There are fewer and fewer hunters, but the challenges do not disappear

by time news

The ban ⁣on lead shot ammunition, the destruction of ⁤red​ deer adn their limitation, the decreasing number of hunters ​were just some of the topics that‍ were discussed at the free‌ seminar dedicated to hunters in Tulsa on December 6.⁢ The event⁢ was ⁣well ⁤attended, leaving not many empty seats in⁢ the hall.

The seminar discussed​ the particularly sad ‍situation in Latvia with moose and roe deer, the number of which has decreased substantially‌ in recent years.​ According ⁤to Haralds‍ barviks, Chairman of the Board of the‍ Latvian hunters’ Association, the ⁤moose hunting limits may have to be ‍significantly reduced, if​ not ⁣in all of Latvia, then in certain ​regions, “and there are even places where hunting should be stopped altogether ​for two, ⁣three, five years… ​it has ⁤to be seen. » Also, in the dynamics⁤ of the number of deer, the estimated‍ amount is very different from the hunted amount, ‌it is related⁢ to the presence ‍of predators. Hunters⁤ were asked to pay more attention to foxes, ⁢which‌ often eat deer babies, often even adult ones. ⁣Invasive⁤ species⁤ such as​ golden jackal, mink, raccoon dog, sika deer, fallow deer and raccoon were recalled, most of ⁤which are recommended to be ⁤hunted year-round.

Wild boar‍ population control

This year marked ten years as the first case of African swine fever was‍ detected in Latvia, so ⁣the issue of‍ wild boar control was also discussed.The vision of the Food and Veterinary Service to reduce the plague is chase away their number up⁢ to ​1.5 wild​ boars per​ 1000 hectares and to ‌maintain ⁣this number.”The disease itself is this number nodzenbut the task‌ of⁢ hunters is to maintain this ‍number,” says H.⁤ Barviks.

The rules for feeding forest animals will ⁣soon be changed, which will be more hunter-friendly in the future, and the​ price for trichinella (meat parasite) analysis of ‍wild​ boars will​ be reduced. Rather of the previous 19.04 euros, the examination‌ price of one wild boar sample will be 7.33 euros. Wild ⁢boars⁤ are recommended ‌to be hunted intensively, “hunted roe deer, ribs in ⁤the refrigerator are better than rotting in the forest,” explains H. ⁢Barviks.

The destruction of ​red deer – ​a basis ‌for unlimited hunting?

When asked if the hunters present⁤ support unlimited deer hunting, there were few ⁤hands raised in the hall, the⁢ hunters would like to continue​ the ‌order they are used ⁤to. There has been‌ a lot ⁤of hype about the damage⁢ done by deer. as one of⁢ the ⁣possible reasons for the damage, pressure by predatory animals, or⁤ attacks by predatory animals, under the influence of which⁢ animals ⁤concentrate ​in large herds,⁣ where they feel much safer, ‍was mentioned. “It has also been‌ scientifically proven and researched:​ animals cause much greater ‌damage when the pressure ‌of predators is greater. The animal needs ⁣to eat faster, more ​calorically rich food, this forces it‌ to go to winter crops ​and rape crops and also to young crops,” said H. Barvik.

At the ⁢seminar, it was repeatedly emphasized that ‌each‍ forest animal population, concentration and damage caused should be evaluated⁢ in each region separately, without applying ‌the‍ situation to the whole of Latvia. “You shouldn’t measure the average temperature, currently Latvia is not densely populated by​ deer, you have ​to look at each specific place.” Damages must be evaluated objectively: ⁣where they are, how to prevent them and decide what to ​start.

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There are fewer and fewer hunters, but the challenges do not disappear

Interests of ​hunters in Brussels

On September ⁤25 of this year, thanks to the lobby of FACE (Federation of European ⁤Hunting and Nature conservation Associations) and member‍ states, it was achieved that⁤ the status of⁢ the‍ wolf was changed from a specially protected to a protected species.⁣ This means that there ​will be restrictions, ⁢but ⁤the wolf can still‌ be hunted.

Linda Dombrovska, member of ⁢the board of the Latvian Hunters’ ‌Association, editor-in-chief of ⁢the magazine “Medības”, informed ⁣the​ gathered ⁢hunters about the decisions made in Brussels.‍ Already a year ago, a law was⁣ passed on the banning of lead⁤ shot ammunition in wetlands throughout the European Union, ​now discussions⁣ continue that all types of lead ammunition ⁢should ⁤be banned. L. Dombrovska warns:​ “Of course, ⁣lead is toxic, ⁣the ban will come, get ready and find the appropriate ammunition!” The upcoming law could ⁢also affect pneumatic weapons, which currently do not⁤ have ⁢alternative ammunition.

The‍ hunter is ‍not afraid

H. Barvik points out that hunters are often perceived as a threat,‌ but limiting the animal population is essential so that young​ crops ‍and farmers’ crops do not suffer, ​there is also‍ safer traffic, ⁤and less spread of diseases.”The hunter provides a free service to society, in his spare time, paying for ‍it with his own money,” explained H. Barvik. “Hunting is⁣ a legal tool ⁤that ensures population stability. We have‌ stable populations. As we do not ‌hunt ⁢predators, the number of predators increases, they​ need to feed. Everything happens cyclically ⁣in nature: there is ⁤a predator ‌- there is food, there⁤ is⁤ no food – there⁤ is no ‍predator, there is no ‍predator ‌-‌ there is food,” ⁣explained L. Dombrovska.

“In this season, there are ‍approximately 18,700 active ​hunters, in ‍the last two years the ⁢number‍ of hunters has decreased by one and‍ a half thousand,” reveals H. Barviks. The decrease in the number was definitely influenced ‌by the fact that after the amendments to the Law ⁤on the circulation⁤ of weapons it was decided to cancel the weapons permits issued to‌ non-citizens of Latvia, but ⁢in ⁢general such a trend has‌ already been observed in the last ten years. There are fewer doers and payers. At ​some point, the capacity of hunters may⁢ become too small to cope – ‍a challenge for the future outlined at the workshop.

Interviewer: ​welcome ⁤to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking wiht Haralds Barviks,⁤ Chairman of the ⁢Board of the Latvian Hunters’ Association,⁤ following the recent seminar dedicated to hunters in Tulsa. Thank ​you for joining us, ​Mr. Barviks!

Haralds Barviks: Thank you for ⁤having​ me! It’s great‍ to be here to discuss thes⁢ important issues ⁢affecting⁤ hunting‍ and wildlife⁤ management.

Interviewer: The seminar‌ was quite well-attended! What‌ were some of ⁣the key issues that resonated most with the attendees?

Haralds Barviks: Yes, it was heartening​ to​ see so many passionate hunters engage in discussions. We covered ‍several pressing issues such as‍ the ban on lead shot ammunition, the decline in deer populations, and the need⁣ for‍ more effective control over invasive species. The situation in Latvia with moose and roe deer is particularly alarming, as their ‌numbers have decreased substantially.

Interviewer: You ​mentioned⁣ the decreasing moose ⁣population. What steps are being considered to address ‍this decline?

Haralds Barviks: We’re considering notable reductions in moose hunting limits, and in some areas, we may need to pause ⁤hunting altogether for two to five years.It’s crucial​ to assess each region individually to ensure ​the sustainability of these populations. We also⁤ have to consider the impact of predators on deer populations, as they frequently enough concentrate in large herds due‌ to predatory pressure, leading​ to greater agricultural ​damage.

interviewer: Speaking of agricultural damage, could you elaborate​ on the concerns regarding ⁤red deer ⁢and the perceived ⁤need for unlimited⁣ hunting?

Haralds Barviks: The atmosphere ⁢at the seminar showed that many hunters ‍are hesitant about unlimited hunting. While there is concern about the agricultural damage caused by deer, it’s vital to understand ⁣that these issues are frequently enough interconnected with predator dynamics. Each forest animal population and the damage they cause needs to be assessed individually, rather than applying a blanket ⁢approach across Latvia.

Interviewer: You’ve ⁤also mentioned the wild boar issue‍ related to African⁣ swine fever. How do hunters fit into this management strategy?

Haralds ‌Barviks: Yes, wild boar ​control is ‍a significant topic as we mark ten years‌ since ⁢the disease was first detected in ‍Latvia. Our​ objective is‌ to adaptively manage their population to about 1.5 wild boars per‍ 1,000 hectares. ⁤Hunters play a vital role in this, and we’re​ encouraging intensive hunting of both wild boars and roe deer. Furthermore, ‍the costs⁤ associated with analyzing meat for‌ trichinella will be lowered, making it more⁢ accessible for hunters.

Interviewer: It sounds like there are positive changes on​ the‌ horizon for hunters! What other enhancements can we expect moving⁢ forward?

Haralds Barviks: Indeed, we are working on friendlier regulations for feeding forest animals, which will benefit hunters significantly. This collaboration aims to promote lasting hunting⁣ practices while also considering the⁣ ecological balance. It’s crucial‌ to ensure that our hunting practices support both wildlife conservation and⁣ the interests of our agricultural communities.

Interviewer: Before we ‍wrap up, what final message would⁢ you like to convey to ⁢hunters‍ in Latvia ​regarding these challenges and⁢ changes?

Haralds Barviks:⁤ I want to emphasize the importance of responsible hunting practices and‍ collaboration among⁤ hunters. By being mindful of the ecological impacts and actively participating in wildlife management,⁣ we can ensure a balanced coexistence⁢ between hunting, ⁣wildlife,⁣ and agriculture. Together, we can‌ adapt to these challenges and create a sustainable​ future for our environment.

Interviewer: ⁢Thank ‌you so much for joining us today, Mr.Barviks. your ‌insights are invaluable for understanding⁤ the complex interplay between hunting and wildlife management in Latvia.

Haralds⁣ Barviks: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these critically important topics with you.

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