Overview
- The federal law that reclassified wolves as huntable came into force in April and sets a July 1–October 31 season, but states must adopt management plans and demonstrate a favourable conservation status before regular hunts can begin.
- A court in Arnsberg halted North Rhine‑Westphalia’s first culling permit for the male wolf “Milan,” and the local authority has appealed to the Higher Administrative Court in Münster.
- Hesse published a cross‑district management plan permitting removals of up to 40 percent of a projected juvenile cohort, a limit that drew sharp criticism from BUND and Nabu for risking the small local population.
- Other states are taking different routes: Brandenburg is still drafting a plan with a target entry into force in the fourth quarter of 2026, while Niedersachsen has signalled a cap of 27 adult wolves for the 2026/27 hunting year.
- Practical removals remain tightly constrained because year‑round removal is allowed only for proven 'problem' wolves after herd‑protection measures have failed, and the patchwork of state rules makes more legal challenges and political conflict likely.