Lynx Hunting in Estonia
The Lynx, except for females with cubs, can be hunted in Estonia from December 1st to the end of February. Hunting is normally done in driven hunts using dogs.
At this time we are not offering lynx hunting as no licenses have been issued in recent years.
The Lynx in Estonia
Currently, the lynx population in Estonia exceeds 1,500 specimens; however, the population fluctuates significantly as it is very dependent on the roe deer population and other small animals.
Lynx Hunting with Dogs
Lynx hunting with dogs takes place in the winter months and is probably the most complicated hunt of all since the lynx is an animal with great instincts and intelligence, as well as possessing excellent hearing, sense of smell, and vision.
It is recommended to combine lynx hunting with wild boar hunting and wolf hunting in Estonia in case the appropriate weather conditions for lynx hunting are not present.
Characteristics of Lynx Hunting with Dogs
This hunt is very difficult and the hunter is required a minimum of 5 hunting days to have greater opportunities to locate a lynx in an appropriate area for hunting. Fresh snow is necessary, which is not always possible.
How the Hunt Works
Before dawn, our guides will traverse the hunting areas looking for fresh lynx tracks. Once found, the guides will proceed to verify that the lynx is in an area with relatively easy access.
When the guide informs us that the necessary conditions for lynx hunting are met, we will move to the hunting area to begin.
Once everything is ready for the start of the hunt, we proceed to release the dog on the track and one of our guides will enter the area following the tracks of the dog and the lynx. The dog will be equipped with a GPS and radio frequency transmitter to allow us to know its position at all times.
When the dog finds the lynx, it usually climbs a tree, remaining out of the dog's reach. At that moment, we proceed to enter the forest and approach the lynx cautiously until having a clear shot. The hunter must have acceptable physical condition since sometimes it is necessary to walk several kilometers in the snow.
Information about the Eurasian Lynx (Felis lynx)
Medium-sized feline, it is by far the largest of the lynxes. It owes its name to the lands it inhabits. It is a solitary animal with nocturnal life in summer and diurnal in winter.
Physical Description
The average weight of males is around 20 kg, although specimens up to 38 kg are known. Female weight is about 18 kg. It has a height between 60 and 70 cm and a length between 80 and 135 cm. Its tail can measure between 11 and 25 cm and the tip of the tail is black in color. Fur color is variable. The legs are long and very strong and the feet are large. They differ from other lynxes, in addition to their size, by the black spots that cover the body, especially the legs.
Distribution and Habitat
They are found mainly in Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia, although recently attempts have been made to reintroduce Eurasian lynx in some Western European countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. They can also be found in Russia, Iran, Iraq, Mongolia, and the mountainous areas of Central Asia. They usually inhabit very dense forested areas, although they are capable of surviving in other sparser forests and even in rocky areas with wide views.
Diet
Although their prey are usually small: squirrels, birds, rabbits, foxes, and rodents, they are capable of hunting wild boar, red deer, roe deer, chamois, and reindeer, among other species.
Reproduction
The mating period of the Eurasian lynx occurs at the end of winter, between February and March. Gestation lasts between 50 and 67 days. They usually have 1 to 5 cubs. These cubs, at birth, are blind and very small, spending the first weeks of life without leaving the den and will not separate from the mother until 9 or 10 months of age.
