Overview

• The Landtag will hold the second reading and a plenary vote on Thursday, paving the way for the law to take effect in 2027.
• Amendments assign local authorities responsibility for red deer, halve the wildlife damage reporting period to two weeks, emphasize voluntary fawn rescue and introduce digital wildlife management processes.
• The reform mandates shooting plans for deer and wild boar to reduce browsing pressure on climate-stressed mixed forests.
• FDP leader and agriculture minister Daniela Schmitt initially opposed the draft but backed the revised compromise after coalition negotiations.
• Thousands of hunters have demonstrated in Mainz against the law and the CDU opposition has pledged to repeal it if elected in March 2026.