The Swedish moose population has declined sharply in Sweden in recent years.
Now experts are warning that it may be redlisted.
– You shoot too many adults. It is better to put more pressure on the calves, says Johan Hägglund, hunting care consultant at the Swedish Hunters’ Association.
The moose hunt is now underway in Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Västernorrland, Jämtland and in parts of Värmland, Dalarna and Gävleborg counties. Almost 61,000 moose are allowed to be shot, but since the moose population has greatly decreased due to hunting, the Swedish Hunters’ Association tells TT that it believes the hunters will last again this year.
– I think it will be similar to last year. Above all, you will see more hunters who will think a little before they shoot. You want to know what it is you are shooting, is it a big or small bull for example, says Johan Hägglund, hunting care consultant at the Swedish Hunters’ Association.
– I think it will land at about the same as last year, maybe a little higher depending on how much snow comes.
“Shooting too many adults”
The number of animals shot will end up at around 50,000 – which is a quarter of the Swedish moose population
Experts are now warning that the strain may be redlisted because it has declined for so long and in such large parts of Sweden.
– The biggest problem is what kind of moose you shoot. Too many adults are shot. It is better to put a higher pressure on the calves.
“It’s a concern”
Researchers also believe that the average age is too low in the Swedish elk tribe. Hägglund believes that an older moose tribe is more sustainable.
– That is what is a concern.
– An older bull and cow come into heat earlier, which means that the calves are born earlier and have a greater chance of getting good feed. And the calves get bigger, which in turn will give bigger adults in the future.
From Dalarna and north, moose hunting starts today, other hunters have to wait until October 8.