Updated Hunting Regulations and Wildlife Preservation: The Latest Developments in Rhineland-Palatinate
After some intense discussions, the highly debated proposed hunting law for Rhineland-Palatinate has seen a modification. This version, announced by Minister of the Environment Katrin Eder (Greens) in Mainz, will start a year later than originally planned, starting April 1, 2026, marking the beginning of the 2026/27 hunting season.
A monumental collaborative effort went into crafting this revised draft, involving 28 intensive meetings with 17 different associations, encompassing local groups, conservation organizations, and the state hunting association.
This revised draft includes numerous alterations that address forest protection and wildlife preservation. For instance, hunting activities must be carried out in a manner that minimizes harm to the forest from wild animals. Modifications have also been made to the protocol for dealing with forest damage. Eder emphasized that the primary objective of the amendment remains unchanged: balance between forest and wildlife.
The new draft also specifies regular statements from the responsible forest authority regarding potential threats to a forest area. In the event of damage, an agreement to address it will be reached when a hunting lease contract is initiated between the forest owner and the hunter. If a lessee breaches their shooting agreements, the owner has the right to terminate the long-term lease contract.
Live ducks will be prohibited from being used in hunting dog training, as well as the continued prohibition on lead ammunition. The revised draft, spanning 122 pages, will be submitted to the Communal Council for consideration and may receive cabinet approval by the end of the year.
Reactions to the amendment have varied, with the State Hunting Association (LJV) expressing some opposition to parts of the draft, such as the live duck ban and trapping restrictions. On the contrary, the Association of Municipalities and Towns in Rhineland-Palatinate has praised the draft for its balance between forest and wildlife.
Change in Regulations: A Collaborative Effort
Together with numerous expert discussions, every forest area should be protected, with a balance between forest and wildlife. The latest amendments on hunting regulations in Rhineland-Palatinate were not the first, as there have been ongoing efforts to align hunting practices with environmental concerns and wildlife preservation.
