Elkhunting
In the old days hunting was an important part of the surviving. It gave food to many. During that time it was easier to get permission to hunt. There weren´t as many huntinglaws as there are nowadays.
If you ask a person why he or she hunt , they often say that they like getting out into nature. The doglover often maintains the co-operation with the dog in hunting, as a reason.
In Sweden, the elkhunting is the most common kind of hunting. In elkhunting, "pushhunting" is the most common method. In co-operation with dogs, you push the elks from your huntingarea against posted shooters. The "pushers" must be acquainted to the terrain, and know where the elks usually walks. The elk often walks against the wind. That is of importance to know when you place the shooters so the elks doesn´t weather them. The shooters must be silent. The elk which comes from the huntingarea isn´t always frightened, but comes rather calmly against the shooters. They must be prepared to shoot if they get a chance. If you are about to shoot you must be sure that the shoot is killing. You may never shoot in panic. When you shoot, you must also be aware of the surroundings, in case you miss the target. There must be something to catch the bullet, for example trees.
It is not only the killing that makes the hunting. A fallen elk must be taken care of in the best way. The elkbody must hang a couple of days so the meat will become tender.
Some questions about hunting in Sweden.
-Can everyone hunt in Sweden ? -No. You have to be at least 18 years old and must also have an examination in hunting. Then you can get a public hunting licence. You also need an huntingarea and of course a rifle. The weapon-licence you can get from the police.
-How much does it cost to be a hunter ? -The hunting examination costs about 500 swedish crowns, the licence 200 crowns. The most expensive is the rifle which costs about 10000 crowns.
The elk
The colour can differ from greybrown to darkbrown. There can be white elks too, albinos. All bulls have horns. The elk anticipates in the whole of Sweden, except Gotland. The food are leafs, oats, wheat and bilberry. The cow give birth to one or two calves in mai - june. An elk can become 20 years old.
By: Jonas Wallin and Jim Kristoffersson