Mismatch between planned and realized harvests: integrating hunter demography, harvest records and waterbird monitoring to inform game bird management in Poland

Abstract

Bird hunting, with deep historical and cultural significance, faces sustainability challenges, particularly for migratory species. In Poland, the calibration of annual harvest ceilings (quotas) relative to realized harvest and current abundance is debated. This study: (i) examined the Słupsk Hunting District by comparing district annual quotas (plans) with realized harvest, (ii) examined alignment between nationwide mid-winter (January) goose counts and season-long district harvest totals (Sep–Jan), and (iii) surveyed hunter demographics and preferences. Results showed significant discrepancies, with realized harvest totals well below planned levels (median = 11%). Goose abundance correlated moderately with harvests (r = 0.647, p < 0.0001), though phenological (mid-winter vs season-long) and effort mismatches limit interpretations. Among the hunters surveyed, more than one-third were over 45 years of age (36.2%). Most of these hunters chiefly targeted ducks (ca. 80% of respondents) and, to a lesser extent, geese (ca. 40%). These findings highlight that the maximum set quotas (ceilings) often exceed locally attainable harvest and emphasize the need for standardized monitoring, transparent quota recalibration and adaptive harvest strategies, and policy reforms to align hunting practices with ecological realities (current abundance and seasonal availability under observed effort), ensuring viable and sustainable wildlife management in Poland.