Shotgun shooting is an essential part of the practical exam for obtaining a hunting license in Germany. This discipline requires not only precision and reaction ability but also a high level of safety and responsibility in handling the weapon. In the hunter's exam, the skills of aspiring hunters are tested in shooting at moving targets – clay pigeons and running hares. The exam requirements and conditions vary significantly depending on the federal state.
1. Basics of Shotgun Shooting
Shotgun shooting includes two main disciplines:
- Clay Pigeon Shooting
- Running Hare Shooting
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Procedure and Requirements
In clay pigeon shooting, candidates must shoot at moving targets, known as clay pigeons, which are catapulted from throwing machines. These clay pigeons simulate the flight of birds and fly in different trajectories to replicate various hunting situations.
Exam Conditions
- Number of Clay Pigeons: The number of clay pigeons to be shot at varies. Typically, candidates must shoot at 15 to 20 clay pigeons.
- Hit Rate: The required hit rate also differs. In some federal states, for example, at least 15 out of 20 clay pigeons must be hit, while in others, only 10 out of 15 clay pigeons are needed.
- Throwing Types and Trajectories: The throwing types can vary depending on the federal state. Standardly, different angles and heights are used to simulate realistic hunting situations. Some federal states additionally use more complicated throwing types such as cross or steep shots.
- Number of Throwing Machines: Some exam locations use a single throwing machine, while others employ multiple machines to create more complex flight paths.
Safety Regulations
Candidates must adhere to strict safety regulations, including proper handling of the weapon, wearing hearing protection and safety glasses, and maintaining the shooting direction.
Running Hare Shooting
Procedure and Requirements
In running hare shooting, candidates shoot at a moving target on the ground that simulates the movement of a fleeing hare. The running hare is mechanically moved along a predetermined path.
Exam Conditions
- Number of Running Hares: Depending on the federal state, candidates must shoot at a specific number of running hares. Typically, 5 to 10 shots are required.
- Hit Rate: The required hit rate can vary significantly. In some federal states, for example, 3 out of 5 running hares must be hit, while in others, 5 out of 10 are required.
- Speed and Direction: The running hare can be moved at different speeds and from various directions (from left to right or vice versa) to increase the difficulty.
- Target Size: The size of the running hare can vary depending on the exam location to simulate different levels of difficulty.
Safety Regulations
Here too, strict safety regulations apply, including proper handling of the weapon and maintaining the shooting direction. Additionally, the shooter must ensure that the running hare is only hit within a safe shooting area.
Differences Between the Federal States
The exam requirements and conditions for shotgun shooting in the hunter's exam are not uniformly regulated across the various federal states. These differences affect both clay pigeon shooting and running hare shooting.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
- North Rhine-Westphalia: Here, candidates must shoot at 20 clay pigeons and achieve at least 15 hits. Various throwing types are used, including more challenging cross and steep shots.
- Bavaria: In Bavaria, candidates must also shoot at 20 clay pigeons, but only 10 hits are required. The throwing types are less complex, usually standardized flight paths.
- Lower Saxony: In Lower Saxony, the focus is on a high hit rate. Candidates must shoot at 15 clay pigeons and achieve at least 12 hits. The throwing machines are positioned to cover various angles and heights.
Running Hare Shooting
- Baden-Württemberg: Here, candidates must shoot at 5 running hares and achieve at least 3 hits. The running hare moves at a moderate speed from left to right.
- Saxony: In Saxony, the exam is more challenging. Candidates must shoot at 10 running hares and achieve at least 7 hits. The running hare moves at different speeds and directions.
- Thuringia: In Thuringia, candidates must also shoot at 10 running hares, but only 5 hits are required. The movement of the running hare occurs at a constant speed, usually from right to left.
Conclusion
Shotgun shooting in the hunter's exam is a demanding and versatile discipline that tests the shooting skills and safety of aspiring hunters. The specific requirements and exam conditions vary significantly depending on the federal state. Therefore, it is essential for candidates to inform themselves early and comprehensively about the applicable regulations in their respective federal state and to train accordingly. Thorough preparation and understanding of the different exam modalities are crucial for successfully completing the hunter's exam.
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