The spread of the Corona virus (Covid-19) has had far-reaching consequences for social life worldwide since mid-March 2020 at the latest. Although in many federal states in Germany tightened restrictions were already issued before, such as the closure of schools, day care centers or the ban on opening bars and restaurants, since 23.03.20 far-reaching rules are in force, where as an emergency measure a contact ban was issued. The detailed measures can be found below once again summarized.

Effects on hunting

Hunting is very important for livestock farming right now due to the threat of the spread of ASF, because it must be avoided that the disease spreads from wild boars to domestic pigs.

In addition, for many hunters it is unavoidable for reasons of game damage prevention alone, because it threatens their existence, to forego the sharp hunting of wild boar. In times of crisis and contact bans, which do not go far enough for many virologists and who therefore demand a ban on going out, the question arises to what extent hunting is still possible.

Hunters are already experiencing many restrictions because numerous gunsmiths and dealers have already closed, and many players in the industry do not yet have a functioning online structure to sell or advertise their weapons, ammunition and equipment over the Internet. Furthermore, also e.g. shooting ranges are affected by the temporary forced closure.

Am I still allowed to hunt despite Corona at the moment?

Hunting is a "valid reason"- in terms of the curfew restrictions that are currently in effect. The rules include that gatherings of more than two people who do not live in the same household are prohibited. The distance between them should not be less than 1.5 meters. - The journey to the hunting ground, as well as the hunt are not forbidden. However, collective hunts, social hunts and all social gatherings should be prohibited.

Currently, more stringent conditions apply in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania:

Although hunting is not completely affected, hunters are currently not allowed to enter Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to hunt - even if they have their own accommodation or even a second home in MVP.

The general rules of the contact ban at a glance:

The population is called to reduce contacts other people outside the members of the own household to an absolute minimum.

Outside the own dwelling a minimum distance of 1.5 meters or more is not to be fallen below to humans, who do not live in the own household, in order to minimize the danger of the droplet infection.

Outside of one's own home, it is not permitted to be with more than one person who does not live in one's own household. This means that several hunters living in the same household are allowed to hunt together.

The right to stay in public includes going to work, emergency care, shopping, doctor's visits, individual sports or exercise in the fresh air or other necessary activities. Hunting has not yet been included among the prohibited activities.

Groups of partying people in public places, homes as well as private establishments are unacceptable given the serious situation in our country. Violations of the contact restrictions are to be monitored by the regulatory authorities and the police and sanctions imposed in the event of violations. For hunters, this means refraining from all social gatherings such as regulars' tables or club meetings or the like until further notice.

Catering establishments will be closed. This does not include delivery and pickup of take-out meals for consumption at home.

Service businesses in the personal care sector such as hairdressers, cosmetic studios, massage practices, tattoo studios and similar businesses will be closed because physical proximity is essential in this sector. Medically necessary treatments will remain possible.

In all establishments, and especially those open to the public, it is important to comply with hygiene regulations and implement effective protective measures for employees and visitors. In relation to hunting, this can be applied to hunting facilities as well as communal game rooms.

These measures should have a validity period of at least two weeks.