Jagdbehörde

Jagdbehörde is the public authority responsible for the regulation and supervision of hunting and wildlife management within a defined jurisdiction. It enforces hunting laws, issues licenses and permits, and conducts inspections to ensure sustainable use of game populations and protection of wildlife habitats. The term is used in German-speaking countries and can refer to different administrative levels depending on the country and state.

Legal basis and structure: The Jagdbehörde operates under national or state hunting laws (such as Jagdgesetz or Landesjagdgesetz). In Germany, it is typically the undere Jagdbehörde within the district administration (Kreis, Landratsamt); in Austria and other regions, provincial or state-level agencies carry out similar functions. The authority coordinates with environmental, agricultural and police authorities, as well as with game wardens, to implement regulations and monitor compliance.

Major responsibilities: The Jagdbehörde issues and renews hunting licenses after successful Jägerprüfungen, and grants permits for hunting specific species, in particular zones or times. It determines hunting seasons and bag limits, maintains records of harvested game, and regulates hunting grounds and access. It oversees transport and handling of game, enforces firearms and wildlife protection laws, and coordinates wildlife population management, disease surveillance, and conflict mitigation related to hunting. It may issue permits for translocation, export of trophies, or for agricultural damage compensation schemes.

Interaction with hunters and the public: Hunters typically need a valid Jagdschein and must follow seasonal rules, bag limits and reporting requirements. The Jagdbehörde can suspend or revoke licenses for violations, conduct inspections, and impose fines. The public can contact the authority to report illegal hunting, request permits, or obtain information about regulations.