Riistanhoitoyhdistysten

Riistanhoitoyhdistysten, or game management associations, are local organizations in Finland responsible for managing game populations and promoting hunting. These associations are established and operate under the Finnish Hunting Act and are overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Their primary objective is to ensure the sustainable use of game resources and to maintain healthy ecosystems.

Membership in a riistanhoitoyhdistys is voluntary but encouraged for hunters. These associations play a crucial role in collecting data on game populations, monitoring hunting success, and conducting research related to game species. They also organize training for hunters, promote ethical hunting practices, and participate in wildlife conservation efforts.

Each association is typically run by a board elected by its members. They are funded through membership fees, government grants, and sometimes through activities like selling hunting licenses or organizing events. The associations collaborate with various stakeholders, including landowners, forestry companies, and environmental authorities, to achieve their goals. Their work is essential for balancing the needs of wildlife, the environment, and human activities, particularly in rural areas where hunting is a traditional and important activity.