Total loss of red deer over 90 percent.
The preliminary hunting statistics for the hunting year 2022/2023 are available. After last year, the number of red deer shots has increased again this year. The total loss (killed and fallen game) is over 90 percent.
“Hunters have a great deal of responsibility and make a significant contribution to the health of game, forests and people. In the past hunting year, the Tyrolean hunters tried again to meet the shooting targets that were set jointly on the basis of objective criteria,” acknowledges LHS Deputy Josef Geisler the services in the 1,247 Tyrolean hunting areas. Landesjägermeister Anton Larcher reports: “The conditions for red deer hunting are becoming increasingly difficult, the concern of recreational users as well as the necessary hunt naturally make the game shy and cautious. In view of this, a satisfactory completion of the kill could be achieved.”
With 11,224 red deer shot, the number of red deer shots increased slightly compared to the previous year. In the Kufstein district, the minimum requirements for removing red deer were even exceeded. In contrast, the rate in East Tyrol is well below the average. In the past hunting year, it was particularly difficult to carry out the kill due to the ongoing processing of the damaged wood from previous years and the fight against the bark beetle.
TB disease control still important
The situation has eased slightly as far as tuberculosis (TB) is concerned. This disease is transmitted to cattle from an increased number of red deer in the course of alpine pastures and can also be transmitted to humans. 39 red deer from the districts of Reutte and Landeck were subjected to a detailed examination as suspected cases of tuberculosis. The suspicion was confirmed in 22 of them. Part of the laboratory results are still pending.
The results of the cattle tests, on the other hand, are complete. 7,000 cattle in risk areas were examined for TB in autumn 2022. No case of bovine tuberculosis was found. “Fighting the epidemic is and will remain a priority. We cannot sit back and relax,” appeals LHS Deputy Geisler to the hunters to continue to meet the shooting requirements as best as possible.
Climate change in view
“Climate change is a challenge for wildlife and forests”. LHS Deputy Josef Geisler and Landesjägermeister Anton Larcher also keep an eye on climate change. “So that the forest will continue to protect us from natural hazards in the future and as an important CO2storage is preserved, we establish climate-friendly tree species and rely on resilient mixed forests. An adapted game population is essential for the emergence of the young forest and natural regeneration,” says LHS Deputy Geisler.
Climate change also affects some wild species more than others. “Chamois are adapted to the rough mountain climate of the Alps. Warmer summers and winters mean that chamois are more likely to experience so-called heat stress. They overheat and have to limit their activity. The forest provides important shade and will therefore gain in importance in the chamois habitat,” explains state hunting master Anton Larcher.