Hobby hunters in Lower Saxony fear abolition of hunting

The Lower Saxony State Hunters' Association and many farmers from across the region fear massive restrictions on recreational hunting.

The recreational hunters are protesting against the state government's plans and are organising a large demonstration for 30 January 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Schützenplatz in Hanover.

Their anger is directed at Miriam Staudte. “Part of the animal rights organisations is pursuing the long-term abolition of hunting. Either Minister Miriam Staudte shares this goal, or she is being instrumentalised by them,” reads the website of the agitators.

Green parliamentary group discusses new hunting law

The background is a public discussion held by the Green parliamentary group on the planned new Lower Saxony hunting law, which took place on 16 December in the state parliament.

The event made clear that the arguments put forward by the State Hunters' Association in the three preceding dialogue meetings had not been taken up or considered. The recreational hunters and farmers fear that the Green minister intends to impose a blanket ban on the training of hunting dogs using live animals.

Demonstration also in front of the state parliament

If the red-green state government passes the draft law in this form, it would be a step towards greater nature and animal protection.

The recreational hunters and farmers, in their fervour, want to make a visible statement in Hanover against the state government's plans. Under the motto “Now everything is at stake – secure hunting, preserve nature!” The meeting point is the Schützenplatz in Hanover. An opening rally will be held there before the agitators intend to travel to the Lower Saxony state parliament with hunting horns and orange high-visibility clothing.

After the call became public, it remains unclear how large the militant mob in Hanover will be. The day is likely to bring significant traffic disruptions for the general public.