Brussels, 27 March 2025 – This week, representatives from national hunting associations across 30 countries gathered in Zagreb to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Croatian Hunting Federation in conjunction with the FACE Members’ Meeting.

The delegates and experts present discussed the most pressing issues affecting hunters at the European level. The topics included large carnivore management, bird hunting, dog welfare and animal transport, monitoring practices, and advancing FACE’s conservation goals.

The European Hunters Conference highlighted the benefits of large carnivore management in reducing conflicts and promoting coexistence, drawing on the example of brown bear management in Croatia. The latest data gathered during the LIFE Wild Wolf project was presented to address wolf-dog conflicts during hunting. The conference also focused on huntable mammals protected by European law, particularly Chamois and Mouflon. Several academics, guests, and partner organisations discussed new strategies for monitoring huntable species and technologies to enhance hunting management.

FACE President Laurens Hoedemaker stated: “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the President of the Croatian Hunting Federation, Ivica Budor, for hosting our Members’ Meeting. Thanks to the dedication of FACE members, the unity within Europe’s hunting community remains stronger than ever”.

Speaking at the close of the events, President Ivica Budor highlighted: “This week’s meeting was essential to advance the policy requests of Europe’s hunters through FACE”. He added: “Our Federation was honoured to host this vital platform on our 100th anniversary to exchange best practices and knowledge across Europe for the benefit of Europe’s hunters”.

For further information, please contact: communication@face.eu