Agreement on revising hunting regulations established
In a recent cabinet meeting, Economic Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) announced a breakthrough in the reform of Bavaria's hunting law. The agreement, reached between the CSU (Christian Social Union) and the Free Voters, followed intense debate and was facilitated by Minister President Markus Söder and State Chancellery Minister Florian Herrmann.
The most contentious aspect of the reform is the inclusion of the wolf and the golden jackal in Bavaria's hunting law. The Nature Conservation Association (BN) has expressed disappointment, considering it unfortunate but necessary, given the unfavorable conservation status of the wolf in Bavaria. However, the BN is relieved that no other animals, apart from these two, are to be included in the hunting law.
The BN, along with the Bavarian Farmers' Association (BBV), has criticized the proposed abolition of mandatory culling plans in hunting districts with unbearable browsing pressure. They deem it irresponsible, as it places more self-responsibility on hunters and landowners in shooting planning.
The shooting plan remains as a basis, but authorities can still intervene if necessary. There will be changes in the rules for dealing with the official shooting plan. The BJV has approved of the new hunting law, appreciating the resolution of the dispute between the two ministries.
The persistent criticism of the BN beforehand appears to have had an impact, according to the deputy chairperson of the BN. The CSU faction leader, Klaus Holetschek, described the new hunting law as practical and balanced, taking into account the interests of landowners, hunters, and society.
One of the changes in the hunting seasons for roe deer is that does will be hunted from April 16 to January 15, bucks from April 16 to October 15, and kids and does from September 1 to January 15.
Minister President Markus Söder invited parties to find a solution last week, and it seems that a compromise has been reached. The Bavarian Farmers' Association sees the decisions positively, particularly the hunting seasons for roe deer, shooting plan freedom, and the inclusion of the wolf in the hunting law.
The inclusion of the wolf in the hunting law is intended to ease the removal of wolves to protect livestock. The wolf will be able to be shot more easily in the future under the new law. The golden jackal is also to be included in the state hunting law.
This reform of the hunting law in Bavaria marks a significant shift in wildlife management and has sparked much debate and controversy. As the changes are implemented, it will be interesting to see how they impact the conservation status of the wolf and the golden jackal, as well as the overall balance between wildlife, landowners, and hunters in the region.
