Hunting Matters

All wild animals living in Germany are, in principle, ownerless; that is, they belong to no one. However, every landowner is generally entitled to the so-called hunting rights on their land.

Hunting rights are the exclusive authority to manage, hunt, and appropriate wild animals subject to hunting laws within a specific area.
The right of appropriation includes, among other things, the right to use and sell the meat, as well as the right to collect antlers and bird eggs. Anyone who unjustifiably appropriates wild animals or parts thereof is liable to prosecution. The right to hunt must be distinguished from

the right to exercise hunting. Only the right to exercise hunting permits the holder to exercise the right to hunt and to actually hunt. Hunting rights may be exercised by their holder only if the holder possesses a hunting license and owns contiguous land areas used for agricultural, forestry, or fisheries purposes totaling more than 75 ha (private hunting district). In addition to private hunting districts, there are communal hunting districts with a minimum size of 200 hectares, in which the right to hunt is held by the hunting association. The hunting association consists of the owners of the land parcels that belong to a communal hunting district and on which hunting may be conducted. The hunting association typically manages hunting by leasing out the right to hunt.

The right to hunt is also accompanied by the obligation to manage the game population. The goal of game management is to maintain a species-rich and healthy game population adapted to the local landscape and cultural conditions, as well as to care for and safeguard its natural habitat. Hunting

and game management must be conducted in such a way that

• The diversity of wildlife and plants is preserved. All species found in the area have access to sufficient habitat. Endangered animal and plant species are protected and supported.
• the wildlife habitat is promoted and protected from disturbances,
• the game population is adapted to the capabilities and limitations of the habitat, and hunting is conducted in such a way that no avoidable pain or suffering is inflicted on the game.
• All decisions are made in such a way as to ensure the harmonious coexistence of farmland, forests, and wildlife, and to strike an appropriate balance of interests.
  In addition to game density, increased game damage can result from constant disturbances caused by recreational traffic, tourism, sports activities, and improper hunting practices. The factor of tranquility is therefore of crucial importance for reducing damage. For this reason, certain areas may be designated as wildlife quiet zones.