It is possible to increase the numbers of certain animal species by allowing the growth of the plants they prefer to eat. This is an indirect method of management, aimed at increasing particular species.
For other species, however, the number of animals must be reduced. This is done through culling. Before taking such action, we carefully investigate which species are too numerous in which areas. Intervention is necessary, otherwise the regeneration of plants will be suppressed, and with it the landscape types the Park aims to preserve.
Hunting
For the various game species, a so-called spring population level has been established. At those population levels, the vegetation does not suffer more damage than it can naturally recover from. Every year, the number of individuals of each species is counted. Based on that, the required culling is determined. Hunting takes place throughout the year, except during the breeding season. The main focus lies between July and the end of January.
Not a goal, but a means
For the Park, hunting is a means, not an end in itself. This is evident, for example, in the special position of the roe deer. Roe deer are not hunted. In the past this was done for a time, but the effect on their numbers proved minimal, and so we stopped. Apparently, the roe deer population remains naturally stable. This is probably due to predation of young roe deer by foxes and wild boar, as well as natural winter mortality. Since the arrival of wolves (2021), the roe deer population has been drastically reduced.