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HUNTING

Graubünden increases deer cull this autumn

Hunters in the canton of Graubünden will be granted permission to kill more deer than ever this autumn in an attempt by the authorities to control the deer population in the area.

Graubünden increases deer cull this autumn
Photo: Philippe Rouzet

The area has seen a steady increase in deer over the past few years, up from 13,500 in 2010 to an estimated 16,500 this spring.

Few perished naturally in what was an unusually mild winter this year.

As a result, the canton’s hunting and fishing office (AJF) intends to grant permission for 5,200 deer to be killed in the forthcoming hunting season this autumn, it said in a statement, around 1,000 more than in 2010 according to news agency ATS.

Controlling deer numbers is necessary to protect the forests, which are often damaged by the deer, so threatening other species of animal.

“Unfortunately, the damage situation has so deteriorated in recent years that the forest can no longer naturally rejuvenate itself,” AJF said.

“Even with technical measures to prevent damage, such as fences, the problems cannot be solved.

Fences are not only very expensive, they are not suitable on steep slopes and also restrict the habitat of wildlife.

“Deer, chamois in lowlands, ibexes in the Engadine and wild boar in southern Graubünden must therefore be limited in order to prevent a negative impact on the habitat”.

Female deer will be particularly targeted, it said. 

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