Fawn Rescue: Together for Forest and Wildlife
In spring, a dangerous time begins for fawns when the meadows are mowed. Thanks to the cooperation of farmers, hunters, and volunteers, as well as modern technology, many young animals can be saved. Fawn rescue shows how active species protection works in our cultural landscape.
The balance between forest and wildlife is not something to be taken for granted.
When meadows are mown in the spring, a dangerous time begins for roe deer fawns. Fawn rescue then becomes indispensable: the newborn young are tucked away by their mothers in the tall grass as a natural protection against predators. However, during the mowing process, this instinct becomes a deadly trap. The fawns press themselves motionless into the grass and are hardly visible to farmers with the naked eye. This is where wildlife protection during mowing comes in.
This is precisely why many farmers today show a strong sense of responsibility. They report their mowing dates early, postpone mowing if necessary, and work closely with hunters and volunteers to rescue fawns in time. Modern technology – especially drones for fawn rescue equipped with thermal imaging cameras – helps to locate and remove the animals from the meadows in the morning before the mowing begins.
Fawn rescue as part of wildlife management This collective fawn rescue is a strong sign of effective species protection in the cultural landscape – and of the excellent cooperation between agriculture and hunting.
Yet, fawn rescue is only one part of what is known as wildlife management (Wildhege). It encompasses all measures that serve the protection, care, and preservation of healthy wildlife populations. In a landscape shaped by humans, animals like deer, hares, or pheasants need retreats and support.
At the same time, our forests are under enormous pressure due to climate change, storms, and pests. To allow them to regenerate naturally – especially with climate-resilient tree species – the wildlife population must be kept in balance with forest growth. Here, hunters play an important role: they not only regulate the populations but also provide wildlife quiet zones, feeding areas, and healthy populations.
The balance between forest and wildlife is not something to be taken for granted. It requires active participation – from farmers, foresters, hunters, and conservationists. Only when everyone works together will our cultural landscape remain diverse, vibrant, and in balance in the future.