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Data on sex structure and growth of the population is crucial for proper game management. Camera traps, which are of reasonably low cost, but very efficient, can potentially measure the aforementioned parameters. The paper objectives was to assess the share of bucks, does and calves in red deer Cervus elaphus population in the area of the Białowieża Forest. Two methods were used: camera traps and a traditional method of all−year−round observations. The study was conducted in the years 2011−2015 in three forest districts and the Białowieża National Park. Reconyx trail cameras were exposed in one location for approximately 30 days, then moved to a new place. Altogether, trail cameras were exposed in 761 spots, at least 500 m apart one from another. Analyses were based on material collected between June 1st to September 31st when sex and age identification were the most reliable and hunting season had yet not started. Additionally, all−year−round observations of animals were done by foresters and scientists in the whole forest area, species, sex and age were noted in the special forms. The number of observers was similar to that of exposed trail cameras. Sex and age structure of red deer population changed between years, but according to both methods does were more numerous than bucks. According to trail cameras, share of bucks was on average 42 vs. 32% (data for all years combined), and a population growth was 39−60 calves/100 does, depending on a year. According to all−year−round observation, share of bucks was 26%, of does 53% and there were 37 calves/100 does. The dominance of does over bucks is difficult to explain as the sex structure at birth is 1:1. The does are more susceptible to predation and are culled more often. As data from trail cameras showed lower disproportion, we may assume that those results were more reliable. Trail cameras can collect data all the time, regardless the season, time of a day and weather conditions. Pictures can be analysed in details and observations verified if necessary. Their biggest disadvantage is price (especially when we assume that all−year−round observations can be done as a part of work duties by forest service), and risk of theft or damage., Sylwan 162 (11): 965-968

The aim of this study is assessment of game management in a controlled hunting zone in the vicinity of Uniejów (Hunting District No. 51), as well as assessment of changes in the number of game animals populations. The analysis also comprises changes in agriculture and in the biotope. Data on population sizes were obtained from annual hunting plans prepared by the Hunting Club No. 19 “Diana” in Łódź. The study covers the period 1990–2016. Celem niniejszego opracowania jest ocena gospodarki łowieckiej prowadzonej w obwodzie nr 51 w okolicach Uniejowa, a wraz z nią ocena dynamiki liczebności populacji zwierzyny łownej. W analizach uwzględniono także zmiany zachodzące w gospodarce rolnej i biotopie. Dane dotyczące liczebności populacji uzyskano z rocznych planów łowieckich sporządzanych przez dzierżawcę obwodu, tj. Koło Łowieckie Pracowników Resortu Leśnictwa i Przemysłu Drzewnego Nr 19 „Diana” w Łodzi. Opracowanie obejmuje lata 1990–2016.

The 19th century game management in Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF), especially hunts for European bison, have been a subject of several works. The aspect of hunts motivated by research and museum needs have not been described in detail yet. The paper attempts at describing the administrative process behind such hunts and collecting all records of bison hunted or captured and carcasses acquired in BPF for museums, natural collections and universities in 1811−1914 (period covered by manuscript sources and published historical works with data on bison hunts available). Based on available sources, we calculated that in the period in question a total of 153 bison were hunted during ‘recreational' hunts (by tsars, their families and exalted guests with special tsars' permissions) and 56 were shot for purposes of study and research – therefore 27% out of 209 hunts had research motivations. Furthermore, 72 bison were captured alive (for zoos, cross−breeding and taming experiments) and carcasses of 89 bison (plus another 9 of unknown origin) were sent to museums and universities all around Europe. We believe that this little known aspect of the 19th century game management in BPF has had a significant impact on informing the scientific world and especially the general public about the European bison species, which in turn could have contributed to successful, international collaboration after the extinction of the species in the wild in 1919., Sylwan 161 (4): 341-352