About the society

The hunting ground managed by Kolga-Jaani Hunting Society covers 14,680 ha, most of which is located on the lands of the former Kolga-Jaani Parish.

There are several marshes and bogs on the hunting ground, the most famous being Soosaare and Parika bogs.

The eastern side borders with the Põltsamaa River, on the other side of which there is the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve.

Due to this, our hunting ground is an excellent habitat for different game animals.

Kolga-Jaani jahikaitse rühma registreemiseks esitati avaldus 6. veebruar 1928. a.

Asutajateks olid Jaan Väljapõhi, Moorits Tõnisson (Nõmme talu), Eduard Kohv (Pusu talu), Peet Aru (Mäe talu), Osvald Kaur (Sillaotsa talu), Rudolf Hubel, Eduard Kabel ja Peeter Reier. Rühm registreeriti 18. veebruar 1928.

Aastatel 1963-1964 teostas maadel jahti Põltsamaa rajoon, mis moodustati 1957.a. Liikmeid oli Põltsamaa rajoonil 87. Klubi ühendas 21 sektsiooni, milles oli kokku 483 liiget. Jahimaade suuruseks oli 1700 km², millest 391km² oli keelualade all. Varadest oli klubil mootorpaat ja laskerada.

Aastal 1962 kütiti 14 200 ulukit klubi liikmete poolt, neist 12 800 lindu. Lisasöödaks varuti ulukitele 32 tonni heina, 5700 lehtpuu- ja põõsavihta, 6 tonni viljapuhastusjäätmeid ning rajati 1.5ha jagu söödapõlde.

Aastatel 1964-1965 teostas jahti maadel Viljandi rajoon, mis moodustati 1961. a VSÜ “Kalev” Pärnu Jahindusklubi baasil. Jahimaade pindala suurus oli ca 2200 km2. Klubil oli veoauto, mootorratas, 7 stendipüssi jm pisivarustust.

Kolga-Jaani JS algusaastatel oli meie liikmete arv umbes 20 mehe juures. Põhiliseks jahitavaks ulukiteks olid toona jänes, rebane ja hunt. Neist viimasega oli siin kandis palju probleeme, sest Niilu talus ja Soosaare mõisas peeti mullikad ja hundid käisid neid pidevalt murdmas. Rebast ja hunti jahiti lipujahi meetodiga. Alates 1971. a algas jahiseltsis suurem põdrajaht. Alates 1976-1977 hakati küttima ka metssigu. Tol ajal pidi jahil kaasas olema alati ka jahijärelvalvet pidav metsavaht.

Allikas: Kolga-Jaani Jahiseltsi pikaaegne liige Vello Läänesaar, kes on jahimees alates 16. aprill 1972.

Hunting is a nice pastime and a healthy way to rest.

Enjoying nature, increasing one’s stamina and caring for game, which all belong to the hunter’s job, are not the only factors in hunting.

To smooth out the contradiction between the hunter’s hobby and troubles facing animals, certain unwritten laws, or ethical norms in hunting, have been implemented over time.

Respect other hunters and nature – the Society is a group of friends bound together by a common interest in hunting and nature, and mutual respect

Treat any hunting dog as an equal hunting companion regardless of who its owner is.

Respect the game – by protecting animals from stray predators and poachers to the best of your ability and following the law

Don’t hunt for profit

Dutifully complete game survey data, and necessary scientific research forms

Leave no unpleasant traces when being in nature

1. General Provisions
   1. The internal rules of Kolga-Jaani Hunting Society MTÜ (hereinafter referred to as the Hunting Society) are established with the aim of regulating and organizing the activities of the Hunting Society more precisely than provided for in the Hunting Society’s articles of association.
   2. The activities of the Hunting Society are based on the Hunting Act, Hunting Regulations, Non-profit Associations Act, the Hunting Society’s articles of association, and these internal rules.
   3. These internal rules are mandatory for all Hunting Society members and hunting guests to follow.
2. Rights of Hunting Society members
   1. A Hunting Society member has the right to:
      1. Participate in the activities of the Hunting Society in accordance with the articles of association;
      2. Participate in the Hunting Society’s general meeting;
      3. Request information from the chairman or other board members about hunts and participate in hunting;
      4. Have access to the Hunting Society’s information channels (WhatsApp communication application, email list);
      5. Participate in Hunting Society-organized events;
      6. Use all Hunting Society-managed hunting grounds for hunting purposes (except hunting reserves);
      7. Use the rooms, information, and resources at the disposal of the Hunting Society (except financial resources) for hunting purposes;
      8. Submit proposals and inquiries to the Hunting Society’s board;
      9. Elect and be elected to the leading bodies of the Hunting Society;
      10. Receive additional information from the board regarding the distribution of big game hunting permits;
      11. Establish feeding sites or mineral licks for game with the prior approval of the board;
      12. Have the right to appeal punishments imposed by the board to the general meeting.
   2. Members on probation or young hunters may be assigned a mentor from among the Hunting Society’s members by the board whose responsibility is to assist and guide them in acquiring hunting-related knowledge and experience.
3. Duties of a Hunting Society member
   1. A Hunting Society member is obliged to:
      1. adhere to the hunting society’s articles of association and internal regulations, applicable hunting regulations, firearms laws and ethic hunting practice;
      2. participate in the activities of the hunting society;
      3. participate in handling game and other necessary actions during and after active hunting, unless otherwise decided by the hunting leader;
      4. participate in annual fieldwork days, where overgrown forest paths are cleared, ditches are dug, bridges, troughs, mineral licks, and high seats are built;
      5. maintain the hunting society’s property and not misuse the association’s resources for personal gain;
      6. maintain the hunting society’s reputation;
      7. participate in regular and extraordinary general meetings;
      8. pay the membership fee adopted by the general meeting.
   2. Members of the hunting society are exempt from the obligation to participate in fieldwork days and membership fees from the age of 70.
   3. If a hunting society member is unable to participate in fieldwork days, they may financially compensate the hunting society or replace it with another beneficial action for the hunting society (training, event, etc.).
4. Procedure for expelling a Hunting Society member
   1. A hunting society member may withdraw from membership on the basis of a personal application approved by the hunting society board. Membership also terminates upon the death of the hunting society member.
   2. The general meeting or board decides to expel a hunting society member. The decision to expel a hunting society member must be communicated to the person in a form that allows written reproduction.
   3. A hunting society member may be expelled from membership by a decision of the board if:
      1. they have not paid the membership fee by the specified deadline;
      2. they have damaged the hunting society’s reputation or caused harm to the hunting society;
      3. they have grossly violated the hunting society’ articles of association or internal regulations.
      4. creates unauthorized obligations to third parties with unauthorized behavior towards the hunting society;
      5. fails to attend a second board meeting, where personal matters relating to them are discussed without a valid reason;
      6. has not fulfilled obligations imposed on them by the articles of society, the board or the general meeting.
   4. The board discusses the expulsion of a hunting society member in the presence of the member. If a member does not appear at a second board meeting without a valid reason to discuss a matter related to them, the decision to expel the member may be made retrospectively.
5. Punishment of a hunting society member
   1. A hunting society member may be punished for the following reasons:
      1. failure to comply with decisions of the general meeting and the board;
      2. violation of the hunting society’s articles of association or internal regulations;
      3. violation of hunting ethics and safety;
      4. disobedience of the hunting leader’s orders;
      5. harm to the name or reputation of the hunting society.
   2. The possible punishments for a hunting society member are as follows:
      1. warning, reprimand or admonition;
      2. restrictions on hunting;
      3. up to a three-year hunting ban in the hunting areas of the hunting society;
      4. expulsion from the hunting society.
   3. Punishments are determined at a board meeting in the presence of the hunting society member. If a member does not appear at a second board meeting without a valid reason to discuss a matter related to them, the punishment may be determined retrospectively.
6. Rewarding a hunting society member
   1. Hunting society members may be rewarded for good hunting results and active social work. The following rewards are available to hunting society members:
      1. permit to hunt a large game animal;
      2. certificate of appreciation;
      3. exemption from membership fees.
   2. The right to determine rewards is as follows:
      1. the board of the hunting society, if the reward is a certificate of appreciation or exemption from membership fees;
      2. the general meeting of the hunting society.
7. Wildlife management
   1. Wildlife management is based on the decisions of the board and the general meeting.
   2. In order to secure game and improve populations on hunting land, additional feeding of game and setting up mineral licks is applied.
   3. The establishment of new feeding areas or mineral licks is carried out in accordance with the board. The board takes into account strategic areas, game populations, and existing feeding areas and mineral licks.
   4. A hunting society member (administrator) who has been coordinated with the board monitors and takes care of game at feeding areas and mineral licks intended for game.
   5. In addition to the board’s approval, the administrator must also coordinate the establishment of feeding areas with the landowner.
   6. The hunting society member (administrator) who establishes the feeding area is responsible for complying with the requirements set by the Environmental Board.
   7. In order to maintain or balance game populations, the board has the right to limit or suspend hunting for a calendar year or hunting season.
8. Hunting
   1. The purpose of organizing hunting is to create good hunting opportunities for all members of the Hunting Society.
   2. Hunting and the use of hunting facilities on the Hunting Society’s hunting grounds are only allowed for Hunting Society members, except in cases of hunting tourism or joint hunts organized for the social interests of the Hunting Society and agreed upon with the chairman of the board.
   3. Hunting permits required for hunting are issued by a person designated by the board. The principles of annual big game hunting for each species are developed and approved by the Hunting Society board.
9. Joint hunt
   1. A joint hunt is a hunt in which two or more hunters participate. The joint hunt is led by a hunting leader appointed by member(s) of the board prior to the joint hunt. The meeting place and time are agreed upon before the joint hunt.
   2. The hunting leader of the joint hunt is authorized and obliged to:
      1. if necessary, determine participants who conduct area-specific hunt reconnaissance before the joint hunt begins;
      2. compile a list of participants in the hunt;
      3. inform participants of the hunting safety requirements, allowed game to be hunted, and any special requirements indicated in the hunting permit;
      4. determine the location of the hunting ground;
      5. before the joint hunt begins, identify participants who have a hunting dog tracking device and who, if necessary, can immediately leave the joint hunt (including the hunting line) during the hunt to retrieve the hunting dog;
      6. if necessary, appoint one or more hunting line and game leaders for the brain hunt;
      7. determine the locations of the hunters and the drivers;
      8. determine the hunting channel used for radio communication during the joint hunt and, if necessary, give participants the instruction to switch to another channel;
      9. remove participants who violate hunting regulations from the hunt;
      10. remove from the hunt participants who are intoxicated or violate hunting ethics. If necessary, make a proposal to the board to impose a punishment;
      11. give permission to hunters to leave the hunting line during the brain hunt or after the brain hunt ends;
      12. take necessary measures in case of accidents;
      13. make markings on the hunting permit in case of killing or wounding of game;
      14. organize the realization or distribution of the game.
   3. Checklist for a participant in a joint hunt:
      1. Arrive at the agreed time and choose clothing suitable for the season and weather;
      2. If possible, use a 4×4 vehicle for transportation and offer rides to other participants;
      3. For safety, wear a clearly visible red or orange jacket or vest when in nature;
      4. If possible, use a radio to facilitate communication during the hunt and only transmit relevant information related to the specific hunt.
      5. Only the hunters and dog handlers are allowed to speak loudly on the radios during the hunt.
      6. Be quiet when in the hunting line to avoid startling game and disturbing other hunters.
      7. Check your firearm, sight, and ammunition before participating in the hunt to ensure that you are properly equipped.
      8. Load your gun only when you have reached your shooting position, and before leaving your shooting position, empty the cartridge and open the action. If possible, keep the gun broken or with the action open.
      9. Before taking a shot, ensure the safety of your hunting companions, other people, and other objects, and make sure that the target is appropriate;
      10. Remember which game animal you shot and how many shots were taken;
      11. After taking a shot, mark the estimated hit location and remember the animal’s behavior and direction of retreat, which is necessary for successful tracking.
      12. Be visible to other hunters when in the hunting line, and if this is not possible, signal your location to other hunters in advance.
      13. It is forbidden for a hunter to leave their position on the hunting line without receiving instructions from the hunt leader.
      14. Follow the instructions of the hunt leader and line supervisor.
      15. 9.3.15. Carry out the initial processing of any large game animal you have hunted (removal of the internal organs) or organize this operation in coordination with the hunt leader.
10. Individual hunting / ambush hunting
    1. Individual and ambush hunting are hunts that follow the same ethical and safety rules as group hunts.
    2. When planning an individual or ambush hunt, one must first familiarize themselves with the current information in the Hunting Society’s group on the communication application Whatsapp, to avoid disturbing other hunters engaged in individual or ambush hunting. When going on an individual or ambush hunt, if possible, one should inform other hunters through the communication application about their planned hunting location and time frame, with the aim of ensuring privacy and safety during the individual or ambush hunt.
    3. If a Hunting Society member does not use the communication application, they may ask other Hunting Society members or the leadership to enter the necessary information into the communication application or share current information with them in the group.
    4. Individual and ambush hunting must not be carried out at the feeding stations/mineral licks of other Hunting Society members without their consent.
    5. It is forbidden to disturb game animals or engage in individual or ambush hunting in areas where a group hunt has been previously planned.
    6. Non-members of the Hunting Society are not allowed to engage in individual or ambush hunting in the Hunting Society’s hunting grounds, except for landowners hunting small game on their own property or participants in guest hunting/tourist hunting.
11. Guest hunting / tourism hunting
    1. Guest hunting is a hunt where non-members of the hunting association hunt on the hunting grounds of the hunting association during a collective hunt. Association members may invite hunting guests to the collective hunt by prior agreement with the chairman of the board. A person who has been expelled from the hunting association by a general meeting decision is not welcome as a hunting guest.
    2. The hunting costs of the guest hunter will be covered by the inviting member. The amount of the cost is decided by the board of the hunting party.
    3. No fee is charged for the guest hunter if the guest comes with a hunting dog or comes as a driver on a collective hunt.
    4. No fee is charged for the guest hunters if a friendship hunt is held with other hunting associations.
    5. Hunting tourists are granted permission to hunt by the board and appropriate fees (participation in the hunt, cost of hunting licenses, etc.) are established in advance.
    6. The board appoints a responsible person who is a member of the hunting association to instruct and guarantee the payment of fees to the hunting association for hunting tourists.
12. Ethics and traditions
    1. Respect your fellow hunters:
       1. Treat them as equals, regardless of their position, financial status, or hunting equipment;
       2. Comply with hunting rules and the internal regulations of the hunting society, and demand the same from your fellow hunters;
       3. Act in a way that makes the hunting experience enjoyable for all hunters;
       4. Adhere to hunting agreements and preserve the shared hunting time;
       5. Follow the orders of the hunting leader without objection during group hunts;
       6. Share the common costs fairly and correctly;
       7. Arrive on time for joint hunts;
       8. Do not disturb other hunters by being loud or engaging in distracting activities in the ambush site or hunting line;
       9. Do not intrude on another hunter’s shooting position (including their shooting sector) or ambush site;
       10. Treat the hunting dog as an equal hunter;
       11. Do not leave a group hunt before it ends or without receiving permission from the hunting leader;
       12. Do not use hunting facilities built by another member without their permission.
    2. Respect the game animal(s):
       1. Protect them as much as possible and comply with the law regarding stray killers and poachers;
       2. Shoot only in situations and from distances that guarantee a lethal shot;
       3. Kill wounded game as quickly as possible without endangering fellow hunters;
       4. Track wounded game until it is captured or until it becomes clear that further pursuit is futile;
       5. Show respect for the hunted game by placing a sprig of fir on its chest; for male game, the sprig is placed with the cut end towards the head, and for female game, the opposite;
       6. Honor the trophy of the hunted game animal(s).
    3. Respect both living and non-living nature:
       1. Do not hunt for profit;
       2. Increase your knowledge about game and nature;
       3. Provide conscientious observations and necessary research on game;
       4. Do not leave unpleasant marks in nature;
       5. Do not damage (especially during wet and muddy periods) roads, targets, ditches, berms, fields, etc. in the hunting area;
       6. Treat all landowners and other people with politeness and respect.
    4. Trophy acquisition follows these principles:
       1. A hunter who delivers the first lethal or stopping shot on a big game animal acquires the trophy if the hunters who made successful shots on the same animal do not agree otherwise;
       2. For small game animal, the hunter who delivered the shot that killed the animal acquires the trophy;
       3. If there is a dispute over who is the trophy owner or shooter, the hunting leader may appoint a three-member impartial commission of experienced hunters to make the final decision.