Summer cottage owners to catch invasive alien predators

The aim of the project is to make the residents of the cottages understand the detrimental effect of alien predators on the native bird populations and to see their own important role in controlling alien predator populations, which in particular, helps to improve waterfowl populations. Understanding and knowledge is important to reduce the alien small predator populations.

Catching mink or raccoon dogs does not require a hunter’s examination

The hunting legislation and the Alien Species Act and Decree were modified in 2019 so that catching mink and raccoon dogs no longer requires a completed hunter’s examination or a paid game management fee. However, catching invasive alien predators must be authorised by the landowner or the holder of the hunting licence and must be carried out ethically. According to the updated legislation, cottage residents can also catch mink and raccoon dogs. The project prepares electronic and printed training and advisory materials. The aim is also to encourage cottage residents to ask for help from local hunting clubs, especially when catching raccoon dogs. Raccoon dog traps catch the raccoon dogs alive.

The project will create regional and local networks to find help to install traps and organising hunting. The project will also create the capacity for local hunting clubs and hunters in the area to provide assistance to cottage residents for catching mink and raccoon dogs.