Forest bird hunting season opens across Finland

Forest bird hunting season began on Thursday, Yle reports. The birds covered by the season are capercaillie, black grouse, hazel grouse and willow ptarmigan.

According to the Finnish Hunters’ Association, forest bird populations naturally fluctuate considerably. This autumn, capercaillie and black grouse populations are close to average levels nationwide, while willow ptarmigan and hazel grouse numbers are declining.

There are also regional differences. Populations have weakened in western Finland, while they are strengthening in many parts of the east.

Hunting periods are set annually to ensure that hunting remains sustainable. In the Varsinais-Suomi region, for example, capercaillie and black grouse hunting is completely prohibited.

Police monitor hunting in cooperation with the Border Guard, Metsähallitus, the Finnish Wildlife Agency and local game management associations. The primary aim of the monitoring is to prevent crimes, violations and damage.