The Ministry for the Environment has increased its annual budget for the convention with Luxembourg’s national hunting association (FSHCL) from €75,000 to €250,000. Environment Minister Serge Wilmes (CSV) confirmed the change via video call during the FSHCL’s general assembly in Mertzig on Saturday morning.
The revised budget is intended to support hunters by ensuring access to appropriate equipment and acknowledging their role in environmental stewardship. “We have never had such good collaboration as we do now,” said FSHCL president Jo Studer, expressing satisfaction with the strengthened partnership.
Jo Studer underlined the importance of hunting piglets, and therefore the bonuses distributed for it. Minister for Agriculture, Martine Hansen (CSV), responded that these bonuses will still be guaranteed, noting that “those we shoot as piglets will not cause any damages later on”. As of now, a total of €436,000 has been granted to the association for this reason.
Furthermore, she pointed out that swine fever has been detected just 120km from Luxembourg’s border in Hesse, underscoring the need for preventive measures. In light of this, FSHCL president Jo Studer called for permission to hunt wild boar at night. However, Minister Hansen did not address the proposal.
The proposed installation of 30km of electric fencing could offer partial protection against swine fever, according to FSHCL president Jo Studer. While not yet in place, he suggested that such measures would help contain the spread of the disease.
However, he added that round-the-clock access to collection points – used to gather animal carcasses or remains – would also be essential.
Collection points are currently planned in Fehlen and Clervaux, but Studer stressed the need for more to be distributed across the country. Martine Hansen confirmed that the planned sites will be implemented as soon as possible, though no specific date was given.
In addition to the requests hunters made to the ministry, the president of the FSHCL outlined how the association can offer support, such as assisting with fawn rescue during the mowing season. Farmers are urged to contact hunters before mowing their fields, as the responsibility for saving young deer ultimately lies with them.
The hunters also expressed willingness to help manage the spread of the Egyptian goose, an invasive species. The association noted that the birds are not only huntable but also edible – though, Studer joked, their flavour might depend on the quality of their “flying lessons”.
Michel Leytem, director of the Nature and Forest Agency (ANF), confirmed that work is underway to adjust regulations to allow hunters to take a more active role in controlling invasive species like the Egyptian goose.
Read also: Goose on the loose: Invading Luxembourg’s invasive species
“Hunters are an important part of the solution,” emphasised Michel Leytem, noting their key role in managing the steadily growing game population.
Studer criticised the widespread use of fencing as a way to protect people from wildlife, warning that it further restricts the limited territory animals have left. As an alternative, he proposed establishing quiet zones – but pointed out that many are compromised by forest paths. “Not every path needs to be accessible all the time,” he remarked, stressing that recreational activities must be compatible with nature.
Despite existing forest regulations, hunters remain critical of mushroom collectors who spend entire days in the woods. Studer called for fixed hours and collection limits, and also urged for reduced access for nature photographers.
