Bear hunting season commences in Nizhny Novgorod region
In the Nizhny Novgorod region, the regional Ministry of Forestry has emphasized the importance of adhering to both hunting rules and fire safety regulations in the region's forests. This year, the hunting season opens on August 1, 2022, and ends on December 31, 2025.
The limit for bear hunting this year is 399 individuals, including 17 bears living in publicly accessible hunting grounds. However, it is crucial to note that bears under one year old and female bears with cubs of the current year are prohibited from being hunted.
To maintain the sustainability of the bear population, the hunting is conducted within established limits and regional quotas, promoting the rational use of natural resources and preservation of the population. The winners of the lottery will be determined using a random number generator among hunters who have submitted applications on general terms and have also participated in bio-technical events.
When it comes to fire safety, the regional fire safety regulations state that if a forest fire is detected, it should be immediately reported to the direct line of the forestry service at 8 (800) 100-94-00 or the regional forest management dispatch service at 8 (831) 430-01-23. Under these regulations, the highest fine for individuals is 50,000 rubles, for officials - 90,000 rubles, and for legal entities - 1 million rubles.
During the special fire prevention regime in the region's forests, it is prohibited to light campfires, conduct agricultural burns, and burn garbage. When the fire danger class reaches IV-V due to weather conditions, full access to the forests is prohibited.
Violations of fire safety regulations can lead to criminal charges, in addition to fines. Destruction or damage to forest plantations, including due to careless handling of fire, can also result in criminal charges under Article 261 of the Criminal Code.
In 2024, the bear population was 1,448, and in 2023, it was 1,347. The highest number of bears has been recorded in the Varna, Voskresensk, Vetluga municipal districts, and the city of Semenov.
For definitive and detailed procedures specific to the Nizhny Novgorod region in 2025, it is best to consult the official regional hunting or wildlife management authority websites or contact their offices directly. As of now, specific information about the bear hunting permit lottery process for the Nizhny Novgorod region in 2025 is not readily available online.
A special lottery will be held on August 7, 2022, in an online format on the 'Digital Forest' platform, to obtain a permit to hunt in publicly accessible areas. It is important to note that illegal bear hunting may result in criminal liability under Article 258 of the RF Criminal Code, with compensation for damage caused to wildlife objects at 180,000 rubles for a male and 300,000 rubles for a female.
Stay informed and stay safe in the Nizhny Novgorod forests by adhering to the hunting rules and fire safety regulations. For more information, visit the official regional hunting or wildlife management authority websites or contact their offices directly.
Sports and the upcoming hunting season in the Nizhny Novgorod region seem worlds apart. I'm not gonna do this, participate in bear hunting; instead, I'll focus on enjoying sports, such as hiking, bird watching, or even forest photography, which respect the well-being of wildlife and follow the region's fire safety regulations.
