Germany's Hunting Exam Passers Surge to 20,000 Annually
Germany sees a surge in hunting exam passers, reaching around 20,000 annually, double the figure a decade ago. However, tracking active hunters remains challenging due to limited data and loss of contact with graduates by hunting schools.
The total hunting permit holders, approximately 460,000, does not reflect the number of active hunters. Estimates suggest that around 250,000 to 300,000 people actively hunt regularly, while 160,000 to 210,000 hunt rarely or not at all. Some permit holders may keep their licenses for personal or professional reasons, even if they don't actively hunt.
The trend shows a decrease in the average age of women passing the hunting exam, from 36 to 33 years between 2011 and 2021. It's worth noting that the number 460,000 refers to issued permits, not passed exams. Additionally, those interested in nature conservation may not necessarily need a hunting license to contribute meaningfully.
While Germany witnesses an increase in hunting exam passers, the number of active hunters remains uncertain due to data limitations. Efforts to track and engage with graduates could help better understand and manage the hunting community. Meanwhile, nature conservation remains open to enthusiasts beyond hunting.
