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Hunting serves primarily to maintain and preserve a healthy and species-appropriate population of wild game. It also aims to protect wild game and is intended to safeguard and maintain its natural habitat.

A key tool for regulating game populations is the culling plan. The State Administration Office, Forestry and Hunting Authority Division, has direct responsibility for the hunting districts of the state and federal forestry offices. Furthermore, as the higher hunting authority, it exercises influence over the hunting authorities of the districts and independent cities within the framework of technical supervision.

In collaboration with the Higher Veterinary Authority, particular attention is paid to protection against wildlife diseases. For example, at the request of the official veterinary officers, blood samples are taken from wild boar during hunting to test for swine fever and brucellosis. Foxes are also regularly sent for testing to monitor the region’s ‘rabies-free’ status.

Under the Federal Game Protection Ordinance, certain species of game are subject to special protection. The Higher Hunting Authority is responsible for this in Saxony-Anhalt.