Obtaining a German hnting license

[Tom H.]

It should be apparent by the title that I have little to no knowledge regarding the process.
I may have the opportunity to do some hunting on a lease in Germany but I also have heard a variety of things regarding licensing.
Yes I do have a hunting license in my home state.

Any info would be appreciated
Thanks

Tom

[mike ford]

Tom,
My experience with obtaining German Hunting licenses was under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement, which I believe is now gone. Unless you were in the military or otherwise under the agreement, it wouldn't apply anyway. I'm given to understand short term nonresident licenses are available, but I don't know the requirements. Maybe our member Axel will enlighten you, or maybe you could ask the owner of the lease. If you intend to use your own gun(s), you need to research import/export requirements. One of our members is well versed in this, you can check the Trade Directory in WAIDMANNSHEIL.
Mike

[Tom H.]

Thanks Mike. Have a bit of time so I am sure that it will all be worked out.
Tom

[Axel E]

The procedure for Auslaendertagesjagdscheine = short time hunting licenses for foreigners may differ from German state to state. Next week, I will check the exact red tape and costs as they apply here in my home state, Nether Saxony. Roughly, it goes this way: Your host, as the bonafide owner of the right to hunt in the area, has to provide a written invitation, specifying the exact two weeks or so you will be hunting here. He has to buy you a hunter's liability insurance. You have to provide him with a passport photo. A copy of your hunting licence and/or other papers that show that you have some experience in hunting and safe gun handling may be helpfull, as he has to declare that you are a Person who may be trusted with a gun. Then your host may arrange for your licence and send it over to you. Importing and exporting your own gun and ammo then should be not a big problem, as you can proove a legit purpose for it's use. But don't Forget the regulations of airlines and the USA to get it out and in again.

[Tom H.]

Thanks for the help Axel. Hopefully we will be able to pull this together. Have wanted to visit Germany for some time and adding a hunt to the trip would be great.

Tom

[mike ford]

Tom,
My travel was years ago and maybe some things have changed, but to reenter the US with previously owned guns only required some proof of ownership in US. This could be Bill of Sale , Registration or Permit to Buy in a State requiring them, inventory list of household goods, etc. The best and surest way was to show them on a Customs form ( I've forgotten the form number) showing items that will be brought back into the US, so Customs fees will not be charged. In those days, possession of guns in a New York airport caused some excitement, but not nearly as much as it would today. It may be worthwhile, therefore, to call ahead of time and make arrangements to list them before the day you leave. You will have to list make, model, caliber, and serial number. At the same time you may find it worthwhile to list cameras, watches, or other valuables.
Mike

[Diz]

Tom,

Here is a copy of information directly from the US Customs site.

What is the process for a traveler temporarily taking a firearm, rifle, gun, shotgun or ammunition abroad for hunting or sports-related purposes?


Current export regulations issued by the Department of State require travelers to file electronic export information (EEI) for temporary export of personally owned firearms via the Automated Export System (AES) prior to departure from the United States.

CBP is aware of issues that travelers are having with the implementation of this regulation and is working to ensure that no traveler attempting to legally take their firearm out of the country experiences significant delays or incurs additional cost.

Because of these issues, we are temporarily suspending implementation of the regulation as we work with our government partners to modify the AES system to make it more user-friendly for individual travelers.

In the interim, CBP will continue to follow their long standing practice of issuing and certifying a Certificate of Registration (CBP Form 4457). During this time, when a traveler contacts CBP to register their firearm for export and reentry, CBP will:

Complete a CBP Form 4457 to ensure a problem-free return to the U.S., and provide a fact sheet about the regulation and how to comply in the interim.

If you need to complete a form 4457 in the course of your travel, please give yourself enough time to do so, 2-3 hours is a good estimate. You also have the option of registering in advance at a CBP Port of Entry. Once the CBP 4457 is completed, it can be used repeatedly for that particular firearm.

CBP advises travelers to become familiar with the import requirements of the foreign country(s) that they may be traveling through or visiting. Those countries may have more restrictive laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms within their countries. For many countries that do allow the temporary importation of firearms, the CBP Form 4457 is required for entry of a U.S. owned firearm into their country. (Canada does not require it, but it does facilitate the temporary importation. Be sure to become familiar with Canada's import requirements.)

Please note, if you are taking ammunition, and there is a possibility you will not use it all and would like to re-import it, your 4457 should reflect the kind of ammunition you are departing with.

Upon returning to the United States, the traveler will make a regular declaration regarding the personal effects and goods that they are carrying and ensure that they declare any firearms and ammunition.

To satisfy the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives requirements for the re-importation of a firearm please refer to 27 CFR 478.115(a). The ATF regulations allow for the use of the CF 4457 upon re-importation, and does not require an approved import permit (ATF-6), provided that CBP is satisfied that the firearm was previously exported from the United States and is now being returned.

To establish such proof, a bill of sale, receipt, copy of ATF Form 4473, household effects inventory, packing list, or registration on Customs Forms 4457 or 4455 may be used, if the registration form is completed prior to departure from the U.S. For military personnel, a properly executed Department of Defense Form 12521 signed by either the serviceman's commanding officer or an authorized Customs officer may be used. The acceptability of such proof is within the purview of the Customs officials at the port of entry.

I would start the process early. Good Luck, Diz