Mass demonstration in Mainz: 5,000 hunters fight against new hunting law!

Mass demonstration in Mainz: 5,000 hunters fight against new hunting law!

On June 25, 2025, several thousand hunters gathered in downtown Mainz to protest against the Rhineland-Palatinate state government's new hunting law. Participants from Saarland also joined the demonstration, which was organized by the Rhineland-Palatinate State Hunting Association. The demonstrators willingly wore green pants and T-shirts as well as eye-catching yellow high-visibility vests to emphasize their demand for a revision of the planned law. This demonstration was a significant expression of the displeasure of the hunters, who feel that their work is being severely affected by the upcoming legal changes.

The points of criticism are complex. A key concern is the regulation that would allow the state government to order the shooting of deer if they cause damage to young trees. The chairman of the state hunting association, Sven Bischof, expresses concerns that the new law could put increased hunting pressure on the forests. “There is no wildlife biology concept behind this law,” he added, emphasizing that the amendment would deprive hunters of their competencies.

Worrying changes

In addition to the existing regulations, hunters fear a massive increase in the number of deaths of ruminant hoofed game. The draft currently being discussed envisages transferring more responsibility for sustainable forest development to hunters and game. Conservancy communities that play an important role in caring for wild populations should either be gutted or even completely abolished. These intended cuts endanger fallow deer and mouflon in particular.

Another point of criticism includes the planned greater state control over hunting decisions. At the latest when the law is passed, it should be possible to order shooting plans without taking local game resources into account. In addition, extended liability for damage caused by game is seen as a potential area of ​​dispute between hunters and farmers.

Demonstration process and participants

The protest began in the morning with a meeting on the banks of the Rhine, followed by an impressive protest march through the city center. The main rally took place at Ernst-Ludwig-Platz at 1 p.m. Hunters from Hesse were also called upon to take part in the demo and were asked to show solidarity by the state hunting association. The police drew attention in advance to possible traffic disruptions due to the demonstration.

Overall, the protest event shows that the planned changes to the hunting law are met with broad resistance within the hunting community. The participants not only demand respect for their traditions, but also an orderly and objective discussion of the topics of hunting, nature conservation and ecological responsibility.

For detailed information about the demonstration, the website of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Hunting Association is available.