The deer is the largest native mammal in Bavaria and the king of the forests. Around 30,000 animals can be found in Bavaria today. Designated red deer areas are intended to ensure the preservation of the population.
Hunting was forbidden
In the Middle Ages, farmers suffered from the damage caused by wild animals in their fields. But back then, hunting in Bavaria was a privilege of the nobility. The common people were not allowed to hunt and offenders were punished very severely. The deer population was kept artificially high for the pleasure of the nobility. The deer caused immense damage and in some cases destroyed the harvests. This resulted in increasing poverty among the population.
Poachers were considered folk heroes
The so-called poachers were therefore celebrated as heroes by the Bavarian people. They even had their own songs about them. The most famous poacher in the Munich area was the robber Kneißl from Dachau. It was not until 1800 that the hunting laws were relaxed. However, it still remained a privilege of the rich. In the middle of the 19th century, the farmers revolted and hunting was finally liberalised. As a result, red deer were almost wiped out.
Today there are enough deer in Bavaria again. They are carefully cared for and efforts are being made to constantly improve their habitat. For example, species-rich meadows are being created at the edges of the forest for the animals to graze on and tree tops that are left behind during timber harvesting in the forest serve as food for the deer.
The deer as a symbol of Munich
Antlers are particularly characteristic of deers, but only males have them. They consist of bone substance and are used during the mating season to fight off rivals. After mating and the associated drop in testosterone levels, it begins to itch and is shed. The wound heals and triggers renewed antler growth within a few weeks.
In Munich, many pubs and Oktoberfest tents are decorated with rustic antlers. The stag is therefore considered a symbol of the Bavarian capital.
