Applying for a hunting license for the first time

The first issue of a hunting license is generally dependent on the applicant having passed a hunting examination in Germany. The hunting examination consists of a written and oral-practical part and a shooting test.

The hunting examination is conducted by the lower hunting authority in whose territory the applicant has their habitual residence. It may also be conducted by the lower hunting authority in whose area the applicant has completed the hunting training.

Theoretical and practical training in preparation for the hunter examination (hunting training) takes place in a recognized training course in accordance with a framework plan of the supreme hunting authority (responsible ministry):

1. at an association of hunters or at a hunting school or
2. a course lasting at least six months with a mentor.

The hunting license is issued by the lower hunting authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence (district administration of the rural district or city administration of the independent city). This authority is also responsible for renewing the license.

Persons who do not have a permanent residence in the Federal Republic of Germany should apply to the lower hunting authority of the district or city in whose district they primarily wish to hunt.

• Minimum age: 16 years
• Proof of the required expertise through the hunting examination
• Proof of hunting liability insurance
• Reliability and personal suitability to carry a weapon

Note: If you are between 16 and 18 years old, you can apply for a youth hunting license. With this you may only hunt when accompanied by a person with parental authority or a supervisor authorized in writing by the person with parental authority. The accompanying person must be experienced in hunting.

The youth hunting license does not entitle you to participate in group hunts.

Documents required for the issue (or renewal) of a hunting license:

• Original certificate of successful completion of the hunting examination (for first-time applications), or
• previously issued hunting license or,
• Certificate from a lower hunting authority that the applicant has already been issued a hunting license,
• Photograph (only for first-time issue and reissue)
• Proof of passing an examination with the subject "hunting" in the course of a prescribed training course for the forestry service or proof of passing a district hunter's examination,
• Proof of the existence of statutory hunting liability insurance with the prescribed amounts of cover (five hundred thousand euros for personal injury and fifty thousand euros for damage to property).

The hunting authority also requests unlimited information from the Federal Central Register. Certain entries according to a strict standard prohibit the issuing of the hunting license or result in its immediate revocation.

A fee is charged for the issuance of a hunting license in accordance with the applicable special fee schedule and a hunting levy amounting to five times the fee.

The hunting license is issued for a limited period

• Annual hunting license: up to 3 consecutive hunting years
• Daily hunting license: for 14 consecutive days

Youth hunting license: for a maximum of 2 consecutive hunting years

Note: The hunting year begins on: 01.04. of the year and ends on 31.03. of the following year

• Federal Hunting Act

A valid hunting license alone does not entitle the holder to hunt. In addition, permission under private law to hunt in a hunting district is required. This can be obtained, for example, by leasing a hunting district, by the issue of a hunting permit or by an invitation to hunt from a person authorized to hunt.

Further information on hunting licenses can be found here:

• Information on the hunting license (special) on wald-rlp
• Information on hunting regulations (general) on wald-rlp

24.01.2020

Are there "special regulations" for foreign citizens?

Foreign citizens who have passed an examination comparable to the German hunting examination are exempt from the requirement to take the hunting examination. The highest hunting authority (the responsible ministry) decides on the comparability of the hunting examination.

Foreign citizens who have not passed an examination comparable to the German hunting examination may only be exempted from the requirement to take the hunting examination if they

1. do not have their main place of residence in Germany,
2. apply for the issue of a day hunting license (valid for 14 consecutive days) and
3. have proven their aptitude for proper hunting practice.

The presentation of a hunting license issued in the last three years is sufficient for this proof.