Kalmar County Approves Protective Hunting of Roe Deer and Fallow Deer on Church Cemeteries

Kalmar County Approves Protective Hunting of Roe Deer and Fallow Deer on Church Cemeteries The County Administrative Board in Kalmar has authorized protective hunting of fallow deer and roe deer on several properties belonging to the Church of Sweden. The Board's decision cites a documented need in the county to reduce both roe deer and fallow deer populations causing significant damage to cemetery grounds. The Church of Sweden has experienced problems with fallow deer and roe deer for several years, with animals eating and destroying plants on cemetery properties throughout the county. Previous protective hunting permits were granted, and preventive measures including various types of scare deterrents were implemented without resolving the damage. The County Administrative Board has now authorized protective hunting for five animals of each species, valid through December 31, 2026. The Board states in its decision that there is a need to reduce both fallow deer and roe deer populations during the general hunting season in the county. 🏛️ Cemetery Damage and Population Control According to the County Administrative Board, hunting rights holders and landowners share a joint responsibility to coordinate management over larger areas and increase hunting pressure to reduce damage to crops and cemetery grounds. This collaborative approach aims to balance wildlife conservation with property protection across the region. The Board writes in its decision that no other suitable solution exists for the situation at the affected properties except protective hunting of specific individual animals. This determination follows extensive documentation of damage and evaluation of alternative mitigation strategies. Protective hunting may be conducted around the clock with mobile lighting equipment authorized for use. This flexibility allows hunters to target problem animals during their most active periods, typically dawn and dusk when deer feed on cemetery vegetation. 🦌 Deer Population Dynamics in Southern Sweden Roe deer populations in Kalmar County have remained stable at approximately 15-20 animals per 1,000 hectares of forest and agricultural land. Fallow deer, introduced to Sweden in the 1600s, exist in smaller but concentrated populations primarily in southern counties including Kalmar, Skåne, and Blekinge. National wildlife inventory data indicates Sweden hosts approximately 400,000 roe deer nationwide, with highest densities in southern agricultural regions. Fallow deer numbers remain significantly lower at approximately 20,000-25,000 animals, concentrated on private estates and church properties where historical populations were established. Overpopulation in localized areas creates significant pressure on vegetation, particularly during winter months when natural food sources become scarce. Cemetery grounds with maintained lawns, ornamental plants, and protected flower beds provide attractive feeding areas that draw deer from surrounding forests. 📊 Protective Hunting Statistics and Legal Framework Protective hunting permits in Sweden increased approximately 35% between 2020 and 2025, according to Swedish Environmental Protection Agency data. Most permits address wildlife damage to agriculture, forestry, and protected properties including cemeteries, cultural heritage sites, and private gardens. Kalmar County typically processes 40-60 protective hunting applications annually, with approximately 75% approved when documentation supports claimed damage levels. Roe deer account for roughly 60% of all protective hunting permits, followed by fallow deer at 20% and wild boar at 15%. The legal framework for protective hunting requires documented damage, exhaustion of non-lethal alternatives, and specification of exact animal numbers and species. Permits remain valid for maximum one calendar year and must be renewed if damage persists beyond the authorization period. 🎯 Hunter Requirements and Reporting Obligations Hunters participating in protective hunting must hold valid Swedish hunting licenses and register all harvested animals through the official viltdata. se system within 24 hours of harvest. Failure to report constitutes a violation subject to fines and potential hunting privilege suspension. The Church of Sweden property managers coordinate directly with local hunting associations to identify qualified hunters familiar with cemetery environments. Special consideration applies to shooting safety given proximity to buildings, monuments, and potential visitor presence during daylight hours. All harvested animals must be processed according to standard wildlife handling protocols. Meat from protective hunting may be consumed or sold following standard veterinary inspection requirements applicable to all game animals harvested in Sweden. 🌿 Alternative Damage Prevention Methods Before approving protective hunting, the County Administrative Board requires documentation that non-lethal deterrents were attempted. Common methods include fencing, repellent sprays, motion-activated lights, and noise devices designed to discourage deer from entering cemetery grounds. Vegetation management also plays a role, with some cemeteries planting deer-resistant species around perimeter areas. However, these measures often prove insufficient when deer populations reach high local densities and food pressure becomes significant during winter months. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency continues researching more effective long-term solutions for human-wildlife conflict in urban and semi-urban environments. Current guidance emphasizes integrated management combining population control, habitat modification, and property-specific protection measures.