Germany: permits, calibres and seasons
Germany is known for driven hunts for wild boar and red deer. Visitors need a German hunting licence for foreigners (Ausländerjagdschein) from the hunting authority in the state where they hunt, plus German hunting liability insurance. Processing can take months, so start early.
At a glance
Ausländerjagdschein · German liability insurance
What you need
Steps for a visiting hunter. Some depend on where you live. The Trip Planner filters them to your situation and adds deadlines.
Before you leave home
5 steps- Proof of your right to huntOfficial source
A valid hunting licence from home and your hunting exam certificate. Germany requires a foreign exam comparable to the German one.
- Firearms licence from your home countryConfirm with authority
Carry the licence for every firearm you take, issued in your own name.
- European Firearms PassConfirm with authority
Issued by the firearms authority in your home country, with each firearm you travel with entered in it. Usually valid five years. Processing time and fee vary by country, so apply well ahead. Carry it together with proof that the trip is for hunting.
- Temporary import permit for your firearmsCheck before travel
Residents outside the EU/EEA cannot use the European Firearms Pass. Apply to the German authorities (via the German consulate or the firearms authority where you will hunt) for permission to bring your firearms in temporarily, well before you travel.
- Invitation or hunting agreementConfirm with authority
Written invitation from the hunt organiser or the holder of the hunting ground (Revier).
Permits at the destination
2 steps- Hunting licence for foreigners (Ausländerjagdschein)Official source
Apply to the hunting authority (Jagdbehörde) in the state where you hunt. Bring ID, your home licence, exam certificate and a recent photo. You must be 18 or older. Processing can take several months. An annual licence covers up to three hunting years, each 1 April–31 March.
- German hunting liability insuranceOfficial source
Proof of the statutory hunting liability insurance (Jagdhaftpflichtversicherung) goes with the licence application. Ask whether your home insurer's cover is accepted, or buy German cover.
During and after the hunt
1 step- Check the state's lead-free rulesCheck before travel
Federal law sets the minimum energy and calibre. Rules on lead-free rifle bullets and lead shot differ between the federal states. Ask the organiser which apply where you hunt.
Ammunition by animal
Source: Germany · Bundesjagdgesetz § 19 (federal minimum; states may add rules)
| Animal | Rifle | Shotgun |
|---|---|---|
 | Calibre at least 6.5 mm and E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug Check |
Fallow deerDåhjort | Calibre at least 6.5 mm and E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug Check |
Sika deerSikahjort | Calibre at least 6.5 mm and E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug Check |
 | Calibre at least 6.5 mm and E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug CheckSlugs are widely used on driven boar hunts; § 19 does not ban them, but check state rules. |
MouflonMufflon | Calibre at least 6.5 mm and E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug Check |
 | Calibre at least 6.5 mm and E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug No |
 | E100 at least 1 000 J. | Shot No Slug CheckShot is banned on all hoofed game in Germany, including roe deer. |
Red foxRødrev | No statutory bullet minimum found. Use a calibre and load suited to the animal. | Shot Yes Slug No |
HareHare | No statutory bullet minimum found. Use a calibre and load suited to the animal. | Shot Yes Slug No |
PheasantFasan | Shot with a shotgun. | Shot Yes Slug No |
Lead shot and lead-free rifle rules differ between the federal states. Check the state where you hunt.
Seasons
See the year wheel →Official source Federal hunting season order (JagdzeitV), § 1
| Animal | General season |
|---|---|
| Red deer | Stags and adult hinds: 1 Aug – 31 Jan Calves: 1 Aug – 28 Feb Yearlings: 1 Jun – 31 Jan |
| Fallow deer | Bucks and adult does: 1 Sep – 31 Jan Yearlings: 1 Jul – 31 Jan |
| Sika deer | Stags and adult hinds: 1 Sep – 31 Jan |
| Roe deer | Bucks: 1 May – 15 Oct Does: 1 Sep – 31 Jan Yearling does: 1 May – 31 Jan |
| Wild boar | All year: All year |
| Mouflon | All: 1 Aug – 31 Jan |
| Chamois | All: 1 Aug – 15 Dec |
| Hare | Brown hare: 1 Oct – 15 Jan |
| Pheasant | All: 1 Oct – 15 Jan |
| Red fox | All year: All year |
The states can change these dates, and many do.
Known costs
No fixed official fees confirmed yet.
Official fees we have confirmed. The hunt itself, trophy fees, travel and insurance come on top.
Questions
How long does the German hunting licence for foreigners take?
It can take several months. Apply to the hunting authority in the state where you will hunt as early as you can.
Can I shoot roe deer with a shotgun in Germany?
No. Shot is banned on all hoofed game in Germany, including roe deer.
How far ahead should I start planning a hunt in Germany?
The longest step takes about 90 days. Start at least that far ahead of your first hunting day, and earlier for popular seasons.