Changes to hunting seasons and a distorted image of hunting in general.
To put it bluntly: “Free rein to shoot yearling does and bucks from 16 April”
Not everyone is happy about an extension to the hunting season, because that is exactly what it is. The end of the hunting season remains 15 October for bucks and 15 January for all other roe deer. The pressure from forest managers was probably too great. A December end to the season would have sent a positive message.
You hear and read everywhere that April in particular is a sensitive time, and let’s be honest: the risk is probably even greater in April that someone with a quick trigger finger will shoot a pregnant doe. We’ll never know, but at least each of us can decide anew every day what kind of hunter they want to be …
It’s also a shame that in recent weeks hunting has been on everyone’s lips, and not in a positive way. Action and making a kill! Higher, faster, further, more extreme …
No! That is not hunting. Hunting can also be quiet; hunting is responsibility, wonder, observation and learning; hunting is taking pleasure in seeing wildlife. Hunting is the decision NOT to pull the trigger; hunting is replenishing feeding stations during times of need—not just baiting when the season is open. Hunting is putting out salt licks; hunting is giving wildlife the peace it needs during sensitive periods; hunting is providing water in dry summers; hunting is education; hunting is a matter of character.