The official justification for the hunt is, how strange it may sound,, that the wolves will be healthier - and more.
But last year, managed no genetic defect Wolf.
Not a single one.
This morning I went thousands of hunters in six counties in the other licensed hunting of wolves in modern time in Sweden. This year's quota, 20 Wolves, can with a few exceptions already be convicted and on the way to autopsy as you read this.
The hunt has been severely criticized and it is no wonder. Last year's wolf hunting was in fact not very successful.
27 Wolves were allowed. 28 shot.
The aim was to strengthen the Swedish wolf population. But none of the animals that were shot were genetically defective. Of those killed were at least five alpha animals, Thus, the pack leader.
The hunt would be strictly controlled and selective. But when testosterone was flowing in the woods, it was not really so. Sixteen of the wolves shot had been fired at two and four times before they died.
Nothing suggests that this year will be calmer. Indeed, there is a strange conflict between the purpose of the wolf hunt and what hunters express.
The purpose of the hunt is to have a healthier, and greater, wolf population. When the wolf enjoying protection 1966 there were only a dozen animals remain.
Now it is estimated that there are around 200. And they all stem from three animals.
A way point is that the Swedish wolf population will consist of 210 animals next year and then grow. Within three years, at least 20 wolves incorporated by, either through immigration or planting.
The wolves will be healthier - and they'll be more. Or to express themselves as wolves Minister Andreas Carlgren (C):
- The growth of the wolf population is temporarily restricted during the time that a new decision is being prepared for the long-term objective of the Swedish wolf population.
Not so bluntly might. But as he wrote in an opinion piece on Monday, and one thing is perfectly clear, the Swedish wolf population is temporarily limited to 210 animal.
But do wolf hunters that more and healthier wolves is the purpose of their occupation in the woods today? Probably not.
Those who want to shoot wolves motivates often that they live in rural areas, wolf tears sheep and other livestock and wolves can be dangerous to their perhaps most beloved family member, dog.
They would thus have fewer animals and farther away from their own home. Not more and maybe even closer.