Translation of an article in Bergslagsposten
No hunting luck for the King
45 people have for two days walked in the woods of Bergslagen, driving the elks towards 17 shots. One of them was His Majesty the King. But on his watch, there weren’t much hunting luck.
- It has been wonderful days in the woods, cold and nice. And I have seen elk, that I have, said the King at lunchtime on Thursday. He fired a shot on Wednesday, but he wasn’t alone on this elk. It was already shot by a colleague 200 metres away, and to shorten the suffering, the King helped to take it down.
The representational hunt was planned to the minute. The drivers/beaters went by bus from one place to the next.
- But this morning we were 20 minutes late, because the bus got a flat tire, tells the hunting leader, Crown Hunter Jan Eriksson from Sveaskog (state owned forestry company) who owns the land.
Many calves
The breakfast at Färna Manor was served at 06:10 and then the programme was set. Five drives is to be made before seven pm, but with a break for lunch in the free nature at Rågastjärn. There a press conference and medal ceremony is held.
It was satisfied hunters whom gathered and summed up the hunt so far. During Wednesday, 40 elks were observed, 11 of them had to go (were shot). On Thursday morning, 32 elks were observed and 10 of them shot. There were plenty of calves, which shows that this area isn’t affected badly by the wolf.
- This is one of Sweden’s most elk populated areas, said Jan Eriksson.
Elin Gustafsson from Uttersberg was one of all of those who got a medal for their efforts as drivers/beaters. She attends an agricultural high school in Nyköping.
- It is the first year I’m attending, so I received the bronze medal, she tells.
- But maybe I will attend in the future as well, I’m a hunter myself, she tells.
It was a long row of orange dressed people whom were called and fast went forward to receive a medal from the King’s hand. Silver after five years, and gold after ten.
His Majesty answered questions about the hunt with a low voice and many words.
No dragging for the King
- With the tight schedule that this kind of hunt means, there is not participation in the after work after the elk is shot, the King told Bp.
- We hunt on such big lands and there are so many people, that it is a very concentrated hunt. We can’t even go forward to the animal we have shot, other people take care of that. It is not possible in practice here.
- But at other hunts at home, I’m the one dragging and polling. Princess Madeleine is also with us hunting, but she hasn’t tried elk hunting yet.
How is the elk prepared if the King can choose himself?
- I gladly eat elk meat. Before, it was often boringly prepared, but these days it’s as good as any meat. But these elks here don’t come to the palace, they are sent to local butcheries. But I don’t know any particular recipes.
Good mix
In the old days, one hunted to get food, now many people see the hunt as an exciting sport, other finds the greatest interest in the guns and the shooting, while many talk about the nature experience and game care. We wanted to know what allures the King.
- It’s a combination of everything. I think it’s nice with a lonely moment in the woods, when one can sit on a stool and think about the future, family, travels, or whatever one wants. And there are nice guests that I get to meet. Yes, it’s the mix that’s good. Finns meet in the sauna, and we Swedes meet in the woods.
Soon the questions have to be stopped. The schedule must be held.
The original article (in Swedish) can be found here.
The first picture is from Bergslagsposten, the second is from the Royal Court's website, and the others from Aftonbladet.