Hungary to reform hunting laws amid wildlife damage and corruption allegations

Hungarian Agriculture Minister Szabolcs Bóna has acknowledged that the current system of wildlife management and population control is ineffective, prompting plans to amend the hunting law. The decision follows significant complaints from farmers regarding wildlife damage.

In regions such as the Bereg plains, between Lónya and Tarpá, large herds of deer are causing extensive destruction to crops. Some farmers report losing up to ten hectares of sunflower fields, resulting in millions of forints in losses, leading some to consider abandoning production entirely. Additionally, large deer herds are causing frequent wildlife-related traffic accidents along main roads.

Reports indicate that the proposed legislative changes may address deeper systemic issues. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that previous ministerial directives allowed hunting rights to be transferred to companies close to the government through state forests and national parks. Critics argue that these management decisions contributed to the overpopulation of certain species, necessitating the current regulatory overhaul.