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Albania's Hunting Ban: Birds and Mammals Get a Two-Year Break
Vast numbers of European birds and other wildlife will be spared from illegal slaughter, thanks to a two-year moratorium on all hunting enacted by the government of Albania.
The Balkan country, which lies along a major migratory flyway, encompasses wetlands and other habitats that provide crucial refueling stops for millions of migrating birds. But poor law enforcement, a surge in gun ownership, and an influx of foreign hunters had made Albania essentially a year-round shooting range. Targets were not just game species but also eagles, cranes, shorebirds, and even small songbirds.
"Albania was a death trap for migrating birds," said Gabriel Schwaderer, executive director of the conservation organization EuroNatur.
It wasn't just birds that suffered, according to Schwaderer. To study the critically endangered Balkan lynx, EuroNatur set up automatic cameras in mountainous areas, documenting all passing animals. Mammals such as roe deer and chamois that should have been recorded in significant numbers were rarely spotted. "This shows that game animals are in very, very low densities," Schwaderer said.
The new law, approved on January 30, suspends all hunting licenses and use of hunting areas for two years. The government will use this hiatus to study ways to reform conservation regulations and control what had become almost complete lawlessness. Hunters in Albania have long been unafraid to shoot anything that came within range—even in national parks, where wealthy hunters, the majority of them from Italy, bribed poorly paid rangers to serve as guides.
Election, Exposure Prompt Action
While many Albanians, including a substantial number of hunters, realized that the situation had to change, the government showed no interest in strengthening conservation laws, or even in enforcing the regulations that were in place. But elections last June brought a new party to power, with government ministers more sympathetic to conservation.
Spase Shumka, a board member of the environmental group Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania, said an article by writer Jonathan Franzen that appeared in the July 2013 issue of National Geographic ("Last Song for Migrating Birds") "very much had an effect" on the debate over hunting.
"The National Geographic story served as a main reference," Shumka said. "People distributed the article in the ministries, and it was received very positively. It fit in very well with the transitional government period."
Shumka said he and others in Albania "are optimistic that things will change positively because, for the first time, in this law we have effective integration of enforcement."
Before, responsibility for regulating hunting fell solely on the Ministry of Environment, which had little power. "People who were caught illegally hunting or camping or cutting wood in a protected area would be fined, but only one in a hundred would actually pay the fine," Shumka said. "Now the laws will be enforced in cooperation with the state police, which is very important. It's the only authority which has power."
In addition, the law implementing the hunting moratorium requires the cooperation of the Ministry of Finance. "This will mean additional funding for the Inspectorate of Environment," Shumka said.
"It's really an impressive and groundbreaking decision that Albania took," Schwaderer said. "I can imagine that some of the hotel owners are not so happy, because probably they will have fewer visitors, especially hunters from Italy. But on the other side, they have a great opportunity, because only if they stop this crime will they receive bird-watchers and other visitors interested in ecotourism."
By Frank Gentile, Hopewell, N.Y.
It was October 2011, and I was back in my Chevy Tahoe on my way to another hunt. This time, instead of my son, I was traveling with my hunting buddies. My buddies and I had been on plenty of trips together before but never to Texas! Between the four of us and gear for six (two of our team opted to fly from New York to San Antonio), every single spare inch of space in the truck had been utilized.
With each of us taking turns driving, we made it to Texas in about 20 hours. We got dinner and hotel rooms in Texarkana, and were back on the road early the next morning. With a day to spare before we were due at our hunting camp in Hondo, Texas, we headed south with plans to enjoy the city of San Antonio along the way. In San Antonio, we explored the Alamo, the River Walk and the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum. What a great city!
Our first order of business after arriving at the camp the next morning was to make sure that our rifles were on target. With that complete, we were off to our first afternoon hunt. At this camp, there was one guide for every hunter, and your guide stayed out with you the entire time. The treestands were made of fiberglass and completely enclosed. This was exciting. It was also my first time hunting whitetails on active feeders. The feeders were located about 100 yards directly in front of my treestand, and I had about 150 yards to my left and right of clear shooting. When the feeders went off, they reminded me of the ringing of a dinner bell; I never in my life saw so many deer in front of me at one time! The guide was very clear in designating what I could and couldn’t shoot: I was paid up for a deer in the 130- to 140-class range. Despite my excitement over seeing all of those deer in one place, the right deer didn’t show. It was not the day for my shot. Dinner back at the camp was great, but breakfast came very early, so a good night’s sleep was my plan.
I was back in the same stand the next morning. It was early and still pretty dark. I thought I had seen some movement but couldn’t see exactly what it was. As the day woke up, the feeder went off, and once again, deer were everywhere! I’ve still never seen so much horn in one place!
About 150 yards to my right was a lonely buck. He was feeding and getting closer. As I picked up my binocular to get a closer look, my guide remarked, “Nice deer.” As I studied him, I noticed some movement on the ground, and to my surprise, feeding right next to the deer was a raccoon. The raccoon fed and moved closer to the buck, and at this point, I didn’t care about the feeder or the dozen or so deer to my left. I was completely focused on this odd duo.
The deer kept cutting the distance, as did the raccoon, and was about 50 yards away—just as I was thinking what a nice trophy he would be—when the big let-down came from my guide: “I think he’s over 140.” My eyes still didn’t waver from those two animals. Now they were coming towards the treestand, stopping here and there to eat. Even my guide couldn’t get over how content these two animals were in each other’s presence.
Knowing that this may not be the one for me due to his size, my eyes roamed over the remaining deer at the feeder. Two nice looking bucks were nearby, but were obviously out of my class—they were at least in the 200-inch range, too big for my wallet. I turned over to the guide, who had now taken a photo of the deer with his “rangefinder-camcorder-cell phone” to send to his foreman in hopes of getting the go-ahead for a shot. I couldn’t believe how detailed the rack looked on this 4-inch screen. I didn’t want to let this one get away, and I soon found out that I didn’t have to.
My guide received the green light from his foreman, and tapped me on my shoulder to take the deer.
By now, the deer had started to move farther away, about 140 yards, still feeding and walking. My heart was pounding, and once again doing double-time. I had the buck in my scope, and when he turned broadside to look at the raccoon I took the shot. He went down as if hit by a locomotive. It is amazing what a 150-grain bullet can do.
Back at camp, it was measuring time. It turns out the guide was spot-on and was right to be cautious. The big 8-point buck measured 139⅝ inches.
Red Centre Kangaroo Culling: Balancing Ecology and Hunting Practices, Demographics, Legislation System, Associations and Clubs, Legislation and Hunting Seasons
The Red Centre, centered around Alice Springs and Uluru, spans 143,000 km² of semi-arid landscape. This region, receiving just 286mm annual rainfall, features rugged ranges and desert plains, creating a unique hunting environment. The Northern Territory records approximately 3,500 active hunters in Central Australia, with 85% being male, primarily aged 35-60. Notably, 20% are international visitors, while indigenous communities maintain traditional hunting practices.
From a hunter's perspective, the Red Centre's topography offers both challenges and rewards. The MacDonnell Ranges provide natural corridors and vantage points for stalking, while the vast open spaces demand exceptional fieldcraft and patience. The region's sparse vegetation, dominated by spinifex grasslands and acacia shrubs, provides limited cover but excellent visibility for spotting game. Water sources are scarce and strategically distributed, making them crucial focal points for both wildlife and hunters.
According to the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Resources, there are approximately 3,500 registered hunters actively pursuing game in the Central Australian region. The demographic profile shows a predominantly male population (85%), with the majority falling between 35-60 years old. Interestingly, about 20% of these hunters are international visitors drawn to the region's unique hunting opportunities. Local indigenous communities represent a significant portion of traditional hunters, maintaining ancient practices alongside modern recreational hunting activities.
The harsh environment demands special preparation. Extreme temperature variations require appropriate gear, while the region's remoteness necessitates reliable transportation and survival skills. Navigation through sparse vegetation often relies on GPS due to limited cellular coverage.
Three main hunting types exist: feral animal control, trophy hunting, and traditional subsistence. Feral species like camels, donkeys, and goats dominate, alongside native red kangaroos and wallabies. Trophy hunters particularly seek large feral goats and buffaloes. Hunting methods include spot-and-stalk techniques and ambush hunting near water sources, with night hunting permitted for certain species using spotlights.
While most feral species can be hunted year-round, native game follows specific seasons. The prime hunting period runs from May to September when temperatures range 20-25°C. Wet season hunting (November-March) is less common due to extreme heat.
Key organizations include the Central Australian Field Naturalists Club and Northern Territory Field Sports Association, managing over 20 designated hunting areas totaling more than 1 million hectares. Indigenous ranger groups also play a vital role in wildlife management.
Hunting legislation falls under the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. All hunters need firearms licenses and specific permits, with strict bag limits and mandatory reporting requirements. Special provisions apply to Aboriginal traditional owners for cultural hunting.
Traditional practices remain strong among the Arrernte people, who have hunted here for over 40,000 years. Their knowledge of animal behavior and tracking skills continues to influence modern hunting strategies.
Notable aspects include the region's estimated 10,000 feral camels, presenting unique hunting opportunities. Several former pastoral stations now serve as dedicated hunting reserves, often exceeding 100,000 hectares each, contributing to conservation efforts.
Environmental considerations are crucial. Hunters participate in scientific monitoring programs, collecting data on populations and habitats. Successful eradication programs targeting invasive predators have benefited from hunter involvement.
Technological advancements have introduced drone surveillance and thermal imaging equipment, though traditional skills remain essential. The economic impact extends beyond direct participation, supporting local communities through hunting tourism.
Safety is paramount due to the region's isolation. Hunters must carry emergency communication devices and complete safety briefings before accessing remote areas. Traveling in groups and maintaining contact schedules is recommended.
Looking forward, climate change impacts require adaptive management strategies while increasing environmental awareness demands greater accountability. Balancing traditional practices with conservation requirements will shape future hunting activities.
For prospective hunters, thorough preparation is key. Understanding the region's characteristics, respecting local customs, and adhering to regulations ensures both enjoyable experiences and meaningful conservation contributions. Whether pursuing trophies or exploring ancient grounds, the Red Centre offers remarkable wilderness adventures.
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