Regulation provides:

Swans to be released for shooting even during the closed season

Swans should be easier to shoot - that will cause emotions(Bild: Petra Klikovits)

A planned state regulation for the killing of certain feathered game species during the closed season could cause anger among animal rights activists. In addition to wood pigeon, greylag goose and grey heron, grouse (capercaillie and black grouse) and mute swans are to be able to be killed more easily in exceptional cases.

"It is important to create a practicable and not constantly contestable possibility to be allowed to regulate populations," says State Hunting Master Herbert Sieghartsleitner.

Swift action should minimize damage
Because in the event of a problem, it is necessary to be able to react quickly and easily. "So that regulation can no longer be delayed until irretrievable damage to agricultural crops has already occurred."

"Will not shoot lightly"
Sieghartsleitner points out that culling should only be the last resort, preceded by milder deterrence measures. "There will be no frivolous interventions."

14-day deadline
Affected landowners or hunters must submit a removal form to the state government in advance. Within 14 days, the government then decides whether and to what extent animals are to be killed. The state master hunter emphasizes that there is no hunting interest in the case of swans, for example. "No hunter has any interest in killing a swan - it's not something to be enjoyed." Unfortunately, it is necessary in exceptional cases. "After all, we are also service providers for agriculture and forestry and are responsible for damage caused by huntable game. All too often, we've been left with the costs."

Criticize, but no cost sharing
In this context, Sieghartsleitner criticizes the attitude of some animal rights activists who refuse any form of regulation without contributing to the costs. "Lethal removals" may also only be carried out in individual cases, under strict conditions and only by hunters who have completed special training: "Of our soon-to-be 22,000, that will be perhaps 20."