Hunting licence

In order to obtain a hunting licence in Hesse, you must apply to the responsible lower hunting authority at the district office or the magistrate for independent towns.

Prerequisites for the issue of a (one-year or three-year) hunting licence are

1. that the applicant has reached the age of 16,
2. the applicant proves that a hunter examination has been passed,
3. appropriate hunting liability insurance in accordance with § 17 Para. 1 No. 4 of the Federal Hunting Act and

that there are no grounds for refusal, such as lack of physical aptitude or reliability, against the applicant.

When applying for a hunting licence, please bring the following with you:

• a valid identity document,
• current passport photo(s) - please enquire in advance with the competent hunting authority how many passport photos are required
• the certificate of successful completion of the hunting examination ,
• confirmation of sufficient hunting liability insurance (€500,000 for personal injury, €50,000 for property damage), and
• Means of payment to settle the administration fee and the hunting levy.

Before a hunting licence is issued, a background check must still be carried out.

Due to special regulations, hunting licences for foreigners can be issued without proof of having passed a hunting examination.

In order to obtain a hunting licence for foreigners, proof of expertise must be provided, for example by presenting a foreign hunting licence.

Youth hunting licences can be issued to young people between the ages of sixteen and eighteen.

• Federal Hunting Act
• Hessian Hunting Act (HJagdG)

Are usually available from the lower hunting authority.

When issuing a hunting licence valid in the federal territory to foreigners, special provisions apply, which the lower hunting authority will provide information about in individual cases.

Between the ages of 16 and 18, a so-called youth hunting licence is issued. This entitles the holder to hunt accompanied by a legal guardian or an authorised supervisor. The accompanying person must have hunting experience. Participation in social hunts as a shooter is not possible.