Hunting of waterfowl begins in Finland as Helmi project continues culling invasive species

The hunting of waterfowl has commenced in Finland, and the targeted culling of invasive species will continue along the coast of the Bothnian Bay until at least the end of the year. The Helmi invasive species project, which began in 2022, operates in an area extending from Tornio to Siikajoki, and in its first year, hunters captured nearly 57 raccoon dogs and 38 minks. This year, the initiative continues, with Petteri Halkola leading the hunting team. Although the population of invasive species in Meri-Lappi is moderate, more minks and raccoon dogs are continuously venturing into the region.

Nationwide, the project has recorded around 10,000 raccoon dogs and about 2,000 minks. The Helmi program includes important breeding wetlands for waterfowl such as Alkunkari, Uksei, and Pajukari in Tornio. Improvements to bird nesting and resting areas have been made by raising water levels, clearing trees, and trapping invasive predators that threaten bird nests. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, along with Metsähallitus, has supplied dozens of traps for capturing these small predators.

Meanwhile, waterfowl populations continue to decline in Finland. Recent assessments indicate that many species are experiencing long-term reductions, with the northern blue duck population plummeting by over 20% from last year. In contrast, the population of common goldeneye has strengthened by over 30% in the northern regions during the last decade, although its overall chick production has declined by more than 20%.

The hunting of waterfowl began at noon on a recent Tuesday, and the Wildlife Agency urges hunters to focus on abundant duck species such as the blue duck, common teal, and goldeneye. Night hunting has been banned since last year, starting one hour after sunset and ending one hour before sunrise.