Tyrol’s Anton Larcher Takes the Helm of Hunting in Austria

Tyrol’s State Hunting Commissioner Anton Larcher has assumed the chairmanship of Austria’s Conference of State Hunting Commissioners.

With the turn of the year, a quiet yet consequential change has taken place at the top of Austria’s national hunting organization. As of January 1, 2026, Anton Larcher has taken over the rotating presidency of the Conference of State Hunting Commissioners—sending a clear signal about where Austrian hunting is headed. The future, Larcher says, rests on solid knowledge, open dialogue, and a deep sense of responsibility toward wildlife, habitat, and society at large.

Facts Over Feelings

Political decisions, Larcher notes, are increasingly driven by science. For hunting, that boils down to one essential element: reliable data. “It’s only logical that we continue to expand our commitment to monitoring,” the new president emphasizes. This is especially true when it comes to large carnivores such as wolves and bears. What’s needed, he argues, is a nationwide, standardized, fact-based, and active monitoring system—supported by the entire hunting community. Less fragmented reporting, fewer regional silos, and a clearer, shared picture of reality.

The 2026 Presidium: Continuity with New Accents

The new presidium: Franz Mayr-Melnhof-Saurau (left), Anton Larcher (center), and Norbert Walter, Vienna’s State Hunting Commissioner (right).

Personnel changes also mark the year ahead. Styria’s State Hunting Commissioner Franz Mayr-Melnhof-Saurau moves into the role of second vice president. Newly appointed to the presidium is Norbert Walter, Vienna’s State Hunting Commissioner, who will serve as first vice president.

Meanwhile, Maximilian Mayr-Melnhof, the energetic and highly engaged State Hunting Commissioner of Salzburg, steps down after completing his scheduled three-year term—an orderly transition that preserves continuity while opening the door to fresh perspectives.

A National Wildlife Database: Data Sovereignty as the Key

A glance toward Brussels makes the direction unmistakable. Detailed reporting requirements from the European Union demand modern, transparent systems. Austria’s answer is a nationwide wildlife database that brings together harvest statistics, monitoring data, and habitat information. Initiated under the previous presidency, the project is now set to move from concept to implementation.

“A wildlife database creates transparency, enables sound decision-making, and gives hunters the data sovereignty we need to engage in social and political debates on equal footing,” Larcher explains. It’s a vision of hunting that doesn’t constantly defend itself—but explains itself.

Being Seen—Beyond the Hunting Grounds

Beyond numbers and systems, communication remains a central pillar. Campaigns like #DasIstJagd, the YouTube mini-documentary #WhattheJagd, short-form video content, and the online platform jagdfakten.at have already demonstrated the impact of modern outreach. Larcher intends to build on that momentum, with a particular focus on urban audiences less familiar with hunting.

The reasoning is straightforward, yet demanding: “Only those who are clearly understood can earn trust. And only with trust can we meaningfully shape legislation and public debate.” Hunting, in this view, is part of the solution—not a footnote.

Europe in Focus

The year 2026 will also emphasize international exchange. An international hunting conference hosted under Austrian leadership will provide a forum to share experiences and develop joint European approaches—ranging from large carnivore management to the protection of sensitive habitats.

A Quiet Ambition, Clearly Defined

Anton Larcher looks ahead with confidence—without grandstanding, but with a steady hand. “My goal is cooperation among all users of the landscape, grounded in respect, knowledge, and responsibility,” he says. Agriculture, forestry, tourism, and hunting should work together rather than talk past one another—for the benefit of native wildlife and the landscapes they depend on.

Schuss & Stille sums it up this way: Hunting is more than the moment of the shot.