Natural Habitats and Wildlife Preservation - Upcoming adjustment to hunting regulations under consideration - amended proposal forthcoming
Following several more chats, an updated version of the fiercely debated proposed new hunting law for Rhineland-Palatinate has emerged. This is slated to be implemented a year later than initially anticipated, kicking off on April 1, 2026 - marking the commencement of the 2026/27 hunting season, as shared by Minister of the Environment Katrin Eder (Greens) in Mainz. With a "monumental effort," changes have been incorporated into the draft collaboratively. This process involved another 28 intensive expert discussions with a total of 17 associations - ranging from local groups, conservation organizations, to the state hunting association.
The revised draft showcases numerous alterations. For instance, a new section outlines that hunting in specific areas should occur in a manner that prevents excessive harm to the forest from wild animals, thereby preserving its beneficial, protective, and recreational functions. Modifications have also been made to the protocol for dealing with damage to a forest area. Minister Eder maintains that the core objective of the amendment, which is to enhance forest protection, remains unchanged. "Forest shouldn't take precedence over wildlife, and wildlife shouldn't take precedence over forest; there should be a balance," Eder emphasized.
The draft also includes provisions for regular statements from the responsible forest authority regarding potential threats to a forest area. In the future, it will be stipulated that an agreement on measures to be taken in the event of damage will be reached when a hunting lease contract is initiated between a forest owner and a hunter. Should a lessee breach shooting agreements, the owner reserves the right to terminate the long-term lease contract.
The new law will include a provision prohibiting the use of live ducks in the training of hunting dogs, a practice already common in Rhineland-Palatinate. This ban, as well as the prohibition on lead ammunition, have been retained in the amendment, said Eder.
The revised draft, spanning 122 pages, will be submitted to the Communal Council next Monday, followed by a potential cabinet approval by the end of the year. The Communal Council provides advice to the state government on matters significant to municipal corporations.
Reactions to the amendment have been split. The State Hunting Association (LJV) referred to the draft as a "softened" version with persisting areas of contention. For instance, the LJV is opposed to the ban on "live ducks" in hunting dog training and restrictions on trapping. The hunting policy spokesperson for the CDU state parliament faction, Horst Gies, criticized the fact that future administrative decrees will dictate to hunters and forest owners how they should operate.
On the other hand, the Association of Municipalities and Towns in Rhineland-Palatinate recently described the draft as a significant step forward, particularly in balancing forest and wildlife. A significant portion of the forest in Rhineland-Palatinate is owned by municipalities.
Every change in the revised draft was made after a monumental effort, involving numerous expert discussions and associations. Every forest area should be protected, ensuring a balance between forest and wildlife, as emphasized by Minister Eder.
