Police and wildlife groups increase hunting oversight in eastern Finland
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In eastern Finland, the Finnish Wildlife Agency and police are working more closely to monitor hunting activity.
Recent years have seen an increase in hunting crimes, including a large poaching case in the Savukukko area from 2019 to 2023 where hunters illegally killed wolves, lynx, wolverines, and protected birds. In response, authorities have increased the number of oversight events and made these efforts more visible to deter violations.
The Finnish Wildlife Agency recorded 808 oversight events across the country last year, and this number has continued to rise in eastern Finland in 2024. Previously, police participated in only a few such events, but now they are involved in dozens. Police, the Border Guard, and wildlife agencies all participate in the monitoring, aiming to prevent violations before they occur. Alongside increased monitoring, officials are also addressing the aging hunter population.
Kaj Palmgren, a hunting leader with the Kaipola Hunting and Fishing Club, noted that many hunters are older and may experience health changes that affect their safety and ability to hunt responsibly. He explained that it can be difficult to ask experienced hunters to stop, but it is a crucial responsibility for hunting leaders to assess their fitness.
