The police will carry out an intensified elk and deer hunting control operation during 30 September – 27 October. The operation will be carried out when the elk hunting season is already underway and hunting clubs are at their most active. The operation will be carried out in cooperation with other wilderness supervisory authorities responsible for hunting and fishing matters, i.e. the Finnish Border Guard, Customs and Metsähallitus.
According to statistics from the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), around 112,000 hunters participated in elk hunting in 2023 and 32,345 animals were taken.
Hunting controls always involve safety monitoring, especially when handling firearms. Matters to be monitored include non-intoxication, the ability to handle a firearm and compliance with safety regulations. Cervid hunting is more strictly regulated than that of other game since the use of robust weapons and powerful cartridges and bullets requires special attention to safety aspects.
Police departments together with other authorities will plan more specific dates and themes highlighting regional needs. Police departments will communicate about the control operation in their own operating area during the operation itself and about the outcomes of the operation once it has ended based on their own respective schedule.
The National Police Board will communicate the national outcomes of the operation in early November.
