quote:

Originally posted by Kathi:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/na...al/T120611003982.htm


Hunters, chefs plot to halt expanding deer population

The Yomiuri Shimbun

NAGANO--There has been an increase in efforts to develop effective ways to cull the Japanese deer that are damaging the agricultural and forestry industries in Nagano Prefecture.

The deer's habitat has spread from the Southern Japanese Alps to the Northern Japanese Alps, triggering moves to cull them over a wide area.

Authorities are also trying to encourage people to eat more venison.

A hunters association in Azumino in the prefecture embarked on its first deer cull in the Northern Japanese Alps in spring. A member of the association said: "We confirmed they're inhabiting this area. I think it's necessary to deal with this situation."

This month, the Environment Ministry will launch a council in cooperation with Nagano, Gifu, Toyama and Niigata prefectures--where the Northern Japanese Alps are located--to develop countermeasures for the spread of deer. They plan to share information about the movements of herds to ensure deer are culled effectively.

Wildlife cause between about 1.5 billion yen and 1.7 billion yen a year in damage to Nagano Prefecture's agricultural and forestry industries, with about 40 percent caused by deer.

In fiscal 2010, there were an estimated 105,000 deer in the prefecture. Additional measures besides hunting, such as traps, are now necessary to effectively cull deer. Additional steps are required because membership in hunting associations has fallen to a quarter of its peak, as hunters retire and fewer people join.

The Japan Wolf Association has suggested introducing foreign wolves into the Alps that would prey on deer and reduce their numbers.

Naoki Maruyama, the association's chairman, said, "[By using wolves] the burden on hunters will be reduced and the ecological system will be protected."

However, this method has caused concern, with a ministry official saying, "We're worried the number of wolves could increase to a point where they may pose a threat to people."

A group called the Shinshu Gibier Kenkyukai (game study group), which encourages people to eat meals containing game such as deer, was launched in March and became a national body on May 31.

Chef Norihiko Fujimi, 40, a member of the group, from Chino in the prefecture, said "If venison consumption increases, it would make hunting profitable and promote the capturing of deer."

As venison is low in calories and rich in iron, there are plans to introduce venison in school lunches.

(Jun. 12, 2012)

quote:

Originally posted by Norseman:
Where are the Ainu's?