Židlochovice Talks 2025

On September 11, 2025, I had the privilege of taking part in the 18th international conference “Židlochovice Talks.” Under the motto “Hunting in Central Europe – common roots in the past, common topics in the present, and a shared path into the future,” the event provided an exciting forum for the exchange of experts from science, hunting, and politics.

In the historic halls of Židlochovice Castle, we discussed key issues such as responsibility toward wildlife and land users, wildlife monitoring, the challenges of climate change, and the management of wolves and golden jackals. Particularly valuable was the open, international dialogue, which vividly showcased the diversity of perspectives.

The castle itself greatly contributed to the unique atmosphere. Židlochovice is among the best-preserved hunting lodges in Europe, with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Once a water fortress along the Amber Road, later remodeled in Baroque style by Count Sinzendorf, and shaped in the 19th century by Archduke Friedrich, it served for centuries not only as a hunting residence but also as a place of social gatherings. Today, with its expansive English park, elegant rooms, and modern facilities, it offers a truly exceptional setting for events like this.

The conference was organized by the association Grünes Kreuz and the Central European Institute for Wildlife Ecology, in cooperation with the Austrian Hunting Association and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic. The program was expertly moderated by Dr. Miroslav Vodňanský.

Among the speakers were distinguished figures such as LJM Franz Mayr-Melnhof, Prof. Dr. Dr. Sven Herzog, LJM Herbert Sieghartsleitner, and LJM DI Anton Larcher, whose contributions provided valuable impulses for the discussions.

The Židlochovice Talks 2025 impressively demonstrated how important it is to view hunting in the context of nature, society, and the future – and how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.