Hunting has played a role in the Drenthe landscape for centuries, but the discussion about its usefulness and necessity remains lively. This is how the Find it Out! editors came up with a question that was not an easy one: “Why is there still hunting, when there is so little game?”
And because we do not shy away from difficult questions in the new year, we delved into the world of fauna management. And the question may be difficult, but the answer is certainly not simple either. Bjorn van der Veen from the Drenthe Hunters Association gives an insight into the practice of hunting and explains why he believes this is indispensable.
According to Van der Veen, hunting has three goals: combating damage, managing populations and utilizing them. Utilization involves, for example, hunting animals for consumption, such as wild ducks, wood pigeons, pheasants and hares.
An example of both population management and damage control is the management of goose populations, which, according to Van der Veen, will grow exponentially if no action is taken. “A couple has twelve young, who lay twelve eggs again after a year. Sometimes even two or three times a year. Ultimately, farmers grow their grass for the geese instead of for their cows.”
Hunters’ responsibilities extend beyond just shooting. “We are the eyes and ears in the field. Every shoot is recorded, and spring counts provide insight into the populations,” he says. Van der Veen emphasizes that the hunt is not random, but takes place within strict rules set by the ministry. “For example, you don’t shoot hares in the spring, when they have young, or deer when they have calves. Shooting mother animals away from young is not done,” he explains.
Almost all animals shot are used for consumption. “What we hunt, we process ourselves,” says Van der Veen. Large game, such as deer, is cleaned directly in the field to prevent contamination of the meat. Only animals that are not suitable for consumption, such as foxes or crows, are left in nature.
That respect is also reflected in the way of hunting. There are different types of hunting, such as trail hunting, drive hunting and decoy hunting. “With a drive hunt, a controlled shooting can take place in a short time. Everything is done under the supervision of a hunter master and in accordance with strict safety regulations.”
The questioner assumes that there is little game, which makes it logical to ask why there is still hunting. But is that premise correct?
Although some species are seen less often, Van der Veen points out that that does not always mean that they are not there. “Just because you don’t see foxes or hares during the day doesn’t mean they aren’t there. With thermal glasses you can actually see a lot of animals at night.” He sees hunting as a way to maintain balance in a landscape increasingly influenced by humans.
“There is less and less room for hares, because we are filling everything up. The Netherlands has completely lost its way on many fronts,” says Van der Veen. He emphasizes that hunters contribute to a sustainable balance: “We strive for the greatest possible biodiversity, where exploitation and protection go hand in hand.” And to ensure that not too much game is shot, the hunters keep a close eye on the game population. “And if you know how many animals you have running, you also know the maximum number you can shoot.”
Not everyone shares this view. The Party for the Animals (PvdD) advocates a complete ban on hunting. “Stop hunting, leave free-living animals alone,” says the party spokesperson. According to them, nature is better served by alternatives such as nature-inclusive agriculture and allowing natural enemies, such as the wolf.
The idea of population management is also rejected by the PvdD. “Hunting is a false solution that does not address the core of the problem,” they say. Instead, they see hunting as a form of “fun for a small group of hobby hunters.”
The how and why of hunting may now be clear, but we are still on the hunt for new questions! Do you have one? Then send it in!