Swedish Political Parties Unite on Need to Increase Shooting Ranges Amid Hunting Debate

At the Västgård Game Fair in Kall, a cross-party hunting debate highlighted a strong political consensus on the necessity to maintain and expand shooting ranges across Sweden. Representatives from major parties including Centerpartiet, Vänsterpartiet, Moderaterna, Kristdemokraterna, Socialdemokraterna, Sverigedemokraterna, and Liberalerna took part in the discussion hosted by Svenska Jägareförbundet, with Miljöpartiet notably absent.

Kajsa Fredholm from Vänsterpartiet stressed the critical need for proper funding to secure shooting ranges. The debate also revealed tensions around the recent closure of shooting ranges in Umeå and Stockholm, with Carl-Oskar Bohlin (Moderaterna) sharply criticizing the Social Democratic-led governance responsible for these shutdowns.

Beyond shooting ranges, the parties unanimously highlighted the importance of increasing access to state land for hunting and fishing, emphasizing local collaboration with stakeholders such as the Sámi community. Additionally, the government disclosed efforts in cooperation with Naturvårdsverket and neighboring countries Norway and Finland to manage the wolf population, targeting a reduction from 220 to 170 wolves.

This debate underscores ongoing political commitment to balancing hunting infrastructure and wildlife management in Sweden, amidst diverging views on implementation and governance responsibility.