Finland Reinstates Wolf Hunting Amid Population Concerns
As the calendar turned to January 1st, Finland marked a significant shift in wildlife management by reinstating the hunting of wolves. This decision, prompted by growing concerns about their increasing numbers, has stirred both interest and debate across the nation.
The update to the country’s Hunting Act, which lifted the year-round protection of wolves, took effect on the first day of the new year. Within hours of the new regulations coming into force, the Finnish Wildlife Agency reported that 12 wolves had already been harvested in various regions of the country.
This crucial change comes after Finland’s parliament voted in December to end a ban that had largely remain in place since 1973. According to estimates from the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), the wolf population in the country stood at approximately 430 in 2024.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Sari Essayah, underscored the government’s responsiveness to public concern, stating, “The government takes seriously citizens’ growing concerns regarding wolves and large carnivores.”
Under the new legislation, wolves can be hunted during designated periods established by the government. For 2024, the protection period is set from February 11 to November 30. Outside of this timeframe, hunting will be regulated according to regional quotas, with this year’s overall limit set at 65 wolves.
Jörgen Hermansson from the Southwest Finland Wildlife Agency noted that once a regional quota is reached, hunting in that area will cease. He elaborated, “The aim of hunting is to reduce the wolf population in a controlled manner. Removing entire packs helps us manage the risks and enables us to evaluate the potential impacts on the overall population.”
However, the shift has not been without controversy. In November, the Council of Regulatory Impact Analysis criticized the government for its handling of the wolf-hunting legislation, asserting that the drafting process overlooked standard procedures and failed to conduct a thorough impact analysis.
As Finland navigates this new chapter in wildlife management, the discussions around wolf hunting reflect broader tensions between conservation efforts and public safety concerns. The implications of this decision will undoubtedly be monitored closely in the coming months.