Youth hunting license: rules and exceptions
At 16 or 17, I am allowed to hunt with a youth hunting permit – but only with suitable supervision and not during driven hunts. Before every hunt, I check my documents, the hunting permission, and the rules for firearms and ammunition.
Here’s what matters:
- Application: I need a passed hunter’s exam, consent from my legal guardians, hunting liability insurance, and the other required proofs.
- Supervision: I am accompanied by a hunting-experienced guardian or a hunting-experienced person appointed in writing by them.
- Type of hunt: Accompanied individual hunting is allowed. Driven and battue hunts as group hunts remain forbidden.
- Firearms: The permitted temporary use under supervision is not a general purchase or ownership permit. Even a listing on Gunfinder does not change that.
- On site and at 18: I clarify state rules and authority requirements in advance. From my 18th birthday I need a regular hunting permit; firearm ownership and storage I check separately.
<u>My youth hunting permit alone is therefore not enough.</u> For open hunting questions I ask the hunting authority, for firearm questions the firearms authority.
Youth Hunting Permit: 5 Checks before every hunt
Supervision Requirement and Ban on Group Hunts
With the youth hunting permit you may not hunt alone. You need suitable supervision and must observe which type of hunt is allowed.
According to § 16 para. 2 BJagdG you may only hunt with a hunting-experienced guardian. Alternatively, you can be accompanied by a hunting-experienced supervisor appointed in writing by your guardian. A hunting permission from the territory owner does not replace this supervision. [4][5]
A group hunt is an organised hunt with several hunters and a fixed procedure. According to § 16 para. 3 BJagdG you may not participate even with supervision. [4][6]
That several people are in the hunting area does not automatically make it a driven hunt. What matters is the procedure and the state law. Therefore, clarify in advance with the organiser and the hunting authority whether your participation counts as taking part. [4][7][9]
Individual hunting with accompaniment
Your accompanying person must supervise you constantly and be able to intervene immediately. There is no fixed nationwide distance limit. A separate stand is only allowed if supervision is actually ensured. If your accompanying person leaves you or can no longer supervise you, you must end the hunting activity. [4][9]
These rules apply to the individual situations:
| Situation | Rule with youth hunting licence |
|---|---|
| Individual hunting with legal guardian | Permitted if the accompanying person is experienced in hunting and all other permits are in place. [4] |
| Individual hunting with another supervising person | Permitted if the supervising person is experienced in hunting and is authorised in writing by the legal guardian. All other permits must also be in place. [4][10] |
| Independent stand hunting or stalking | Not permitted without suitable accompaniment. [4][11] |
| Participation in a driven hunt | Prohibited, even with a parent or authorised supervising person. [4][6] |
| Responsibilities of the accompanying person | Must constantly supervise you and intervene immediately in case of violations. [4][9] |
Appoint a supervisor in writing
Have the appointment explicitly issued for hunting accompaniment and carry it with you. It should include your name and date of birth, the names and addresses of those involved, as well as the period and hunting ground. This also includes the date and signature. There is no nationwide prescribed template. A general parental consent is not sufficient. [4][5][8]
Before your first hunt, ask the responsible hunting authority which proofs of hunting experience they accept. [4][7][8]
Proofs may include a valid hunting license and evidence of regular hunting practice. [7][8]
§ 16 BJagdG does not specify a fixed number of years of experience. In cases of joint or unclear custody, you should also clarify who must sign the appointment. [4][7][8]
Additional firearms law regulations apply to weapons and ammunition.
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Hunting Permit and Equipment Rules
Besides accompaniment, you need a hunting permit. You also have to follow the rules for firearms, ammunition, and transport.
The permission of the hunting rights holder is usually granted by the leaseholder or private hunting owner. A written hunting pass can be limited to certain times, game species, or age groups. So check the hunting seasons, district rules, and allowed hunting methods in advance. The youth hunting license alone is not sufficient. [1]
Temporary Use of Firearms and Ammunition under § 13 WaffG
With the consent of the hunting rights holder, you may temporarily use hunting firearms and the appropriate ammunition for hunting and shooting training under supervision. However, this does not allow you to generally buy or permanently possess firearms and ammunition. [2]
Documents, Firearm Transport and Storage
Take your valid youth hunting license, an official ID, and the written hunting permit (hunting pass) with you. If a supervisor is appointed, you also need their written authorization. For temporary use, a separate firearms ownership card is not automatically required. [1][2]
When transporting to and from the hunt, the firearm must not be ready to fire. For permanent storage, you need a suitable gun safe. [1][2]
Check Listings on Gunfinder
On Gunfinder you can search for hunting firearms, ammunition, optics, clothing, and accessories. Before buying or taking over, check if you are allowed to acquire or take over the item. A listing does not replace acquisition authorization. The identity check only verifies your person, not your authorization. [2][3]
Exceptions, State Rules, and the 18th Birthday
There are special rules for exceptions and the transition at 18. Exceptions are strictly limited; authorities only regulate the procedure. Therefore, temporary use of firearms and ammunition under § 13 WaffG is not a general permit to acquire or possess. [1][2]
Federal Law and Local Requirements
Separate the legal requirements from your authority’s procedure. The key regulations are especially § 16 BJagdG and § 13 WaffG.
| Area | Federal Legal Requirement | State Law or Local Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Youth hunting licence from 16 until the 18th birthday [1] | Admission requirements and examination procedure |
| Accompaniment | Hunting-experienced legal guardian or person authorised in writing [1] | Verification of authorisation and required proof |
| Firearms | Limited temporary use according to § 13 WaffG [2] | Proof and processing by the firearms authority |
| Examination and Application | Examination, personal requirements and hunting liability insurance required [1] | Examination procedure, forms, documents, fees and processing times |
Check before booking the course which training and admission requirements apply in your federal state. [1]
Apply for the regular hunting licence at 18
At 18 you must apply for the regular hunting licence anew. You check firearms law and storage separately afterwards.
Clarify with the local hunting authority before your birthday when you can submit the application, what fees apply and how long processing takes. Have your exam certificate, ID and insurance confirmation ready. Your hunting liability insurance must remain continuously valid. [1]
Discuss acquisition, possession, storage and firearms ownership card (WBK) with the firearms authority. A valid hunting licence can enable you to acquire certain long guns. You must then apply for the WBK within the deadline. [2]
Conclusion: Your Checklist Before Every Hunt
Check before every hunt age, documents, accompaniment, type of hunt and firearms law:
- Age and documents: You are 16 or 17 years old and your youth hunting licence is valid. Take youth hunting licence, ID and hunting permit with you. [1]
- Accompaniment: You are accompanied by a legal guardian or a hunting-experienced person authorised in writing. You carry the written authorisation with you. [1]
- Type of hunting: You are not allowed to participate in a driven hunt. [1]
- Equipment and firearms law: Check your equipment and whether the temporary use of firearm and ammunition is permitted under § 13 WaffG. [2]
Also observe the rules of your federal state and the requirements of the local hunting authority. Clarify any open questions about hunting permits, accompaniment, or type of hunting in advance with the local hunting authority. For firearms questions, contact the firearms authority. [1][3]
FAQs
Am I allowed to help as a driver in a driven hunt?
Yes, you are allowed to help as a driver in a driven hunt. You do not need a firearms permit or a hunting license for this, as you usually do not carry or operate a firearm.
Always follow the instructions of the hunt management. This protects you and the other hunt participants.
Who is liable in a hunting accident?
As a hunter, you bear the full legal and financial responsibility for damages that occur during the hunt [1]. The legally required hunting liability insurance protects you from the financial consequences of personal injury, property, and financial damages [1].
Without this insurance, you will not receive a hunting license. It must cover at least 500,000 euros for personal injury and 50,000 euros for property damage [1][2].
Do I have to retake the hunting exam at 18?
No, you do not have to retake the hunting exam at 18. Passing the exam proves your expertise permanently [1][2].
If you already have a youth hunting license, you can apply for your first regular annual hunting license at the responsible authority when you turn 18. The basis for this is your exam certificate. You must also meet the other requirements, including hunting liability insurance and your personal reliability [1][3].
