Norway's lynx hunt in Innlandet county saw its quota filled rapidly on the first day, prompting official concern over hunting practices. The county governor has voiced criticism after several animals were not killed instantly, leading to searches for wounded lynx. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in wildlife management and ethical hunting standards in Norway's predator control policies.
Rapid Fill of Hunting Quota
The annual lynx hunt in Innlandet began with swift action from hunters. By noon on the first day, the quota of three animals was already met in the old Hedmark county area. Hunters in other parts of Innlandet followed closely, demonstrating high participation and efficiency. This quick fill is not uncommon in regions with limited quotas, but it raises questions about the pace and precision of the hunt. The speed at which the quota was reached suggests strong hunter turnout and potentially favorable conditions for spotting lynx.
Officials noted that the early completion left little room for error or adjustment during the hunting period. With the quota exhausted so quickly, any incidents of poor shot placement became immediately prominent. The focus shifted from the success of the hunt to the methods used, particularly when animals were not felled on the first attempt. This rapid fill also means that hunting opportunities in Innlandet are now closed for the season, affecting local hunting communities and their planned activities.
County Governor's Concerns Over Wounding Shots
Statsforvalteren i Innlandet, the county governor's office, expressed dissatisfaction with the number of possible wounding shots. Senior advisor Ståle Sørensen stated that there were several situations where lynx were not killed at the first shot location. He said, 'It was such that there were several wounding situations where the animals were not felled at the first shot place. There was a bit too much of that today, we think.' This criticism centers on four specific cases where lynx ran after being shot and had to be pursued.
These incidents indicate potential lapses in hunting accuracy or ethical practices. Wounding shots can lead to prolonged suffering for animals and complicate retrieval efforts, requiring additional resources and time. Sørensen's remarks underscore a need for improved hunter training or stricter oversight during such controlled hunts. The county governor's office monitors hunting activities to ensure compliance with regulations and animal welfare standards, making this criticism a direct call for better performance.
National Lynx Quota and Regional Variations
For 2026, the total lynx quota across Norway is set at 99 animals. This number is determined based on population estimates and conservation goals, aiming to balance predator control with species sustainability. The quota distribution varies by region, reflecting local lynx densities and human-wildlife conflict levels. Innlandet county's quick fill is part of this broader national framework, where each region has specific allowances to manage lynx populations effectively.
Notably, Rovviltregion 4, which includes Oslo, Akershus, and Østfold, is the only region where lynx hunting is not permitted this year. This exemption may be due to lower lynx presence or different conservation priorities in more urbanized areas. The regional differences highlight Norway's tailored approach to wildlife management, but incidents like those in Innlandet show that challenges persist even in regions with active hunting programs.