Anyone who appreciates the hunt for mature tuskers is in for a treat. We're not talking about the magic moments during a driven hunt, but the rush that drives even the stealthiest blackbucks out of the thicket. Bright moonlit nights now bring enough light to the edges of forests and hidden corners, but sometimes it is so bright that our wild boar prefer to stay in the shadows. When there is snow, we need neither the moon nor technical aids to be successful. A snow stalk or circling is the crowning glory of winter hunting. Wild boar venison taken just before Christmas is not only easy to use, but also excellent for marketing.

At the end of the year, our roe deer are in a metabolic low and the egg rest of our shod doe is coming to an end. Gradually, the embryo continues to develop and this should be a sign for us to stop hunting roe deer now at the latest. It would have been better if we had done our duty weeks earlier at the beginning of the hunting season, as the roe deer now urgently need rest to get through the winter well. While the bucks have already shed their horns, the fawns are sweeping away their little spits or buttons.

Red deer also need peace and quiet in their winter enclosures. Ski tourers and hikers should be informed emphatically but politely about this necessity. Special attention should also be paid to these areas when planning driven hunts.

The mature belly of the red fox lures the hunter into the night. The foxes are on the lookout for prey and also for the right partner. This means many a sleepless night for the conservationist in the small game area.

Anyone who hasn't yet shot a hare for Christmas now has to look after it with the little ball. If you want to take care of them, don't forget to provide some pross wood. When the snow is heavy, the bark of softwoods such as apple, aspen and willow provides additional grazing to get Mümmelmann through the winter.

Ice-free waters now offer the duck hunter the best opportunities to make tracks. A serviceable dog is a basic requirement here. It should be a matter of course for every dog handler to take care of their wet hunting helper. Even a long-haired four-legged friend needs a dry, draught-free room to recover after strenuous water work. This must also be taken into account during the hunt, e.g. during a break.