Tampere intends to reduce the number of roe deer in urban areas – gamekeeping experts offer their assistance

The number of traffic accidents involving wildlife near Teiskontie has increased considerably in recent years. Local residents have also reported disturbances caused by roe deer in gardens and cultivated areas. In order to prevent harm and dangerous situations, the city will start hunting deer with its partners in the Kauppi-Niihama area in mid-September. The hunting area features a dense forest and sapling stands, and is not a favoured spot for recreational use.

– The City of Tampere has not previously carried out deer hunting. We have planned the hunting measures in cooperation with Tampereen riistanhoitoyhdistys [the game and wildlife management association of Tampere] and the Finnish Wildlife Agency, as well as the police and the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre), says Forest Specialist Jani Aho from the City of Tampere.

The hunting will take place in a narrow, demarcated area through so-called watch hunting. The hunting will be carried out by a group of hunters selected by the game and wildlife management association of Tampere. They work on a voluntary basis. 

– Through hunting, we also aim to encourage the roe deer to move deeper into the forest, away from transport routes and residential areas, says Aho.

The number of deer has grown rapidly in the Tampere urban area. It is difficult to estimate the size of the population, but the data from collisions and observations suggest that it is too large for the urban area and continues to grow. In 2023, more than 100 collisions with deer were recorded in urban areas, and according to the game and wildlife management association, the number of traffic accidents caused by deer has continued to grow during the current year. 

The abundance of deer causing disturbances in traffic and residential areas has been noted in many cities across Finland, and deer hunting has taken place in cities such as Turku and Helsinki.

Notifications to the forest and local residents

In late August or early September, a notification will be delivered to the homes of people living close to the hunting area, and more information will be available on the city’s website. In addition, notices will be posted near the hunting site to guide those moving around the area to prepare for the hunting and the resulting sounds. 

The deer hunting operations have been planned together with professionals, and the activities will not restrict the safe movement of people spending time outdoors, or picking berries or mushrooms in the terrain. The experience of the game and wildlife management association and the Finnish Wildlife Agency in the planning and execution of hunting activities is essential.

– The game and wildlife management association chooses hunters with expertise in urban settings; the focus is on staying calm and patient during shooting situations rather than the actual catch, Aho emphasises. 

According to the assessment conducted by the game and wildlife management association, hunting should continue until the beginning of February 2025. 

– Hunting will become easier the further the autumn progresses. When the weather gets colder and snow falls, the deer are more likely to be attracted to the bait, says Antti Lappalainen, Manager of Operations at the game and wildlife management association of Tampere.