The latest changes to German gun law, which were passed by the Bundestag, bring significant changes that are also relevant for hunters. Despite numerous criticisms from associations and experts, the law has been tightened to counter violent crime, particularly in inner cities, as well as terrorist threats. In this article, we provide an overview of the most important points that affect hunters.

New regulations on reliability and personal suitability

One of the key changes concerns the verification of the reliability and suitability of gun owners. In future, statements made on social media or to authorities can also be included in the assessment. This expands the list of criminal offenses that can be used as evidence of unreliability. A person is considered unreliable if they have been sentenced to at least 90 days' imprisonment.

In addition, more authorities will be involved in the checks, such as the police authorities at the place of residence for the last ten years and the Customs Criminal Investigation Office. If there are doubts about reliability, weapons and ammunition may be seized for up to six months - if necessary by searching people's homes.

Knife and weapon prohibition zones

One particularly far-reaching change concerns the ban on knives and weapons in certain public areas. Authorities and police can check people in these zones without cause. In addition, the carrying of knives at events, regardless of the length of the blade, is completely prohibited, with a few exceptions.

The carrying of knives will also be severely restricted on long-distance public transport, particularly at train stations and in waiting areas. Switchblades will be completely banned, although there will be a transitional period for switchblades already in possession.

Critical voices on the tightening

Numerous hunting and firearms associations such as the German Hunting Association (DJV) and the Federal Association of Civilian Legal Weapons (BZL) have sharply criticized the tightening of restrictions. Within just five weeks, a petition against the law collected over 130,000 signatures. The Association of German Gunsmiths and Arms Dealers (VDB) also took a stand against the planned tightening with over 146,000 letters sent to members of the Bundestag.

The DJV is now considering legal action against the law and described the procedure as constitutionally questionable. The main points of criticism focus on the overburdening of the authorities due to the additional inspection obligations and the consultation of experts and associations in the run-up to the decision, which is perceived as inadequate.

Comment: Legislation hits the wrong people

A commentary by Marc Henrichmann, Member of Parliament (CDU):

The tightening of gun laws is a well-intentioned but ultimately ineffective reaction to the terrorist attack in Solingen. It mainly affects innocent citizens, while criminals and terrorists will not be deterred by these new regulations in the future either. The draft law fails to recognize that the knife used in the attack was already prohibited under existing law.

In addition, the already complex and lengthy bureaucracy of the weapons authorities will be further inflated. The planned expansion of background checks will overburden the authorities and place law-abiding hunters and marksmen under general suspicion. Instead of creating new, poorly crafted laws, existing laws should be applied consistently in order to better monitor and disarm dangerous individuals.