The Hunter's Association of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania pleads for a legal permission of hunting by bow and arrow. This rather unusual requirement has a logical justification.

The organization proposes to the responsible Ministry of the Environment that archery hunting be enshrined in law. "In times of change in the hunting world, we must also hunt in situations where conventional firearms can pose a significant risk," explains the hunters' association in the context of debates on updating the state hunting law. Especially in regions where humans and wild animals meet more closely, such as in tourist zones.

But not only the safety of uninvolved people could be improved by the use of bow and arrow, the association believes. In the context of renewable energy development, solar farms are mentioned as possible hunting grounds where firearms are not appropriate. The risk associated with the use of bow hunting is considered to be significantly lower in certain hunting situations, due in part to the shorter range, according to hunters.

The association considers the risk of unnecessary cruelty to animals to be minimal. According to international studies, the effects of hunting arrows and bows on the animal body are comparable to those of firearms. If Mecklenburg-Vorpommern were to allow this hunting method, it would not be the first country: already 19 European countries have allowed bow hunting.

The Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Hunting Association sees primarily invasive animal species such as raccoons, nutrias, tanuki or Egyptian geese as suitable prey for this hunting technique. However, it is also suggested to hunt wild boars and foxes in this way, as these species cause more and more conflicts.