FRISK-GO - FRISK-GO connects experts from research and practice on ungulate manamgent

The establishment and development of robust and resilient mixed species forests is of utmost importance, especially in the light of climate change and predicted higher levels of disturbance. Especially high population densities of deer can jeopardize these efforts through selective browsing, fraying and bark stripping. The adaption of deer densities to levels that allow natural tree generation of native tree species without artificial protection is a silivicultural pre-requisite. In return, mixed, uneven aged forests with a more diverse species composition including the herbaceous layer and good natural regeneration provide also better habitats for deer while showing higher tolerance to browsing effects. Conducting hunting of deer based on lowest possible disturbance for the animals is very important. Permanent hunting pressure poses one of the greatest stress factors for wildlife. Synchronization of shooting seasons and interval hunting with long un-disturbed phases is seen as an effective way of culling deer keeping stress on wildlife at a low level. Well organized driven hunts with well trained dogs are an effective method in that regard. A pack of wolves coming into an area, taking prey and moving on to other areas would resemble a similar natural disturbance to which deer can well adapt.

The topic of deer and forest management and effects to forest biodiversity were discussed and addressed in the course of the FRISK-GO project[1] at many occasions, including the FRISK-GO wildlife workshop, field visits and exchanges programmes. It became rather obvious that the topic is of high relevance across Europe. FRISK-GO answered to this topic by facilitating discussions, providing case studies and connecting interested experts from research and practice from across Europe and beyond.

One highlight resulting from these activities is a comprehensive booklet on how to organize driven hunts on ungulates and may serve as a reference and guidance document. It was elaborated by the ÖJV Bayern jointly with the FRISK-GO project and is available in digital format and in printed format. Click here to view the full pdf version. The printed booklets are available on request.

And another interesting paper was published by Rebekka Kornder with the title 'Hunting as a key to sustainable natural forests'

Please contact alexander.held@efi.int if you are interested in the booklet.

[1] implemented by the European Forest Institute (EFI) for the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL)