Anyone wishing to hunt must successfully pass a hunting examination and obtain a hunting license.

The hunting examination is conducted by the competent authority. The comprehensive examination consists of a shooting test, a written test and a practical oral test.

Preparatory courses for the hunting examination are offered by the district groups of the state hunting association and by private hunting schools. Participation in a course in preparation for the examination is strongly recommended.

In order to meet the needs of interested persons, both intensive courses of short duration and courses lasting several months are offered.

Documents required for the issue (or renewal) of a hunting license:

• Original certificate of successful completion of the hunting examination (for first-time applications)
• Passport photo (only for first-time issue and reissue)
• Proof of the existence of statutory hunting liability insurance

The competent authority also requests an unrestricted information from the Federal Central Criminal Register. Certain entries according to a strictly applied standard prohibit the issuing of the hunting license or result in its immediate revocation.