Vandalism targets hunting towers in Kouvola, Finland

In Kouvola, Finland, a significant number of hunting towers used for moose hunting have been vandalized throughout September. The police in Southeast Finland have received reports of twelve towers being toppled in Ummeljoki, with a separate report concerning five towers in Pilkanmaa. Authorities are investigating these incidents as acts of vandalism.

According to Chief Inspector Mikko Kiuru, this level of destruction towards hunting towers is unprecedented. The incidents occurred towards the end of September, first coming to light when hunting clubs noticed the towers had been knocked down in Ummeljoki, followed shortly by similar reports from Pilkanmaa. These areas are located several kilometers apart in Kouvola.

Haukku, the hunting club active in Ummeljoki, filed one of the vandalism reports. Most of their towers were destroyed, leaving only one still standing. Club Chairman Mika Hannula expressed concern over the systematic nature of the damage, noting that while he initially considered if strong winds could have caused it, some of the towers were made of metal and would not have toppled without forceful intervention.

Currently, there are no suspects in the case, and the police have not yet identified any leads. Eyewitness accounts may be difficult to obtain due to the remote nature of the areas involved. The towers, visible from nearby roads, are spaced a few kilometers apart.

Haukku plans to meet next weekend to assess the situation and begin repairs, potentially incurring hundreds of euros in expenses. Some of the towers are beyond repair. With the hunting season starting on October 12, the club aims to restore as many towers as possible before then. Hannula emphasized the safety benefits of using elevated towers for shooting, which can significantly improve shot trajectory safety. The maximum penalty for vandalism could be up to one year of imprisonment, although charges may change as the investigation continues.