State government decides to include wolves in hunting law

The wolf is subject to a year-round closed season, so it cannot be hunted without further ado. However, there are special regulations for the removal of wolves.

According to a decision by the federal government a few days ago, this should apply in the future: If the wolf is in a favorable conservation status – i.e. the chances of long-term survival in an area are good – the states can also enable control of the population through hunting. According to the Federal Cabinet, a hunting season is planned from July 1st to October 31st.

Minister: Herd protection should be better

According to the announcement, Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD) said: “The aim of the change in the law is to strengthen social acceptance of the wolf and to create the basis for more effective herd protection for grazing animal owners where herd protection through fences and dogs is not possible or is not sufficient.”

The state hunting association has long been calling for the number of wolves in Brandenburg to be noticeably reduced because of grazing livestock. Species conservationists reject inclusion in hunting law, as does former Agriculture Minister Axel Vogel from the Greens.

According to the Agriculture Minister, there will be no quota hunt in Brandenburg, according to which a set number of wolves should be shot annually. A so-called management plan is now to be further developed that regulates measures to deal with the wolf.