The early 1970s and the first years of the following decade were marked by important events in the work of hunting organizations in Novi Bečej. This period was characterized by the struggle against poaching, the introduction of protective measures for wildlife, improvements in hunting management plans, and the beginnings of hunting tourism.
These events testify to the continuous efforts of local hunters to preserve the natural wealth of the Banat plain and improve hunting organization.
1971
Poaching and illegal hunting were serious problems. While inspecting their hunting grounds, Novi Bečej hunters repeatedly found roe deer carcasses in the backwaters of the Tisa River without their hind legs—evidence of brutal poaching. The offenders skinned the animals and left the hides hanging by the roadside, shocking both hunters and passers-by (Source: Lovačke novine, 1971).
Based on Article 45 of the Hunting Law, the Provincial Secretariat for Agriculture in Novi Sad issued a temporary ban on hare hunting throughout Vojvodina for the 1971 and 1972 seasons, lasting until January 15, 1973.
That same year, the first competition “No Winter Hardships for Game” was completed. Novi Bečej and Savino Selo shared first place and received 400 pheasant chicks each (Source: Lovačke novine, 1971).
1972
A hunting management plan for the period 1973–1977 was adopted, defining future game management activities.
Although a general hunting ban was in force in Vojvodina, hunting grounds with an excellent hare population were allowed controlled capture and relocation. The Novi Bečej association received permission to capture 350 hares; 228 were caught and transferred to areas with fewer hares (Source: LSV Assembly report, 1972).
At the competition for the best-organized hunting ground in Vojvodina, the Novi Bečej hunting society was praised as one of the most well-managed in the province (Source: Lovačke novine, 1972).
1977
The Novi Bečej Hunting Society received a plaque from the Association of Military Veterans of Vojvodina and the Municipality of Novi Bečej for many years of successful cooperation and contribution to hunting development.
1980
The Hunting Society “Kozjak” from Split sent a letter proposing the signing of a twinning charter in 1981, during the celebration of its 60th anniversary as the oldest hunters’ association in Dalmatia.
1981
According to the spring roe deer hunting report, five groups of foreign hunters—three from Italy and two from Germany—hunted in Novi Bečej. Eleven hunters harvested 39 roe deer, generating significant income and confirming the growing importance of hunting tourism.
1982
The Municipal Assembly of Novi Bečej approved a hunting management plan for a unified hunting ground covering the entire municipality for the period 1983–1987. Five full-time gamekeepers were employed across the hunting grounds—two in the Novi Bečej society and one in each of the other three societies.
To stimulate hunting tourism, the municipality allocated 500,000 dinars from its budget, distributed among hunting societies according to their participation in tourism activities. The president of the Novi Bečej Hunters’ Association at the time was Obrad Živković (Source: Annual Report of OLS Novi Bečej, 1982).
Conclusion
The period from 1971 to 1982 was a time of both challenges and progress for hunting in Novi Bečej. The fight against poaching, temporary hunting bans to protect wildlife populations, improved hunting management planning, and the development of international cooperation and hunting tourism demonstrate the dedication of local hunters. These events remain an important part of the history of hunting in the Novi Bečej municipality and testify to efforts to preserve both wildlife and hunting tradition in the Banat plain.
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