Hunting in Germany and Austria

With their varied fauna, rich hunting heritage, and meticulously managed estates, Austria and Germany together form one of Europe’s most compelling hunting destinations. Both countries are renowned for exceptional organisation, deep-rooted traditions, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable game management, ensuring high-quality hunting experiences alongside long-term conservation of some of the continent’s finest wild populations.

Austria brings its own distinct character to the partnership. The alpine terrain of the Austrian highlands adds a more demanding and visually spectacular dimension to the hunting available across the region, from chamois on exposed mountain ridges to the pursuit of trophy-class red stag in some of central Europe’s most dramatic scenery. Austria is also one of the premier destinations in the world for Alpine ibex, offering a genuinely exclusive high-mountain experience for the serious collector.

Germany is particularly celebrated for its driven wild boar hunts: fast-paced, thrilling affairs conducted with precision and a strong sense of camaraderie that reflects the country’s proud hunting culture. Red deer stalking provides a classic and deeply respected experience, especially during the rut, while roe and fallow deer are abundant across diverse lowland and woodland landscapes.

Together, these two nations deliver hunting that is professional, structured, and steeped in centuries of tradition. It is an outstanding choice for the hunter seeking both quality sport and an authentic European experience.

Species: Wild Boar (driven), Red Deer, Roe Deer, Fallow Deer, Chamois, Alpine Ibex

Driven Wild Boar Hunting in Germany

Wild boar can be hunted all year in most German states, but the driven hunts run from late autumn into winter, when colder weather keeps the boar moving. Every part of the day follows a set order: the safety briefing, the horn signals that start and end each drive, and the bag laid out at the end of the day. Expect several drives and fast shooting at running game. Read what a driven wild boar day is like before you go.

Red, Roe and Fallow Deer Stalking

Red stags can be taken from August, but the time to come is the rut, from mid-September into early October, when the stags roar and move in daylight. Roe bucks open in spring, from April or May depending on the state, and the roe rut in late July and early August is another good window. Fallow bucks rut in late October. Most stalking is from high seats at dawn and dusk, with stalking on foot on the larger estates.

Chamois and Alpine Ibex in Austria

For chamois, Austria is our first choice. The season runs from late summer to mid-December, depending on the state, and the November rut brings the bucks down in their dark winter coats. Alpine ibex are hunted from August on a small, strictly managed quota. Both are hunted on foot in steep ground, so fitness matters: our guide to what to expect on a chamois hunt covers how to prepare.

What a Trip Includes

Our Austrian chamois hunt is two days of hunting with three nights' full board in the hunting area and one chamois up to 80 CIC points. The Alpine ibex hunt is two days of hunting with three nights' accommodation. Current prices are on our special offers page. Hunts in Germany are put together to order around the species, dates and size of your party.

Licences for Visiting Hunters

In Germany, a hunter who lives abroad needs a foreigner's hunting licence (Ausländerjagdschein) from the local hunting authority, issued for a year or for 14 days. You apply with your home country's hunting licence, proof of hunting liability insurance, your passport and a photograph. In Austria, each state issues a guest hunting card (Jagdgastkarte) on the same kind of evidence. Bringing your own rifle needs its own permit, and since 2021 hunters living in Great Britain can no longer use a European Firearms Pass.

Paul is one of only a handful of English hunters to have passed the German Jagdschein exam, and he holds a full German hunting licence, so he knows the German system first-hand.

Plan Your Hunt in Germany or Austria

Tell us the species, your dates and how many are in your party, and we will put the trip together. Contact us to start planning.