The number of the most important game animals of artiodactyla species (moose, red deer, roe deer, wild boar) has been increasing in Latvia during the last 10 years. At the same time, the number of hunting districts where the census of these game animals is taken is also increasing, whereas the average area of the districts is diminishing. The studies show that at present the area of many hunting districts is notably smaller than the individual territory inhabited by these species. This particular study aims at establishing whether there is a relationship between the area of a hunting district on which a census is taken and the number of animals counted, as well as whether the number of animals is really increasing or the increase in the number is attributed to an increase in the census unit number. It was established that in respect of the four species there is a significant correlation between the area of the hunting district and the density of animals in the district. The number of moose and red deer may be assessed more objectively in the districts with an area exceeding 5,000 hectares. The census of roe deer and wild boars is notably influenced by the area of the territory where the census is taken, but the analysis does not explicitly show whether the number of roe deer and wild boars is under-assessed in large districts or over-assessed in the small ones.

At different points in the history there have been attempts to evaluate the volume and value of separate game-related goods and services in Latvia; however, so far there have been no comprehensive studies covering the role of the game management and its impact on Latvia’s economy. Such data would be necessary not only to evaluate the impact of the game management on Latvia’s economy, but also to set appropriate priorities in cases where game animals cause damage to other sectors of economy. In order to evaluate the role of the game management in the national economy, lists of the game-related goods and services have been drafted, sources of information have been identified to determine the volume and monetary value of the goods and services in the 2009/2010 hunting season, as well as a methodology has been developed to acquire the missing information. It has been determined that the total monetary value of the game-related products was 3.66 million LVL, while the game-related services accounted for 18.86 million LVL. The total contribution of the game management to Latvia’s economy in the 2009/2010 hunting season has been estimated at 22.52 million LVL. Among the game-related products the most significant product is the game meat total amount (sales and own consumption) of which has been estimated at 2.8 thousand tons, while total value accounted for 3.6 million LVL. Among the game-related services the most significant contributors are the following: sales of hunting equipment (6.7 million LVL) and game-related transportation costs (4.7 million LVL).