Analysis of accuracy of hunting plan in the Czech Republic

Abstract

This article analyses data on the reported and captured populations of red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and mouflon (Ovis musimon) in the Czech Republic during the years 2002–2006. Breeding and hunting plans collected by the State Hunting Authority have been summarized. The analyzed game population size (APS) for each individual territory, using the reverse calculation method, was compared to the counted population size (CPS) of each species. Next, the ratios between the specified population size (SPS) and the CPS were compared; and also the ratios of CPS and actual hunting bag were compared for individual years in the specified periods. Many errors in hunting management policy were found in all analyses regarding red deer. In many cases the APS, using the reverse calculation method, was several-times higher than the CPS. Also a large difference between SPS and CPS was very common. Similar results were also found in the analyses of fallow deer and mouflon populations, where the management policy was very similar to that of red deer. Evaluation of the roe deer management policy showed better results. Despite the fact that the APS was higher than the CPS, it was never several-times higher. Even in SPS and CPS ratios no extreme outcomes were found. From the official processed data it is evident that hunting association plans for game breeding and hunting indicate many significant problems, where the smallest problem is with roe deer and the biggest problem is with red deer.

Keywords

• game keeping
• game management
• deer
• hunting bag