunting grounds and after filling out hunting documents, and is loaded only when the hunt begins, in the designated place.
Hunting by stalking is allowed only during daylight hours – no earlier than one and a half hours before sunrise and no later than one and a half hours after sunset. When stalking, it is also mandatory to wear bright – orange or yellow – upper clothing or headgear.
More caution needed on roads during rut
The rut of red deer and elk changes the usual behavior of animals – they move more, may cross roads or suddenly run onto the roadway. Therefore, drivers are advised to reduce speed and be especially careful when driving through forested areas and road sections marked with warning signs about wild animals, especially during dark hours and early morning.
