I'm curious as to how wildlife management is structured in the various European countries.

As per agencies responsible, who and how your seasons, bag limits and allowable game species are set.

I'm interested in landowner issues too, hunter access and what, if any, public hunting is available.

I'm interested in all species, not just big game.

And post any links you might have for your agencies or associations, those are always fun

I think most of your questions in regard to Sweden are answered here: http://www.jagareforbundet.se/huntinginsweden/default.asp

Please ask if you have further questions!

Regards,
Martin

Skinner,

In Portugal until 1986, apart from a few National Parks and Preserves, all the land was either private hunting areas (“coutos†or “coutadasâ€) or it was “free hunting landâ€.
Most of the country was in fact “free hunting land†do to the ancient res nullis concept of game, that prevailed in the Portuguese legislation since the early 17th century until now.
Since 1986 we have had several major changes in hunting legislation and, at present, the situation can be summarized as follows:

- There still his a small percentage of “free hunting land†(actually classified as “non ordained landâ€)
In this land any one can hunt – no authorization from the landowner is needed.

- Most of the territory is “ordained†land. There are several different types of hunting areas, according to its management: hunters’ clubs and associations areas; commercial or touristic areas; social areas; municipality areas; etc…


All hunters have to pay an annual hunting licence (national or local), no matter the type of land they will be hunting. This is the “small game licenceâ€.
There are two other (national) licences: “big game†and “water fowl†licences.

Any one owning over 175 hectares of land or having a written agreement with a landowner granting him the hunting rights can apply for an “ordained hunting areaâ€.

Regarding hunting seasons, it varies quite a lot depending on the type of area and the game and the method of hunting.

There aren’t many sites and all are in Portuguese:
http://www.dgrf.min-agricultura.pt/v4/dgf/area.php?areaid=DSCPAI-C
http://www.santohuberto.com/


For any more specific information feel free to PM me.

B.Martins

England,

Stalking (hunting is on horseback with hounds after foxes - or rather was until it was banned) is done by individuals who either own land or have permission to shoot on privately owned land. Unless you live in prime stalking areas it should be possible for you to get somewhere either for free or very cheaply.

Seasons are set in law and are generally year round if does/hinds are included.

Cull levels/limits are at the discretion of the stalker in consultation with the land owner. Generaly the pressure (with some justification) is to shoot more.

That's it - nice and simple.