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 became effective July 1, 2026. Wolves are now a huntable species in Germany for the first time since 1990.
That same month, Latvia opened its 2026/2027 wolf season with a 400-animal quota — up from 370 in 2025. In Spain, on June 22, 2026, Congress approved a report concluding the wolf population is in favorable conservation status, paving the way for a potential 2027/2028 season. And on the ammunition front, the EU's lead-shot ban in wetlands — already in effect since February 2023 — is being extended toward broader restrictions.
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 — effective 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), running through March 31, 2027.
3. Spain approved a favorable conservation status report on June 22, 2026 — but wolves remain protected in 2026. Earliest legal hunting: 2027/2028 season.
4. Lead shot in wetlands has been banned across the EU since February 15, 2023 — broader REACH restrictions on lead ammunition are being phased in.
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 | Protected 2026 2027/2028 possible |
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 (July 1, 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. The law became effective July 1, 2026. Wolves are now a huntable species in Germany for the first time since 1990.
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, with 55+ documented wolf territories — the 2026/2027 management plan authorizes the removal of 27 adult territorial wolves.
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-Animal Quota
What changed: Latvia's 2026/2027 wolf hunting quota has been set at 400 animals — up from 370 in 2025 and 350 in 2024. 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: Kurzeme (western Latvia) and Latgale (eastern Latvia). Different areas open at different times under Latvia's rotational hunting system. The Latvian State Forest Service publishes the 2026 zone calendar on its website.
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 Report Approved (June 22, 2026) — 2027/2028 Earliest
What changed: On June 22, 2026, the Spanish Congress approved a report concluding the Iberian wolf population is in favorable conservation status — the first formal step toward legalizing wolf hunting in Spain. The report passed despite opposition from Catalonia and the Spanish government's own ecological ministry.
What it means for 2026: The report must still be processed through regulatory channels. Wolves remain fully protected in Spain for the 2026 season. The earliest potential implementation of any wolf hunting framework is the 2027/2028 season.
Why this matters for 2027/2028 booking: Spain's direction is clear — it's following Germany's lead. If you're booking a 2027 hunt, Spain may emerge as a wolf hunting destination. Monitor MITECO's official announcements.
5. EU Lead Shot Ban — Current Status (Not 2028)
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 2015 | All lead gunshot use banned nationwide |
| REACH lead ammunition restriction | Phasing in | 2023-2027 | Broader restriction on lead ammunition in non-wetland areas, being phased by ECHA |
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. Even where not legally required, non-lead is becoming standard practice in European hunting circles.
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 | Green and red permitted; white restricted |
| 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: 1000 lm — for positive identification
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- Green spot: 350m throw — long-range scanning
- Red spot: 280m throw — preserves night vision for approaches
- Zoomable beam: 70° flood to 6° spot
- Stepless dimmer: silent brightness adjustment 2%–100%
- 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 (July 1–October 31, high-density areas); Latvia (July 15–March 31, 400 quota); Spain closed for 2026 (2027/2028 earliest).
- 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 (BMEL); 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. Carry non-lead (steel/bismuth) near wetlands. REACH broader restrictions phasing in.
- 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 — 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
The Tri-Color Light Built for European Night Hunting
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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, and the law became effective July 1, 2026. Wolves are now a huntable species in Germany from July through October in high-density areas. Lower Saxony's 2026/2027 management plan authorizes the removal of 27 adult territorial wolves.
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. The quota is divided between the Kurzeme (western) and Latgale (eastern) management units. The season closes immediately once the quota is met.
Is wolf hunting legal in Spain in 2026?
No. On June 22, 2026, Spain's Congress approved a report concluding the wolf population is in favorable conservation status — the first step toward legalizing hunting. However, wolves remain protected for the 2026 season. The earliest potential implementation of a legal hunting framework is the 2027/2028 season. Monitor MITECO announcements for updates.
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. A broader REACH restriction on lead ammunition in non-wetland areas is currently being phased in by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
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.
