Course Objectives

Students will receive an introduction to outdoor life with a special emphasis on hunting and fishing, which constitutes an important part of the ‘outdoor life’ concept. They will become familiar with the history of Norwegian outdoor life and its relationship to traditional hunting and fishing. In addition, students will gain insight into, and become aware of, the interplay between the practice of outdoor activities, hunting and fishing and the potential and real consequences of these activities for the natural environment. Emphasis will be placed on a practical introduction to important aspects of hunting, fishing and control as a basis for acquiring a more theoretical understanding of how outdoor activities are dependent upon and may influence the environment.

Course Description

Basic topics:

· The history of outdoor activities: the development of outdoor life in Norway with its roots in traditional hunting and fishing as a part of a household economy and the importance of outdoor activities today for Norwegians.

· Hunting: Historical development of hunting in Norway, natural production of huntable wildlife, the practice of hunting, aims and organisation of game management, ethical aspects of hunting, the effect of hunting on game populations, the future of hunting as an outdoor activity.

· Fishing: the productivity and cultivation of some of the most important sport fishing species, sport-fishing as an outdoor pursuit, fishing methods, and the ethical aspects of fishing including the modern practice of catch-and-release.

· Hunting and fishing management: the legal framework, Norwegian property and land-management structure, predator management and havest control.

· Ecological consequences: the selection process for game hunting and fishing, basic population dynamics, vulnerable environments and the effects of traffic and disturbance.

Learning Methods

50 lecture hours.

Obligatory: a 5-day field course. One day of absence is acceptable for medical reasons based on a doctor's evaluation.

Assessment Methods

The grade will be based on a 4-hour written final examination. The course cannot be passed without approval of the field course.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean