Hunting matters

All wild animals living in Germany are basically ownerless, i.e. they do not belong to anyone. However, every landowner is in principle entitled to the so-called hunting right on his land.

The right to hunt is the exclusive right to keep, hunt and appropriate wild animals subject to hunting law in a given area.
The right of appropriation means, among other things, the right to use and sell the meat, but also the collection of throwing poles and bird eggs. Anyone who unjustifiably appropriates wild animals or parts of them is liable to prosecution.

A distinction must be made between the right to hunt and the right to hunt. Only the right to hunt makes it possible to exercise the right to hunt and to hunt. The right to hunt may only be exercised by its holder if he holds a hunting licence and is the owner of contiguous land with agricultural, forestry or fishing use of more than 75 ha (private hunting district). In addition to the private hunting districts, there are joint hunting districts from a minimum size of 200 ha, in which the hunting association has the right to hunt. The hunting association consists of the owners of the land belonging to a common hunting district on which hunting can be carried out. As a rule, the hunting association uses hunting by leasing the right to hunt.

The right to hunt is also associated with the obligation to conserve. The aim of the conservancy is to preserve a species-rich and healthy wild population adapted to the landscape and cultural conditions as well as to maintain and secure its livelihoods.

Hunting and conservation shall be carried out in such a way that:

• the diversity of wildlife is preserved. All occurring species have a sufficient habitat available. Endangered animal and plant species are protected and promoted.
• the habitat of the game is promoted and protected against impairment,
• the game population is adapted to the possibilities and limits of the habitat and hunting is carried out in such a way that no avoidable pain or suffering is inflicted on the game.
• all stipulations are made in such a way that a compatible coexistence of field, forest and game and a corresponding balance of interests take place.
  In addition to game density, increased game damage can occur as a result of constant disturbances caused by recreational traffic, tourism, sporting activities and improper hunting. The factor of rest is therefore of decisive importance for the reduction of damage. Therefore, certain areas can be declared wildlife rest zones.

• Federal Hunting Act
• Hessian Hunting Act (HJagdG)