Norway's recent lynx hunting season in Trøndelag saw a major control operation by police and wildlife authorities, resulting in seven reported violations among 93 hunters checked. The joint patrol, conducted by Statens naturoppsyn (SNO) and local police across terrain from Snåsa to Mosjøen, aimed to ensure compliance during the legal hunt which opened on February 1. A quota was set for up to seven lynx to be culled in the region.
Controls Reveal Mix of Violations
The most serious incident involved one hunter reported for shooting a lynx using artificial light, a prohibited method. Other offenses were largely related to vehicle use. One person was fined for not wearing a helmet while driving a snowmobile in Rørvik, and another was reported for operating a snowmobile with an engine power exceeding their license entitlement. A third individual was reported for driving an ATV on the frozen Snåsavatnet lake.
Firearm and trapping violations also featured. One hunter was reported for carrying a rifle without possessing the required firearm permit from police. This individual also could not present a borrowing declaration for the borrowed weapon and failed to show a certified shooting proficiency test for big game during the control. In Røyrvik, seven marten traps were seized. They lacked mandatory identification marking and were mounted too low to the ground. One of these traps was also an illegal type. Two additional illegal marten traps were confiscated for the same marking, placement, and type violations.
Authorities Stress Majority Comply
Operational leader Anlaug Oseid emphasized that the overwhelming majority of hunters followed the rules. 'All the hunters except two had everything in perfect order. Most of those who were checked appreciated the presence of SNO and the police,' Oseid said in a statement. This suggests the controls serve both an enforcement and a preventative, advisory function in the field. The operation highlights the ongoing monitoring of Norway's regulated predator management, where strict quotas and methods are enforced to balance conservation goals with livestock protection and hunting traditions.
The Framework of Regulated Hunting
The legal lynx hunt in Norway operates under a detailed framework set by the Norwegian Environment Agency. Each regional quota, like the one for up to seven animals in Trøndelag, is based on annual population surveys and management goals. Hunters must possess specific licenses and passes for predator hunting, separate from their general hunting license. The use of artificial light for hunting lynx is banned due to concerns over fair chase principles and animal welfare, making the reported incident a significant breach.
Trapping regulations for species like marten are equally precise. Laws mandate that traps must be marked with the owner's identification to ensure traceability and responsibility. Regulations also specify minimum heights for trap placement to minimize the unintended capture of non-target species, particularly ground-dwelling birds and other wildlife. The confiscation of unmarked and incorrectly placed traps indicates targeted enforcement of these specific welfare and ethical hunting standards.
Broader Context of Wildlife Management
This control operation fits into a larger pattern of active field surveillance by Norwegian authorities. The collaboration between the SNO—the state's environmental surveillance agency—and the national police is standard practice during sensitive periods like hunting seasons for large predators. These controls are not random but are often intelligence-led or focused in areas with high hunting activity or historical compliance issues. The presence of authorities in the field is designed as a deterrent as much as an investigative tool.
The relatively low number of violations—seven reports from 93 controls—will likely be used by both authorities and hunting organizations to demonstrate generally high compliance rates. However, the nature of the violations, particularly the illegal use of light and the unpermitted firearm, point to areas where targeted education or stricter penalties might be considered. The incident also underscores the challenge of monitoring vast, remote areas like those in Trøndelag during winter, where such patrols require significant logistical planning.