Why hunting creates more problems than it solves

In large parts of Europe, recreational hunting is still considered an indispensable tool for regulating wildlife populations. It is intended to prevent damage, ensure ecological balance, and curb the spread of so-called invasive species.

https://wildbeimwild.com/en/why-hunting-creates-more-problems-than-it-solves/

Editorial staff, November 9, 2025

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However, a look at data, studies and international comparison regions shows that hunting does not achieve these goals and in many cases has the opposite effect.

For decades, hunting associations have claimed that without hunting, fox, wild boar, and raccoon populations would “explode.” The figures contradict this. For example, the number of raccoons hunted has increased dramatically for years, while the species continues to spread. The same applies to foxes and wild boar. Recreational hunting does not permanently reduce their populations.

The reason is biologically simple: Many wild animals react to hunting pressure with compensatory reproduction. The greater the number of animals killed, the stronger the offspring. Groups of animals are destabilized, social structures are destroyed, young animals are displaced – a situation that maximizes reproduction. Recreational hunting thus creates precisely the populations it claims to prevent: young, productive, and unstable.

Where there is no hunting, nature relaxes.

The counterexamples are clear:

Luxembourg banned fox hunting in 2015. The predicted epidemics, collapse scenarios, and population explosions failed to materialize. The population stabilized on its own.
The Canton of Geneva banned recreational hunting as early as 1974. To this day, studies show more stable wildlife populations and higher biodiversity than in the surrounding hunting areas.
National parks worldwide operate almost exclusively without recreational hunting. Population regulation occurs through habitat, competition, predation, and resource availability, not through gunfire. The result is functioning ecosystems with natural population cycles.

These examples refute the central narrative of the hunting lobby: wild animals do not need human “population control”, but rather intact habitats and undisturbed social structures.

Invasive species: the next fairy tale

Hunting is often portrayed as a necessity when it comes to invasive species. However, data shows that neither raccoons nor coypus can be sustainably controlled through hunting. In many regions, intensive culling even leads to faster spread, because gaps are immediately filled by immigration from neighboring areas – a classic “Sisyphean effect”.

Furthermore, scientifically sound management plans are often lacking. Instead, shots are fired as needed, without evaluating the ecological impact.

Hobby hunting as a cultural relic

Modern recreational hunting often presents itself as a scientifically sound tool for nature conservation. In reality, it is frequently a traditional ritual with a hobbyist character, which subsequently legitimizes itself ecologically. Upon closer examination, the supposed ecological necessities prove to be a pretext for an outdated system.

The number of shots fired has been increasing for years, not because nature is out of control, but because recreational hunting is to be maintained. Ecological realities often play a subordinate role in this.

Time for a new wildlife management system

Modern wildlife management is based on data, ecosystem research, and internationally proven approaches. This includes:

Promoting natural regulation through habitat improvement.
Reduction of disturbances, especially those caused by hunting pressure.
Monitoring instead of ritualized culling quotas.
The use of specialist game wardens should only occur in clearly defined exceptional cases, not as a permanent practice.

Hunting as a recreational activity is neither ecologically necessary nor scientifically sound. Nature functions when left to its own devices. Modern management must be guided by this principle, not by traditions, myths, or lobbying interests.

The facts are clear: recreational hunting does not solve the problems. In many cases, it creates them.

According to IG Wild beim Wild, annual medical-psychological assessments are also needed for recreational hunters following the example of Holland, as well as an age limit. The largest age group among recreational hunters is 65+, those with age-related, cognitive, visual, concentration, and reaction weaknesses, as well as training and educational deficits. From the age of 45, the number of accidents for humans and animals increases dramatically. The alarming reports of hunting accidents and fatal crimes with hunting weapons show that it’s high time to abolish recreational hunting! Lethal firearms don’t belong in the hands of senile recreational hunters who can use them completely uncontrolled! Recreational hunters represent everything that’s wrong in the world.

Recreational hunters live speciesism. Speciesism is comparable to racism and sexism, and that’s no culture or tradition.

In particular, with recreational hunting, it’s essential to take a close look. Nowhere is there as much manipulation with untruths and fake news. Violence and lies are two sides of the same coin.