Vendmegfall

Vendmegfall is a traditional activity practiced in Hungary, typically during the winter months. The term is derived from the Hungarian words "vendmeg," meaning "come and get it," and "es fallás," meaning "fall." The practice involves intentionally unleashing large numbers of geese or other birds onto a specific area, often to celebrate a special occasion or to promote area revitalization.

Those who participate in vendmegfall believe the activity is a way to control the population of small animals, which can be beneficial for their local ecosystem. However, critics have expressed concerns that the practice may be detrimental to the birds' well-being and local wildlife. It is also argued that vendmegfall contributes to the spread of avian diseases and can be a disruption to the birds' natural habitats.

Despite the controversy surrounding vendmegfall, many Hungarian towns continue to participate in the activity. The activities are often done during special events, such as festivals or celebrations. Alongside common birds, there are also reports of more exotic species involved, such as swans or cranes.

Vendmegfall often involves large-scales, sometimes releasing multiple thousand birds in a short period. The catch involved in vendmegfall allows the participants to usually be rewarded by volunteers participating in the treatment, keeping of, and the prevention of birds that escaped the other locations from existing and prior introduced un-native species. The area that the participants would use for there theme doesn't exceed typically larger areas and remotes areas.