Tourists accompanying indigenous hunters; Forestry Agency warns of severe penalties

Recent reports of Tsou hunters taking tourists into the Tefuye hunting grounds in Alishan have raised concerns about potential illegal activities. While a Chiayi County government investigation found that the tourists were only observing and filming, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency emphasized that if tourists participate in hunting, they violate the Wildlife Conservation Act, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to NT$1 million. Pu Chen-chu, chairman of the Tsou Hunters Association, stated that hunters bringing non-hunters into the grounds without permission violates the association's self-regulatory agreement. The association requires prior registration for bringing non-indigenous people into the grounds and warns that violators will have their hunting licenses revoked. The Chiayi Branch of the Forestry Agency explained that under the Wildlife Conservation Act, hunting by the general public is prohibited except for academic or educational purposes. Indigenous hunting is also regulated, requiring approval for traditional cultural or ritual purposes, and unauthorized hunting is subject to fines. Pu emphasized that hunting licenses are not permanent and are subject to periodic review based on participation in legal training and cultural preservation activities.