Hunting in Oulu’s Sanginjoki continues even after the outer forest became a state protected area

Deer hunting in Sanginjoki will continue this year as well, even though the area has been taken over by Metsähallitus.

Lake Isokanka in Oulu in summer 2020. — The number of hikers on the Sanginjoki has increased since a decision was reached on the protection of the area. Recreational use of the area also continues during the hunting season, and hikers can increase safety by always preferring marked routes and wearing colorful clothing.

Metsähallitus has decided to continue the practice inherited from the city of Oulu, which previously owned the area. Hunting rights in national parks have divided opinions.

Metsähallitus justifies the decision by saying that limiting the deer population prevents traffic accidents and that it is beneficial to the area’s nature.

Three hunting clubs that have been operating in the area for a long time hunt in the state-owned areas of Sanginjoki.

– We mainly move around other than marked outdoor routes, he says.

Deer hunting starts at the beginning of October and continues until January. Information signs will be placed along the roads and paths leading to the area for the duration of the hunting season.