Germany's Hunting Crisis Sparks Calls for Psychological Tests and Age Limits
Recreational hunting in Germany is facing growing scrutiny over safety and ethical concerns. Between 2017 and 2025, official records show around 145 deaths and 290 severe injuries linked to hunting weapons. Critics now demand stricter regulations, including psychological testing and age limits for hunters.
The debate intensifies as older hunters, the largest demographic in the hobby, are repeatedly involved in accidents. Meanwhile, Germany lacks a centralised system to track gun violence related to hunting, leaving gaps in accountability.
Official figures reveal a troubling pattern in German hunting accidents. From 2017 to 2025, about 25 people died in hunting mishaps, with another 40 suffering serious injuries. Deliberate violence involving hunting firearms resulted in roughly 120 deaths and 250 severe injuries. Combined, these incidents total around 145 fatalities and 290 critical injuries over eight years.
Older hunters, particularly those aged 50 and above, dominate the hobby. Yet, age-related impairments—such as slower reflexes and cognitive decline—are increasingly linked to accidents. Reports show these incidents are not isolated but part of a recurring trend.
Current German firearms laws require reliability checks, but these are often one-time assessments. They fail to address long-term risks, such as deteriorating mental or physical health. In contrast, the Netherlands introduced the E-Screener, a digital psychological test for all firearm licence holders. Within the first month, a 'relatively high number' of hunters lost their permits after failing the evaluation.
Neuropsychologists warn that some individuals prone to proactive violence exhibit reduced amygdala activity. This can lead to lower emotional responsiveness and weaker empathy—traits that raise concerns in a high-risk activity like hunting. Advocacy group IG Wild beim Wild is now pushing for annual medical-psychological assessments and a mandatory upper age limit for German hunters.
Beyond safety, ethical questions persist. Critics argue that recreational hunting is rooted in speciesism—the systematic devaluation of animals based on their species. The lack of transparency and public debate further complicates the issue, as risks to both humans and wildlife remain poorly documented.
The call for reform in German hunting practices grows louder. Without a centralised tracking system for gun-related harm, the full scale of risks remains unclear. Stricter psychological evaluations and age restrictions could reduce accidents, but implementation would require significant changes to current laws.
For now, the debate continues over how to balance tradition, safety, and ethical responsibility in recreational hunting.
