Hokkaido Hunters Association Chairman Pleads: 'Remove Us from Bear Culling; We Don't Want to Lose Any Members'
The chairman of the Hokkaido Hunters Association has sparked a major debate with his candid plea regarding the increasing sightings of brown bears and the associated culling activities: "I want the hunters association removed from bear culling. I don't want to lose a single member." The chairman expressed strong concern that under the current system, members' lives are at risk, and many have been injured. This heartfelt appeal is backed by data showing that out of 177 people killed or injured by bears between 1962 and the end of March 2024, the largest number, 66, were instances where individuals were attacked while hunting or culling. The Hunters Association is urgently calling for the establishment of a new, government-led system where the police, Self-Defense Forces, and local municipalities take charge of bear culling. While they are willing to provide full cooperation until a new system is in place, it appears they desire to be relieved of dangerous tasks that go...