- Hunting Instructional Material
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The following links provide individual sections for the U.S. Forces Guide to Hunting in Germany. Each section is limited in size to ensure quick download speed.
Guide_01-02_References_Purpose_2013-08.pdf
Guide_04_History_of_U.S._Forces_Hunting_2013-08.pdf
Guide_05_German_Hunting_Law_2013-08.pdf
Guide_06_German_Weapons_Law_2013-08.pdf
Guide_07a_Hunting_Equipment_2013-08.pdf
Guide_07b_Hunting_Weapons_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08a_Red_Deer_Reduced_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08b_Fallow_Deer_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08c_Sika_Deer_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08d_Roe_Deer_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08g_Wild_Boar_2014-02.pdf
Guide_08j1_Pheasant_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08j2_Partridge_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08j3_Woodcock_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08j4_Wild_Pigeons_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08k1_Wild_Ducks_Red_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08k2_Wild_Geese_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08l1_Red_Fox_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08l2-7_Predatory_Game_2014-02.pdf
Guide_08m1-8_Predatory_Birds_Red_2013-08.pdf
Guide_08n1-5_Other_Game_2013-08.pdf
Guide_09_Hunting_Dogs_1_2013-08.pdf
Guide_09_Hunting_Dogs_2_2013-08.pdf
Guide_10a_Diseases1_2013-08.pdf
Guide_10a_Diseases2_2013-08.pdf
Guide_10a_Diseases3_2013-08.pdf
Guide_10b_Hygiene1_2013-08.pdf
Guide_10b_Hygiene_Red2_2013-08.pdf
Guide_11_Hunting_Techniques_Red_2014-06.pdf
Guide_12_Trophy_Preparation_1_2013-08.pdf
Guide_12_Trophy_Preparation_2_2013-08.pdf
Guide_13_Nature_Protection_1_2013-08.pdf
Guide_13_Nature_Protection_2_2013-08.pdf
Guide_14_Animal_Protection_1_2013-08.pdf
Guide_14_Animal_Protection_2_2013-08.pdf
Guide_15_Hunting_Traditions_2013-08.pdf
Guide_16_US_Forces_Procedures_2018-09.pdf
Guide_16a_Documentation_for_Loaned_or_Borrowed_Long_Firearm_2013-08.pdf
Guide_17_Hunter_Dialect_2013-08.pdf
Guide_18_German_English_Dictionary_2013-08.pdf
Efforts are underway to provide english-language explanations for terms within the "Hunter Dialect" (Jägersprache) file, as soon as possible. However, many of the terms in the "Hunter Dialect" file are translated in the German-English and English-German dictionary.
- Hunting Opportunities
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Hunting in Germany requires a German hunting license, obtainable via instruction and certification at each of the sites within the hunting courses list (above).
Many opportunities exist, ranging from drive hunts, to individual capital-game hunts, and full-season committments in private or public hunting reviers.
For each hunting year in Germany, the window for requesting a booked hunt is open during the month of February. Locations for booked hunts vary between federal, state, and local forests within Germany. Occasionally booked hunts are arranged with private Reviers.
In addition to booked hunts, garrison programs at Ansbach, Baumholder, Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Stuttgart, and Wiesbaden have information for local and nearby hunting opportunities. In addition, the Kaiserslautern Rod & Gun Club (operated by the USAFE 86th Force Support Squadron) and Spangdahlem Air Base Outdoor Recreation have information for local opportunities.
Please refer to the hunting course list (above) for contact info at each major installation.
- Fishing Instructional Materials
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1_-_Cover__Contents_2013-03.pdf
2_-_Section_II_Fishing_Law_Cond_2013-03.pdf
3_-_Section_III_Hydrology_Cond_2013-03.pdf
4_-_Section_IV_Fishing_Equipment_Cond_2013-03.pdf
5_-_Section_V_General_Ichtyology_Cond_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_55-57_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_58_Brown_Trout_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_59_Rainbow_Trout_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_60_Brook_Trout_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_61_Arctic_Char_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_62_Grayling_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_63_Barbel_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_64_Bream_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_65_Carp_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_66_Tench_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_67_Chub_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_68_Roach_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_69_Rudd_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_70_Ide_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_71_Dace_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_72_Nose_Carp_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_73_Whitefish_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_74_Burbot_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_75_Crucian_Carp_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_76_Pike_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_77_Perch_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_78_Pike-Perch_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_79_Eel_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_80_Bleak_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_81_Ruff_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_82_White_Bream_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_83_Stickleback_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_84_Millers_Thumb_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_85_Stroemer_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_86_Schneider_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_87_River_Lamprey_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_88_Moderlieschen_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_89_Bitterling_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_90_Loach_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_91_Steinbeisser_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_92_Pond_Loach_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_93_European_Catfish_2013-03.pdf
6_-_Section_VI_Specialized_Ichtyology_94_Bullhead_2013-03.pdf
7_-_Section_VII_Fish_Diseases_2013-03.pdf
- Fishing Opportunities
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Similar to hunting, garrison programs at Ansbach, Baumholder, Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Kaiserslautern, Stuttgart, and Wiesbaden have nearby opportunities for fishing.
Fishing in Germany requires a German fishing license, obtainable via instruction and certification at each of the sites listed above.
Many opportunities exist, ranging from local ponds and streams, to overnight excursions with deep-sea fishing in the North Sea!
Please refer to the hunting course list (above) for contact info at each major installation.
- Sport Shooting Courses
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Aside from participating on a regular basis, either in training or in competitions, sport shooting certification in Germany requires individuals to complete a basic knowledge course. The course is normally conducted on a Saturday and Sunday, and it features instruction, hands-on practical work, and a written test. After completing the course and documenting regular (average 1.5 activities per month) participation, individuals may proceed with firearms ownership, registration, and possession.
Please refer to the hunting course list (above) and contact local installations for their upcoming courses and events.
- Sport Shooting Instructional Materials
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U.S. Forces Sport Shooting Handbook - February 2014
U.S. Forces personnel may review and download these files for home study and classroom use:
01-Handbook_Cover_Contents_2014-02-02.pdf
02-Handbook_General-Rules_2014-06-11.pdf
03-Handbook_Targets_2014-02-02.pdf
04-Handbook_Events_Overview_2014-02-10.pdf
05-Handbook_Admin-Controls_2014-02-02.pdf
06-Handbook_Disciplines_Handguns_2014-02-02.pdf
07-Handbook_Disciplines_Long-Guns_2014-02-02.pdf
08a-Handbook_Forms_Reduced_2014-02-02.pdf
08b-Handbook_Forms_Reduced_2014-02-02.pdf
09-Handbook_Ranges_2014-02-02.pdf
10-Handbook_Sample_Range_Protocol_2014-02-02.pdf
11-Handbook_Insurance_Proof_2014-02-02.pdf
12-Handbook_Org_Chart_2014-02-02.pdf
13-Handbook_Responsibilities_2014-02-02.pdf
14-Handbook_Abbreviations_2014-02-02.pdf
Instructional Material - Basic Knowledge Training
The following 4 files will be used for basic knowledge training.
U.S. Forces personnel may review and download these files for home study and classroom use:
Basic Knowledge Day 1 Part 1 V5R 2015-12-08.pdf
Basic Knowledge Day 1 Part 2 V6R 2015-12-08.pdf
Basic Knowledge Day 2 Part 1 V5R 2015-12-08.pdf
Basic Knowledge Day 2 Part 2 V6R 2015-12-08.pdf
Instructional Material - Recreational Range Master (Schützenmeister) Training
The following 2 files will be used for Recreational Range Master (Schützenmeister) training.
U.S. Forces personnel may review and download these files for home study and classroom use:
Rangemaster_Training_Day_1_Part_1_2015-08-24.pdf
Rangemaster_Training_Day_1_Part_2_R_2015-08-24.pdf
- Sport Shooting Events & Competitions
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Installation-level Recreational Sport Shooting
Many opportunities exist, ranging from installation-level and friendship competitions with host-nation clubs, to international competitions within Germany and elsewhere in Europe.
Please refer to the hunting course list (above) and contact local installations for their upcoming courses and event.
DJV (Deutsche Jagdschütz Verband)
Specific to hunters, the Deutsche Jagdschütz Verband (German Hunting Association) conducts marksmanship events that lead to the annual German National Championship. Organizers of the qualifying events have always welcomed U.S. Forces hunters who have already earned their Jagdschein (German Hunting License).
Contact local installations for local affiliations and schedules for DJV events.
- Program Oversight
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U.S. Forces Executive Agent / U.S. Army IMCOM Europe Region G9
Mr. Rafael Wunsch, DSN 544-9888 / Civ +49 (0)6111435449888
- Documents and Publications
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The following file list provides current forms used by hunters, fishers, and sport shooters.
Please contact the program oversight representatives for needed updates and/or additions to this list.
Multi-Service Regulations:
AER_215-145_USAFE-I_34-104_R_2017-11-14.pdf Army Europe Regulation 215-145 & USAFE/USAFAF Instruction 34-104: Hunting, Fishing, and Sport Shooting in Germany, November 14, 2017
AER_190-6_2013-11-08.pdf Army Europe Regulation 190-6 / Navy Europe Instruction 5300.15R / USAFE Instruction 31-205; Registration and Control of Privately Owned Firearms and Other Weapons in Germany, November 8, 2013
AE Forms:
AE_Form_215-145A_2017-03.pdf Application for Issuance/Renewal of a German Hunting License
AE_Form_215-145B_2017-03.pdf Application for German Fishing License
U.S. Department of Justice ATF Forms:
ATF_Form_6_2011-08.pdf Application and Permit for Importing Firearms to the United States
German Government Forms:
Verbringungserlaubnis.pdf Application for Importing Firearms into Germany
ErlaubnisVerbringen_ausBRD_31_1.pdf Application to transport from Germany elsewhere in Europe
USAREUR Registry Forms:
AEF190-6D_2018-09 U.S. Forces Application for Registration of a Firearm
AEF190-6D Part A 2015-11.pdf Application to Conduct FBI National Instant Background Check
AEF190-6D_Part_B_2013-02.pdf Application for Issuance of a Permit Puruant to the Weapons Law
AEF190-6G_2013-02.pdf Weapons Bill of Sale
AEF190-6Ha_2013-02.pdf Commander's Statement of Reliability - Military & Civilian Applicants
AEF190-6Hb_2013-02.pdf Commander's Statment of Reliability - Family Member Applicants
AEF190-6J_2013-02.pdf Request for Cancellation of Privately Owned Firearm
AEF190-6L_Print_2015-09-09.pdf Sport Shooting Certificate of Need
AEF190-6M_2013-02.pdf Application for a European Weapons Permit
AEF190-6N_2013-02.pdf Application for Issuance of a Small Weapons Permit (Gas/Blank Firearms)
Other Forms:
Capital Game Request Form 2018-09 Application for hunting capital game
- Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Where am I able to hunt, fish, and sport shoot?
Hunting in Germany is not the same as it is in the U.S.A. because there is no open state forest land for hunting. All land is privately leased or you can book a hunt through the State or Federal Forest Office. This is all based on what type of animal you are wanting to hunt.
Fishing is slightly different where the German Government leases water to individual residents. These people sell permits to fish on their privately leased water. What you are able to fish is based on whatever is in open season (you will learn this in the fishing course).
Sport shooting courses are based on what your needs are. Within U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz there are two options for you to take advantage of. The Baumholder Community has a skeet and trap range through Army Outdoor Recreation, while Kaiserslautern has a pistol, rifle and shotgun range (weekends only) offered through the Air Force Rod & Gun Club. Both have weapons available for rent.
2. What are the going rates for hunting, fishing, and sport shooting?
Costs for these vary by land owners and ranges. Please contact your local Outdoor Recreation Department for details.
3. Is there a restriction on the types of animals that can be hunted or fish that can be caught?
Absolutely. The land owner will tell you what animals may or may not be hunted and what fish may or may not be caught.
4. How do I acquire a license for hunting/fishing/sport shooting?
You must first take the course and pass the exam at Outdoor Recreation.
5. What courses are offered?
Outdoor Recreation offers the Hunting and Fishing courses and a sport shooting course. After the hunting license has been obtained, additional courses, such as reloading, falconry, and trapping, may be taken.
6. Can I rent fishing poles and other equipment?
We have all of the necessary equipment for fishing available for rent.
7. How can I register for a class to obtain a certificate or license?
You can register for classes at Outdoor Recreation.
8. When do the hunting/fishing seasons start/end?
The season is year round starting on April 1 and ends on May 31; however, each animal/type has their own season in which they may be legally hunted. This will all be taught during the hunting and fishing courses. For further details, please contact our friendly staff at Outdoor Recreation.
9. Is there a sport shooting range on post? If so, who can use it?
The Baumholder Community has a skeet and trap range through Army Outdoor Recreation, while Kaiserslautern has a pistol, rifle and shotgun range (weekends only) offered through the Air Force Rod & Gun Club. Both have weapons available for rent. Open to military ID card holders, 18 years of age and older.
10. What is the cost of the certification courses?
The hunting course starting fee taken through the Baumholder Army Outdoor Recreation is $ 200.00 plus additional range fees. The fishing course starting fee is $65.00 and is two weekends long. Please partner with the Air Force Rod & Gun Club for their hunting and fishing rates.
11. How old do I have to be to take the Hunting and/or Fishing course and/or Paintball Field?
To take the fishing course offered through the Baumholder Army Outdoor Recreation, you must be at least 12 years of age. For the paintball field, you must be at least 16 years of age. To take the hunting course, you must be 18 years of age. Please partner with the Air Force Rod & Gun Club for specific requirements when utilizing their services.
Program Overview
There are many opportunities for U.S. Forces personnel to hunt, fish, and enjoy sport shooting in Germany. Contact Outdoor Recreation for further details.
Hunters may seek game including Red Deer (Rotwild), Roe Deer (Rehwild), Fallow Deer (Damwild), Wild Boar (Schwarzwild) and Chamois (Gamswild). Fishers will find several varieties of trout (Bachforelle, Regenbogenforelle, Bachsaibling, and Seesaibling), catfish (Waller or Wels) and pike (Hecht) along with many other fish in the waters of Germany and other European countries.
The German government permits the U.S. Forces in Europe to conduct courses that allow U.S. Forces personnel to qualify for a foreigner's hunting license, fishing license, and/or recreational sport shooting certification in Germany. Volunteer U.S. Forces personnel instruct courses in English at IMCOM-Europe garrisons and U.S. Air Forces Europe bases. Refer to Class listings or call Outdoor Recreation at your local garrison or Air Force base for detailed information.
The main emphasis of our training in hunting, fishing, and sport shooting courses is to learn German laws and traditions that are a bit more thorough when compared with licensing requirements in the states. However, the training in safety, game identification and overall procedures provides hunters, fishers, and sport shooters with knowledge and abilities to become more well-rounded in their outdoor experiences.
After gaining certification, U.S. Forces personnel may obtain German hunting/fishing licenses and join in hunting and fishing traditions that go back several hundred years, as well as becoming eligible for our hunting and fishing instructor program. U.S. Forces sport shooting certification enables U.S. Forces personnel to buy and possess firearms that they may use for enjoying training and competition throughout their assignment in Germany.
More information on the Hunting, Fishing and Sport Shooting program through the Army Europe Region 215-145 and U.S. Air Forces Europe Instruction 34-104, dated November 14, 2017.
AER_215-145_USAFE-I_34-104_R_2017-11-14.pdf
The most recent update of content within this site - September 13, 2018: Uploaded revised AE Form 190-6 within documents and forms section.
Traditional seasons for hunting courses are in Spring and Fall.
U.S. Forces hunting courses from 2014 thru 2018 sustained high levels of participation as over 100 "young hunters" (Jungjägers) successfully completed the course each year.
Please contact the outdoor recreation program at your nearest Army garrison or Air Force base for info on their upcoming courses and events.
USAG Ansbach
Outdoor Recreation
Mr. Fred Lane - Katterbach Kaserne Bldg 5807
DSN: (314) 467-3225
Commercial: +49 (0)9802-83-3225
USAG Bavaria
Grafenwöhr / Tower Barracks: Wild B.O.A.R. Outdoor Recreation
Mr. Hans Hathaway - Tower Barracks, Bldg. RC 600, room 14 (Wild B.O.A.R. Complex at Dickhäuter Lake)
DSN: (314)475-8524
Commercial: +49 (0)9641-83-8524
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Hohenfels Military Community: Outdoor Recreation
Mr. Joshua Moore
DSN: (314)466-2060
Commercial: +49 (0)9472-83-2060
USAG Rheinland-Pfalz / See Ramstein (below)
Baumholder Military Community Outdoor Recreation
Mr. Brandt Gardner - Smith Bks Bldg 8167
DSN: (314) 485-7182
Commercial: +49 (0)6783-6-7182
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Kaiserslautern Military Community Outdoor Recreation
Mr. Marcos Yracheta, Pulaski Bks Bldg 2905
DSN: (314) 493-4115
Commercial: +49 (0)6313-406-4115
Ramstein Air Base
86th Force Support Squadron Kaiserslautern Rod & Gun Club
Mr. Josh Hammers - Pulaski / Vogelweh Installation Bldg 2960
DSN: (314) 489-7274
Commercial: +49 (0)631-536-7274
Spangdahlem Air Base
52nd Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation
Mr. Mike Kirsch - Bldg 146
DSN: (314) 452-7170
Commercial: +49 (0)6565-61-7170
USAG Stuttgart
Outdoor Recreation
Mr. Ernest Johnson - Kelley Barracks, Bldg. 3320
DSN: (314) 421-4291
Commercial: +49 (0)711-729-4291
USAG Wiesbaden
Outdoor Recreation
Albert Klaver Jr. - Clay Kaserne Bldg 1043
DSN: (314) 548-9803
Commercial: +49 (0)611-143-548-9803
