Releasing non native species to hunt

[nun_hunter]

Just for fun and hypothetical but it would be nice to have some genuine suggestions rather than "wolves in Richmond Park".

What species would you release and where in the UK that would survive in the wild and provide some good hunting? What basic rules/laws on hunting seasons, numbers to take etc would be needed to ensure sustainability?

If your proposed species is challenging/enjoyable to hunt and has benefits to enhancing biodiversity, reducing more destructive or unwanted flora and fauna then all the better.

I'd like to have some more mountainous animals, maybe big horn sheep. Basic similar hunting restrictions to the USA with initially no females to be shot and only full curl males. As we live in a much smaller less remote country added restrictions of no motor vehicles to be used during the hunt and a day either side.

Hopefully some of you who have hunted far and wide have experience of more niche animals that may do well here and provide good hunting and better eating.

 

[DVS1]

Wolves, bears, lynx, anything with big sharp teeth to see how the 'right to roam' p**s takers fare! May make them think twice

 

[Mike1979]

Personally I feel we have enough issues with non native species in the UK so would not suggest releasing anything else. The idea that the UK can follow the examples of countries with massively different population densities, landscape etc isn't very scientific. Wolves in Yellowstone have a little bit more ground to roam on then Richmond Park...but it would motivate the runners to up their heart rate a little

 

[filzee]

Im sure I read something about the proposal to release moose in Nottinghamshire so that could be fun. Not much travel for me either

 

[Tim.243]

Just for fun and hypothetical but it would be nice to have some genuine suggestions rather than "wolves in Richmond Park".

What species would you release and where in the UK that would survive in the wild and provide some good hunting? What basic rules/laws on hunting seasons, numbers to take etc would be needed to ensure sustainability?

If your proposed species is challenging/enjoyable to hunt and has benefits to enhancing biodiversity, reducing more destructive or unwanted flora and fauna then all the better.

I'd like to have some more mountainous animals, maybe big horn sheep. Basic similar hunting restrictions to the USA with initially no females to be shot and only full curl males. As we live in a much smaller less remote country added restrictions of no motor vehicles to be used during the hunt and a day either side.

Hopefully some of you who have hunted far and wide have experience of more niche animals that may do well here and provide good hunting and better eating.

There is nothing fun about Muntjac (non native) eating what they do....

 

[artschool]

wolves would be good as they were a native species.

 

[Scotty99]

Cape Buffalo in the New Forest

 

[Apthorpe]

The areas most in need of more biodiversity are our cities. I think leopard and hyena might be admirably suited to improving the urban environment.

 

[Mike1979]

Im sure I read something about the proposal to release moose in Nottinghamshire so that could be fun. Not much travel for me either

Dont refer to them as Moose as they are technically European Elk I got told off for doing the same...but they are those massive deer like things with huge palmated antlers ...not at all like an American Elk that is a Waipiti...confused lol

 

[Jelen]

There is nothing fun about Muntjac (non native) eating what they do....

Agreed. You could also include Grey Squirrel, Beaver, Mink, Wild Boar, or even Fallow. Jesus, we can't even reduce what we've already got let alone introducing more for fun.

 

[Nickb]

I would love coyotes

 

[Bouncingoffthelocks]

Pablos Hippos in the Serpentine

 

[rem284]

I think there's enough problems with none native species and the reintroduction of species that have been devoid in the UK for a long time. The first question is, why did our ancestors make some of these species instinct? Would the intended released species fit into the ecology of the modern UK? How would it affect public safety and economics? How do you get rid of the species if required when things go wrong?

If wolves were reintroduced would it be safe to work dogs because they are known to kill dogs. It might stop people allowing their pet pooches going into the forest to "play" with the deer.

I am pleased Sika were introduced years ago because they are very interesting to work with and taste great

 

[DVS1]

I would love coyotes

Drat! Forgot about them!

 

[nun_hunter]

Personally I feel we have enough issues with non native species in the UK so would not suggest releasing anything else. The idea that the UK can follow the examples of countries with massively different population densities, landscape etc isn't very scientific. Wolves in Yellowstone have a little bit more ground to roam on then Richmond Park...but it would motivate the runners to up their heart rate a little

As I said, hypothetically and for a bit of fun. Things you would like to hunt that you think could work in the UK. Mega fauna and predators are pretty much out of the question but there are other animals that could potentially survive and provide fun hunting opportunities.

 

[mudman]

Native red deer in every county

Wild boar likewise

Both would establish very quickly if people could refrain from shooting the ***k out of them for a few years.

 

[Jon P]

Native red deer in every county

Wild boar likewise

Both would establish very quickly if people could refrain from shooting the ***k out of them for a few years.

When your landowners are screaming down the phone at you because of the wild boar damage, you will soon appreciate to shoot them when seen.

 

[Mike1979]

As I said, hypothetically and for a bit of fun. Things you would like to hunt that you think could work in the UK. Mega fauna and predators are pretty much out of the question but there are other animals that could potentially survive and provide fun hunting opportunities.

Appreciate the point- Ibex (not released goats with ear tags removed), Tahr, Moose/European Elk, Waipiti

 

[Foxyboy43]

Pablos Hippos in the Serpentine

Back in the day and when we had a summer there were quite a few “hippos” in for a swim…..

 

[lochty]

Mouflon would be nice.