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60 Document 3:13 2012–2013 Report Fact box 2 In-depth studies of grants for local game-related measures Grants for local game-related measures – reindeer hunting courses for women In 2012, Aust-Agder county authority awarded a grant to a reindeer hunting course for women at Bjåen. Bjåen is located at the top of the Setesdal valley in Bykle municipality. Six women participated in the course, in addition to the county governor secretary, county governor liaison and a guide. The par- ticipants were aged between 18 and 56, with various levels of hunting experience. The goal for the women was to gain more knowledge and improve hunting skills, learn what reindeer hunting entails, and have the opportunity to hunt for reindeer. Courses provide the opportunity to hunt for big game for those without access to terrain. In 2012, the county chapter of the Association of Hunters and Anglers received a total of NOK 28 000 in grants for game-related purposes. The funding went to three different courses and projects in con- nection with woodland bird counting and exterminating mink. The county chapter states that planned activities are usually carried out in the short term even when they do not receive funding, but grants are essential for which activities the county chapter conducts in the long term. Uncertainty regarding allocation, and when it will come, makes planning diffi cult for the county chapter. Aust-Agder county authority notes that the grants awarded to the Association of Hunters and Anglers in Aust-Agder comply with the goals for the schemes. Reindeer hunting for women is a “narrow” opportunity, marketed to a relatively large target group. The county authority believes the target group is important with regard to both gender equality and recruitment of hunters. Aust-Agder county authority states that, when awarding grants, it is assumed that the majority of the funding goes to management of elk and deer. The county authority states that many of the same players apply for and receive grants every year. The county authority uses designated goals for the management of elk and deer and other local governing documents as a guide in management of grant funding. Measures which can contribute to achieving the goals in these plans are prioritised if they also comply with State guidelines. In its discretionary assessment, the county authority emphasises triggering typical regional measures in cases where neither local game funds nor national funding is relevant or sui cient. Grants for fish-related purposes The goal achievement criterion is whether the scheme, through support for sound fi sh management, cultivation measures and contributions from local communities and landowners, contribute to a harvestable surplus. The scheme has only been directed at measures associated with anadromous salmonids, as only fi shing for these species is subject to a fee. The Directorate for Nature Management states that the grant goes to salmon, sea trout and sea char, with salmon given fi rst priority. Reindeer hunting for women at Bjåen. Hunting courses give women without access to terrain the possibility to hunt. Photo: The Office of the Auditor General