The moose population in the country is now so weak that it risks ending up on the Species Data Bank’s red list.
Now we are starting to reach the limit, we should not push the tribe down any more, says Sven Norgren, Mitt Norrland Hunters Association.
Reducing the Swedish moose population has been a goal to reduce damage to forests.
Even though the moose population is now so weak, the forestry company SCA wants more moose to be shot. In a party submission, the forest industries have come up with proposed measures to further reduce the moose population.
A recent report from the forest industries shows that it is a question of a reduced value corresponding to an amount of several billions for the forest industry.
In northern Sweden, it is mainly pine plants that are the target of grazing moose.
We do not assume that we will have zero moose. We want a reasonable moose population with good game management, says Jonas Mårtensson, business area manager SCA Skog.
“Too much power”
According to Sven Norgren at the Mitt Norrland Hunters Association, too much power over moose management rests with the forest companies.
Yes, too much power. But at the same time, it’s property rights, so we have to respect that. Then how we have to change moose management in the future, that’s a bigger thing. Not only with forestry companies, but that must change.
He also sees that many hunters have stopped hunting altogether.
It’s not that interesting to sit in the forest if you don’t get to see any moose, says Sven Norgren.
New report from SLU
On 21 August, a new report will be submitted by SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
In the report, we will describe the size of the moose population and how it develops. It will be important for future moose management, says wildlife researcher Fredrik Widemo at SLU.
