Deer head vandals in the Hunsrück: hunting poachers on the loose!
An illegally killed deer was found without a head in the Bernkastel-Wittlich district. The police are investigating poaching.

Deer head vandals in the Hunsrück: hunting poachers on the loose!
A remarkable incident occurred in the Hunsrück between September 7th and 8th, 2025, which mobilized the police in Morbach. A severed head of a deer was discovered here, while the deer's body itself was lying in a meadow. The incident suggests that a suspected game poacher was active and authorities have opened an investigation into game poaching. The time reports that the animal's head and antlers were severed and unlawfully taken.
A game warden who found the dead deer in a meadow in the Merschbach hunting area immediately alerted the police. The investigators quickly arrive on site to examine the crime scene and secure possible clues. Officials are now asking witnesses to come forward to clarify the background to this illegal act. Those too Rhine Palatinate emphasizes that this is a clear violation of nature and hunting laws.
The legal background
Hunting poaching, as can be observed in this case, refers to the unauthorized acquisition or killing of wild animals in disregard of hunting regulations and is anchored in German criminal law. According to Section 292 of the Criminal Code (StGB), hunting poaching can be punished with prison sentences of up to two years or a fine, while aggravating circumstances can increase the sentence to up to five years. Mtrlegal explains that criminal liability also exists in the context of nature, environmental and animal protection laws.
Local authorities have made it clear that hunting poaching is an official offence. This means that the law enforcement authorities must investigate on their own initiative as soon as there is suspicion. Business acumen and the collection of evidence, such as through trail cameras or DNA analysis, are crucial to holding any perpetrators accountable.
Additional information for citizens
The city of Morbach and the surrounding communities are now called upon to be vigilant. If you suspect illegal hunting activities, citizens should inform the police immediately. Hunting poaching not only harms protected wildlife populations, but also poses a threat to the ecological balance. It is important that the community works together to prevent these unethical practices and protect nature. The authorities welcome any information that can help clear up this shocking crime.