https://mainichi.jp/english/ar.../p2a/00m/0na/012000c


Japan women's hunting group suddenly suspends activities, confusing local gov't

October 24, 2023 (Mainichi Japan)

Japanese version


MINAMIASHIGARA, Kanagawa -- A women's hunting group based in this east Japan city notified affiliated parties this month that it would suspend its activities without saying why, the Mainichi Shimbun has learned.

The move by Japan Hunter Girls (JHG) has confused the Minamiashigara Municipal Government and other entities which have an agreement with the group to operate a wild game meat processing facility. The city has had to close the facility for the time being as it has not been operational since Oct. 10.

JHG's forerunner, "Kanagawa Prefecture hunting girls," was launched in 2018 by a woman from the prefectural hunting association before becoming a general incorporated foundation in 2020. The group created a buzz after being featured on the prefecture's official YouTube channel and by other media.

JHG had opened the processing facility in Ashigara Forest Park Maruta no Mori this April to promote interest in food education through wild game meat. The group used money raised through a 2021 crowdfunding campaign with a goal of 2.5 million yen (about $17,000) and a national government subsidy of approximately 6.2 million yen ($41,000) to renovate an unused, 31-square-meter building managed by the city. In addition to game meat production, the group earlier said it would focus on events and other activities as a center for food education.

According to sources including the municipal government, JHG said it was suspending its activities in emails sent this month to multiple parties involved. The reason was apparently not stated.

Mitsuhiro Seto, head of the municipal government's industry promotion office, said, "The last time we talked to the representatives was in mid-September. Neither phone calls nor emails have since been answered, and we are at a loss."

(Japanese original by Yuki Motohashi, Odawara Local Bureau)

woah.
they have been having a Bear problem [as in bear attacks] in a couple of prefectures and sure could use a few of them Gals to help thin out the problem.