Germany Sees Record Growth in Hunting Enthusiasts

The number of licensed hunters in Germany has reached an all-time high, with over 460,000 participants nationwide and notable regional increases.

The German hunting community has grown by 41% over the past 30 years, with 460,771 licensed hunters as of late 2024, according to the German Hunting Association (DJV).
North Rhine-Westphalia leads in absolute numbers, surpassing 100,000 hunters for the first time, while Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has the highest density with 10 hunters per 1,000 residents.
Key motivations for joining the hunting community include nature conservation, sustainable food sourcing, and a desire to experience the outdoors, as reported by regional hunting associations.
Upcoming events like the 'Jagd und Hund' fair in Dortmund highlight the growing interest, with over 700 exhibitors showcasing hunting equipment, techniques, and wildlife conservation efforts.
Despite the growth, only 70% of hunters nationwide are members of hunting associations, with some regions like Thuringia seeing a decline in membership over the past decade.