Hunters, trappers ‘suffered mental health problems’ after 2009 trapping ban

An independent study commissioned by hunting federation FKNK has suggested that a substantial number of hunters and trappers suffered mental health problems after the trapping ban was enforced in 2009.

Psychotherapist Marin Ward, membes of the Malta Association of Psychiatric Nurses (MAPN), said that the survey sought to establish how relevant hunting and trapping were for those who practiced it, and what were the potential implications of deprivation on their mental wellbeing.

The findings of the survey pointed to a "downward shift" in mental wellbeing of hunters and trappers.

When asked whether the vested interest of the participants in seeking that the ban should be dropped could have influenced the respondents' answers, Ward said that even if it were so "the numbers wouldn't have been so high".

"Moreover, the majority of those suffering from mental health problems rarely admit to it."

Asked whether it could be confirmed that the problems suffered were a direct result of the trapping ban, Ward conceded that there could have been other issues.

"But the impending changes which the hunters and trappers were going through because of the ban is an important variable," he said.

Asked whether the study would be presented to Health Minister Joe Cassar, FKNK president Joseph Perici Calascione said that the federation had yet to see whether it should be presented to authorities other than the ministry for health, including the possibility of sending it to higher levels in the European Union.

FKNK had commissioned the study in 2009 after it reported a number of suicide cases among hunters and trappers.

The quantitative survey was in fact carried among FKNK members. Out of the 2,389 members, only 780 completed the survey, of which 46% were hunters, 13% trappers and 41% both.

67% were employed at the tie of the survey.

"Most notable, we found out that 56% had started hunting or trapping since they were aged between five and 10. The strong majority went into the hobby via family tradition," Ward said.

He said that over 50% had been practicing for over 30 years, while 52% had spent more than 241 days per year on hunting and trapping related activities. Such activities would be breeding birds, training dogs and more.

"We found a strong reluctance to desert these activities," he said.

Ward said that evidence suggested that experiential contact with nature "can exert a significant impact on cognitive development, especially during middle childhood and early adolescence". In fact, the age of initiation for 33% of the hunters and trappers was between 11 and 15 years.

"Forceful removal of these activities raises the potential for serious mental health problems," Ward insisted.

The study also found that 61% had sought professional help for their mental health problems, with over half taking prescribed psychiatric medications.

"Considerably, more medication was prescribed the longer the practice, Levels of anxiety, depression and stress were four times higher in those who had been initiated before the age of 16," he said.

Based on the respondents' replies, 30.6% were prescribed anxiolytcis - medication against anxiety - while 21.4% were on antidepressants.

Ward argued that based on the findings of the study - "where the subject could have easily been the Valletta street traders, fishermen, farmers or any other small groups within Maltese society" - minority groups were vulnerable to the impact of changes that do not take into account their particular needs in favour of the majority of society.

"Ultimately, this undermines the fabric of society as a whole, because many of these activities are traditional, family related and practiced since childhood," Ward said, adding that the findings show a general growing trend in mental health problems.

"Activities developed in childhood have a large impact on adult life. Over half the sample of this minority group had been practicing for over 30 years. The forceful removal of those activities increases the risk of mental health problems," he said.

Ward said that the implications of the study included the need to consider whether it was "appropriate to expose children to hunting and trapping considering the potential consequences during adulthood if these activities are denied them".

Methodology

Data was collected over a three-month period in 2009 - between June and September - via a mail-shot questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS).

An independent statistician selected the sample size of 2,389 FKNK members, out of which 688 men and two women completed the survey.