I earned my Jagdschein 1990 and I am possibly going to move back to Germany, to work as a civilian contractor for the US Military. I have not even thought about German hunting since I left in 1991, and am wondering how new gun laws affect importing rifle/shotgun/pistol in order to hunt again. How difficult is importing? How difficult is buying?

I'm thinking of bringing my shotgun and pistol, but will probably buy a new rifle once I get there, but am insterested in what I'm getting into.

Panzerguy, lots of changes since you were here last.

First, you need a valid Jagdschein. With that, you can get weapons registered on a Waffenbesitzkarte. If you bring them with you and you don't have a valid Jagdschein, I'm afraid they may get 'held' for you.

To get a valid Jagdschein, I'm not sure how many years of not having a valid one they give you to renew. Too many stories out there on this, worst case scenario is it's not valid and can't be renewed without taking the course again. I've heard you got 10 years before that happens . . . . but don't take that to the bank.

On the other hand, once you have a valid Jagdschein you may purchase any long weapon from anywhere you want, as many as you want, -- you got two weeks to get it on a WBK. There is a limit on short weapons, or pistols (2, then you need special permission to get any more on or a Sportshooters WBK).

I guess your first step is to get a valid Jagdschein, this will hinge on where you settle down and the goodness of your local Beamter, good luck, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

The Jägerprüfung is good for life, in order to get a Jagdschein you need proof of a hunting liability insurance (quite cheap, I think around 100€ for 3 years).

Do NOT bring the guns with you before you have the paperwork in order!

I'd just contact a local rod&gun club over here regarding those special agreements for members of the AF and similar. I am sure they can help.

1. You need a hunting insurance (60€ per year)
2. A new Jagdschein. (70€ per year)
3. Importing your rifles is not a problem, but
the number of handguns for jagschein owners
is limited to 2.
For more handguns you need another "Waffen-
besitzkarte), you can get it as a member of
a shooting club. Maybe a membership in the
rod&gumn club is possible as an civilian.