Germany's Hunting Season Expansion Sparks Controversy Over Ecological Concerns

Critics slam Germany's hunting season expansion as ecologically questionable. Lack of public evaluation and arbitrary decisions raise concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact.

, and Administrator

2025 October 17 . 6:03 PM

1 min read

In this picture there are two deer standing. At the back there are birds. At the bottom there is... — In this picture there are two deer standing. At the back there are birds. At the bottom there is mud and there is dirt. At the bottom left there is text.

Germany's Hunting Season Expansion Sparks Controversy Over Ecological Concerns

The resumption and expansion of hunting seasons in Germany have sparked controversy, with critics accusing the government of arbitrary decision-making and a lack of ecological consideration. The changes, which include the abolition of closed seasons for certain mustelids and the extension of hunting periods for foxes, have been slammed by wildlife protection groups.

Wildtierschutz Deutschland has criticized the lack of objective arguments for expanding hunting rights. The organization argues that the abolition of the whole-year closed season for certain mustelids is planless, given the low hunting numbers. They also contend that badgers pose only an insignificant conflict potential for agriculture, and individual conflict cases could be resolved without a general hunting season.

The abolition of the closed season for adult foxes from March 1 to August 15 has been deemed cynical by critics. The extension of existing hunting seasons has been described as arbitrary, based on the wishlist of a hunters' user association rather than ecological necessity. Moreover, no public evaluation of the hunting measures has taken place, with consultation predominantly occurring with hunting-affiliated organizations.

The changes in the Hunting Regulation have been deemed ecologically questionable and environmentally harmful expansions of current hunting rights. Critics warn that abolishing protection periods during wildlife breeding seasons may lead to criminal offenses against parental protection. Tierschutz Austria and Wolfsschutz Deutschland have both criticized the reform, arguing that it conflicts with animal, nature, and species protection. The inclusion of strictly protected species in hunting rights has raised further concerns.