Riistankäyttö

Riistankäyttö is a Finnish concept that refers to the management of wildlife and game species within national and private lands. The main goal of riistankäyttö is to maintain ecological balance, preserve biodiversity, and provide opportunities for sustainable recreational hunting. In Finland, it is regulated by the Wildlife Conservation Act of 2004, which is supported by various statutes and local ordinances that specify which species can be harvested, season lengths, and required permits.

The Finnish Ministry of the Environment, in cooperation with the Metsähallitus land management agency, sets overarching objectives for the population dynamics of species such as moose, roe deer, bear, wolves and various fish species. Riistankäyttö plans integrate scientific monitoring with stakeholder input from hunters, conservation NGOs, and indigenous Sami groups. These plans may include hunting quotas, reintroduction programs, habitat restoration, and disease control measures. The use of hunting as a management tool is considered both a cultural tradition and a practical means of controlling overpopulated species that can cause forest damage or human safety risks.

Citizen participation is encouraged through hunting clubs, which are required to follow the regulations and keep accurate records. Data from hunting logs provide critical information for adaptive management. Education programs about ethical hunting and wildlife stewardship are common in schools and local communities. European Union directives on wildlife conservation also influence Finnish riistankäyttö policies, ensuring compliance with broader biodiversity targets. Overall, riistankäyttö serves as a structured approach to balancing human recreation, economic interests, and ecological integrity within Finland's mountainous and forested landscapes.