2026 has reshaped European hunting more than any year in the past decade. On March 5, 2026, the German Bundestag voted to include the wolf in the Federal Hunting Act — the Bundesrat approved it on March 27, and the law took effect April 2, 2026. Wolves are now a huntable species in Germany for the first time since they began recolonizing the country in the early 2000s.
That same month, Latvia opened its 2026/2027 wolf season with a 400-animal quota — up from 370 in 2025, with an additional 10 wolves allowed for damage prevention. In Spain, the legal landscape shifted on March 20, 2025, when wolves north of the Duero River were removed from the protected species list; a Supreme Court ruling in February 2026 established that lethal measures may only be used as a last resort. And on the ammunition front, the EU's lead-shot ban in wetlands — already in effect since February 2023 — saw a broader REACH restriction pass a key committee vote in April 2026.
If you're planning a European hunt in 2026 or booking for 2027, this guide covers every major species' dates by country, the wolf hunting changes, the driven boar calendar, and what you need on the ground before booking a trip.
Four major developments define 2026:
1. Germany legalized wolf hunting — the law took effect April 2, 2026; the hunting season runs July 1 through October 31 in high-density areas. Lower Saxony's 2026/2027 plan authorizes removal of 27 adult territorial wolves.
2. Latvia opens wolf season July 15 with a 400-animal quota (up from 370), plus 10 additional wolves for damage prevention, running through March 31, 2027.
3. Spain removed wolves north of the Duero from the protected species list in March 2025. A Supreme Court ruling in February 2026 established that lethal control may only be used as a last resort. Wolves south of the Duero remain fully protected.
4. Lead shot in wetlands has been banned across the EU since February 15, 2023. A broader REACH restriction on lead ammunition passed a REACH Committee vote in April 2026, with transitional periods being implemented. The proposal excludes bullets.
For the full country-by-country species dates table, see Section 1.
1. 2026 European Hunting Season Dates Table — All Species, All Countries
This is the table most hunters actually need: every major species, every major country, one reference. Dates reflect publicly available 2026/2027 hunting calendars and may vary by region. Always verify with local authorities before booking.
| Species | Germany | Italy | Hungary | Spain | France |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Roe Deer (Rehwild/Capriolo) |
May 1 – Jan 31 Buck: May-Jun, Blattzeit Jul-Aug |
Jan 1 – Sep 30 varies by region |
Apr 15 – Jan 31 Buck: Apr 15 – Sep 30 |
Apr 1 – Mar 31 Iberian roe |
Jun 1 – Feb 28 varies by dept. |
|
Red Deer (Rotwild/Cervo) |
Sep 1 – Feb 28 Rut (Brunft): Sep-Oct |
Sep 1 – Jan 31 Alpine regions |
Sep 1 – Jan 31 Rut: Sep 1-20 (prime) |
Sep 1 – Feb 13 Rut (Berrea): mid-Sep–Oct |
Sep 1 – Feb 28 varies by dept. |
|
Fallow Deer (Damwild/Daino) |
Sep 1 – Feb 28 Rut: October |
Oct 1 – Jan 15 varies by region |
Oct 1 – Jan 31 Rut: October |
Sep 1 – Feb 22 Best: Sep-Oct |
Sep 1 – Feb 28 varies by dept. |
|
Wild Boar (Schwarzwild/Cinghiale) |
Year-round Driven peak: Oct-Jan |
Oct 1 – Jan 31 Thu/Sat/Sun (Umbria) |
Nov 1 – Feb 28 Driven: Nov-Jan |
Oct 1 – Feb 15 Monteria season |
Aug – Jan varies by dept. |
| Wolf NEW | Jul 1 – Oct 31 High-density areas |
Protected | Protected | Managed north of Duero SC limits to last resort |
Protected |
| Fox | Year-round | Year-round varies by region |
Year-round | Sep – Feb varies by region |
Year-round |
For a trophy red stag hunt, target Hungary or Spain in mid-September during the rut. For driven boar, book November–January in Hungary or Italy. For wolf hunting, Germany (July–October) and Latvia (July 15–March 31) are the only legal 2026 options. For fallow deer rut, Spain in October is the classic choice.
2. Germany — Wolf Hunting Legalized (April 2, 2026)
What changed: On March 5, 2026, the German Bundestag voted to include the wolf in the Federal Hunting Act (Bundesjagdgesetz). The Bundesrat approved it on March 27, 2026. Following publication in the Federal Law Gazette, the law took effect April 2, 2026. Wolves are now a huntable species in Germany for the first time since they began recolonizing the country in the early 2000s.
Season and quota: The hunting season runs from July 1 through October 31 in high-density wolf areas. In Lower Saxony — the state with the highest wolf density — the 2026/2027 management plan authorizes the removal of 27 adult territorial wolves (22 in the Atlantic region, 5 in the Continental region). This figure is based on the NLWKN wolf monitoring program and is designed to ensure the favorable conservation status is maintained. Permits are issued through the Lower Saxony Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. The official breakdown is available in the Lower Saxony Ministry (ML) announcement.
How permits work: Hunters apply through state forestry offices. Each permit is area-specific and time-limited. The new law distinguishes between "targeted removal" (for wolves that killed livestock) and "population management" (in high-density areas). Both are now legal.
Terrain: German wolf territories are mixed forest with open clearings. The Lausitz region (Brandenburg/Saxony) and the Lüneburg Heath (Lower Saxony) have the highest densities. Expect dense forest with 50–150m visibility and wet conditions.
Wolf hunting in Germany is nocturnal and requires careful light management. Most hunting is from elevated stands at last light or spot-and-stalk at dawn. Wolves are highly alert to white light — experienced hunters use red for approaches and green for scanning open areas. Non-resident hunters should book through a registered German outfitter to navigate the permit system.
3. Latvia — July 15 Opener, 400+10 Quota
What changed: Latvia's 2026/2027 wolf hunting quota has been set at 400 animals — up from 370 in 2025. An additional 10 wolves may be allowed for damage prevention after the main quota is met, for a total of 410 possible removals. The season opened July 15, 2026 and runs through March 31, 2027, or until the quota is met.
Quota allocation: The 400-animal quota is divided between two management units: Unit A (330 animals, most of Latvia, open until March 31) and Unit B (70 animals, eastern Latvia, open until December 31). The Latvian State Forest Service (VMD) announcement confirms the 400+10 split.
Terrain: Latvia's wolf habitat is predominantly boreal forest and wetlands, with dense undergrowth limiting visibility to 50–150m. Expect wet, muddy conditions well into July and August — waterproof gear is non-negotiable.
Latvia's wolf hunt is the most accessible for international hunters. The rotational system means different areas open at different times — if you miss one zone, another may be opening. The 400-animal quota is large enough that the season typically runs for several weeks. Early-season hunters (July 15–August) have the best window. The best hunting is typically late August through September.
4. Spain — Wolf Management & Supreme Court Limits
What changed: On March 20, 2025, wolves north of the Duero River were removed from Spain's protected species list (LESPRE) through an amendment to the Food Loss and Waste Prevention Law. Since then, four Spanish regions have authorized lethal control measures. In February 2026, Spain's Supreme Court issued a ruling establishing that lethal measures may only be used as a last resort, after all non-lethal alternatives have been demonstrably exhausted.
What it means for 2026: Wolves north of the Duero are now a managed species, not fully protected. However, the Supreme Court ruling requires that any lethal control be justified case-by-case, with prior evaluation of alternative measures such as livestock protection, deterrent systems, and adapted farming practices. Wolves south of the Duero remain fully protected.
Why this matters for 2027/2028 booking: Spain's direction is clear — it has moved from total protection toward managed hunting. On June 22, 2026, Congress approved a report concluding the Iberian wolf population is in favorable conservation status, the first formal step toward a national framework. Monitor MITECO's official announcements.
5. EU Lead Shot Ban — Current Status
Many hunting articles still circulate outdated or inaccurate information about the EU lead-shot ban. Here's the current, verified status:
| Regulation | Status | Effective Date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Regulation 2021/57 | In effect | February 15, 2023 | Lead shot banned in/all wetlands (within 100m) across all 27 EU member states + Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein |
| Denmark total ban | In effect | Since 1996 | All lead gunshot use banned nationwide |
| Netherlands total ban | In effect | Since 1993 | All lead gunshot use banned nationwide |
| REACH lead ammunition restriction | Voted through committee | Transition periods being implemented | Restriction on lead shot in non-wetland areas; bullets excluded; transitional periods extended for lead shot |
For 2026 hunters: If you're hunting near wetlands (Ramsar sites, lakes, marshes, riverbanks), lead shot is already illegal across the EU. Carry non-lead (steel, bismuth, or tungsten) ammunition. The broader REACH restriction on lead shot in non-wetland areas passed a REACH Committee vote in April 2026, with transitional periods being implemented. Bullets (rifle ammunition) are excluded from the current proposal.
6. Roe Deer Season — May through September
Roe deer (Rehwild / Capriolo) is Europe's most widespread and most hunted deer species. The season framework:
- Germany: May 1 – January 31. Buck season peaks May–June. The Blattzeit (calling season) runs mid-July to mid-August — the classic still-hunting window when does respond to the Blatt call.
- Hungary: April 15 – January 31. Buck hunting: April 15 – September 30.
- Spain: April 1 – March 31 (Iberian roe, smaller subspecies).
- Italy: January 1 – September 30 (varies significantly by region).
- France: June 1 – February 28 (varies by department; the roe rut peaks July–August).
For trophy bucks, target Germany in May–June (bucks in best velvet-to-hard-antler condition) or the Blattzeit in mid-July to mid-August for the most exciting still-hunting. Hungary's April 15 opener is also excellent for early-season bucks.
7. Red Deer Rut — September through October
The red deer rut (Brunft in Germany, Berrea in Spain) is Europe's most iconic hunting event. Key dates:
- Germany: September 1 – February 28. Brunft (rut): September–October. Best trophy stags taken mid-September.
- Hungary: September 1 – January 31. Prime rut: September 1–20 — the most intense and reliable rut window in Europe.
- Spain: September 1 – February 13. Berrea peaks mid-September through October. Iberian red deer are smaller but have exceptionally fine antlers (18–20 points possible).
- Italy: September 1 – January 31 (Alpine regions primarily).
- France: September 1 – February 28 (varies by department).
For a trophy red stag during the rut, book Hungary September 1–20 (most reliable rut timing) or Spain mid-September–October (most vocal stags). Germany's Lausitz and Bavarian Forest regions also offer excellent stags but require local guide booking.
8. Fallow Deer — September through February
- Spain: September 1 – February 22 (2026/2027 season). Rut peaks October. The classic European fallow deer destination.
- Hungary: October 1 – January 31. Rut: October.
- Germany: September 1 – February 28. Rut: October.
- Italy: October 1 – January 15 (varies by region).
- France: September 1 – February 28 (varies by department).
For trophy fallow bucks during the rut, Spain in October is the classic choice — the monteria (driven hunt) is the traditional method. For a stalking approach, Hungary in October or Germany in late September.
9. Driven Boar Season — October through January
While wolf hunting is the big news of 2026, driven boar remains the heartbeat of the European hunting season. Confirmed 2026/2027 dates:
- Italy (Umbria, Tuscany, Lazio): October 1 – January 31. Hunting permitted Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Non-resident hunters must be accompanied by a licensed local guide.
- Hungary: November 1 – February 28 (driven hunt peak: November–January). Large-scale driven hunts (30–50 beaters) in open oak forests. Hungary also offers night boar hunting from elevated stands using green lights.
- Germany: Wild boar are hunted year-round, but driven-hunt peak runs October–January. Post-rut boar concentrate around food sources — oak forests with heavy acorn crops.
- Spain: October 1 – February 15. The monteria (traditional Spanish driven hunt) peaks November–February.
- France: August – January (varies by department; driven hunts organized locally, Sundays busiest).
Driven boar hunting is chaotic, fast-paced, and often extends past sunset. You're in dense forest, animals are moving, and shots are taken at close to medium range in low light. Green light is the European standard for boar — they're less sensitive to green than red or white, and it provides excellent contrast against vegetation. Blood tracking is a near-certainty: carry a dedicated blood-tracking light in your pack, not back at the truck.
10. Night Hunting Regulations by Country (2026)
Night hunting is legal in most European countries for certain species, with rules varying significantly by country and species. Here's the 2026 status:
| Country | Night Hunting Status | Permitted Species | Legal Light Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Legal with restrictions | Wild boar, wolf (2026), fox, hair predators | Artificial light generally prohibited during legal night hours; exceptions for wild boar/predators/invasive species. Red and green preferred when permitted; white restricted to final identification. |
| Latvia | Legal | Wolf, wild boar, lynx | Any light type with permit |
| Italy | Legal (regional) | Wild boar only | Green standard; varies by region |
| Spain | Restricted | Wild boar (select regions) | Green permitted in some regions |
| Hungary | Legal | Wild boar, fox | Green standard |
| France | Restricted | Wild boar (select départements) | Varies by prefecture |
11. Night Hunting Light Setup for European Species
For wolf hunting in Germany and Latvia, boar in Hungary and Italy, or fox across Europe, your lighting setup matters as much as your rifle. European night hunting demands color discipline — red for stealth approaches, green for scanning open terrain, white only for positive identification before the shot.
Experienced hunters carry both a handheld light for scanning (so you're not sweeping the rifle muzzle across the field) and a scope-mounted light for the shot. This provides redundancy and proper muzzle discipline. A single multi-color, zoomable light like the Brinyte T28 Artemis covers both roles.
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- White flood: 1,000 lm — for positive identification
- White spot: 560 lm, 125,000 cd, 700m+ throw at full spot
- Green spot: 350m throw — long-range scanning
- Red spot: 280m throw — preserves night vision for approaches
- Zoomable beam: 70° flood to 6° spot
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- IP66 dust/water resistant · USB-C charging
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12. Pre-Trip Checklist — Before You Book
- Check the current wolf hunting status — Germany (season July 1–October 31, law effective April 2); Latvia (July 15–March 31, 400 quota + 10); Spain (managed north of Duero, SC limits to last resort).
- Verify species-specific dates — Use the Section 1 dates table as your starting point, then verify with the regional hunting authority.
- Apply for permits — Germany: through state forestry offices; Latvia: through Latvian State Forest Service; Italy/Spain: regional authorities via local guide.
- Book a local guide — Required in Italy, Spain, Hungary, and France. Strongly recommended in Germany and Latvia for first-time hunters.
- Check ammunition rules — Lead shot banned in all EU wetlands since February 2023. REACH restriction on lead shot in non-wetland areas passed committee vote in April 2026; bullets excluded. Carry non-lead (steel/bismuth) near wetlands.
- Decide lighting setup — Handheld for scanning, mounted for the shot. Consider a single tri-color zoomable light like the T28 Artemis for both roles.
- Check night hunting regulations — Germany: artificial light generally prohibited at night, exceptions for wild boar/predators. Legal for wolf in Germany/Latvia; legal for boar in Italy/Hungary. Spain/France restricted.
- Check carcass transport rules — Bringing meat back to the US? Verify USDA import rules before your trip.
- Check firearm import rules — Each country has specific procedures for temporary firearm importation. Start paperwork at least 60 days before your trip.
📚 Related Hunting Guides
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Shop T28 Artemis → All Hunting Lights →13. Frequently Asked Questions
When does roe deer hunting season start in Germany 2026?
In Germany, the roe deer (Rehwild) hunting season runs from May 1 through January 31. The buck season peaks May–June, with the Blattzeit (calling season) in mid-July to mid-August offering the best still-hunting opportunities. Does are typically hunted from September 1 through January 31.
When is red deer rut season in Europe 2026?
The red deer rut (Brunft in Germany, Berrea in Spain) peaks from mid-September through early October across Europe. Germany: September–October. Hungary: prime rut September 1–20. Spain: mid-September through October. This is the best window for trophy stag hunting — stags are vocal, active, and establishing harems.
When is driven wild boar season in Europe 2026?
Driven wild boar season peaks October through January across Europe. Italy (Umbria, Tuscany, Lazio): October 1–January 31. Hungary: November 1–February 28 (peak November–January). Germany: year-round but peak October–January. Spain: October–February. France: August–January (varies by department).
Did Germany legalize wolf hunting in 2026?
Yes. The German Bundestag passed the legislation on March 5, 2026, the Bundesrat approved it on March 27, 2026. Following publication in the Federal Law Gazette, the law took effect April 2, 2026. The hunting season runs July 1 through October 31 in high-density areas. Lower Saxony's 2026/2027 management plan authorizes the removal of 27 adult territorial wolves (22 Atlantic region, 5 Continental region).
When does Latvia's 2026 wolf hunting season start?
Latvia's wolf season opened July 15, 2026 and runs through March 31, 2027, with a total quota of 400 animals — up from 370 in 2025. An additional 10 wolves may be allowed for damage prevention after the main quota is met, for a total of 410 possible removals. The quota is divided between Unit A (330 animals, most of Latvia) and Unit B (70 animals, eastern Latvia). The season closes immediately once the quota is met.
Is wolf hunting legal in Spain in 2026?
Wolves north of the Duero River are a managed species, not fully protected. On March 20, 2025, an amendment to the Food Loss and Waste Prevention Law removed wolves north of the Duero from the protected species list (LESPRE). Four regions have since authorized lethal control. However, a Supreme Court ruling in February 2026 established that lethal measures may only be used as a last resort, after all non-lethal alternatives have been demonstrably exhausted. Wolves south of the Duero remain fully protected. Spain's Congress approved a report in June 2026 concluding the population is in favorable conservation status.
When is fallow deer hunting season in Spain 2026?
Fallow deer hunting season in Spain runs from September 1, 2026 through February 22, 2027, with the rut peaking in October. This is the best window for trophy fallow bucks, which are typically hunted by stalking or the traditional Spanish driven hunt (monteria).
Is lead shot banned in Europe?
Yes, lead shot has been banned in and around all wetlands across the EU since February 15, 2023 (under EU Regulation 2021/57). Denmark and the Netherlands have a total ban on all lead gunshot nationwide (Netherlands since 1993, Denmark since 1996). A broader REACH restriction on lead shot in non-wetland areas passed a REACH Committee vote in April 2026 and transition periods are being implemented. Bullets (rifle ammunition) are excluded from the current proposal.
Do non-resident hunters need a guide in European countries?
In most European countries, non-resident hunters must be accompanied by a licensed local guide or hunt through a registered hunting outfitter. This is required in Italy, Spain, Hungary, and France. Germany and Latvia have more flexible rules but a local guide is strongly recommended for first-time visitors to navigate permit systems, terrain, and local regulations.
