Shotgun shooting is an essential part of the practical examination for obtaining a hunting license in Germany. This discipline requires not only precision and responsiveness, but also a high degree of safety and a sense of responsibility when handling the weapon. The hunter's examination tests the prospective hunter's ability to shoot at moving targets - clay pigeons and clay hares. The examination requirements and conditions vary considerably depending on the federal state.
1. basics of shotgun shooting
Shotgun shooting comprises two main disciplines:
- Clay pigeon shooting
- Kipphase shooting
Clay pigeon shooting
Procedure and requirements
In clay pigeon shooting, the candidates have to shoot at moving targets, so-called clay pigeons, which are catapulted from throwing machines. These clay pigeons simulate the flight of birds and fly in different trajectories to simulate different hunting situations.
Test conditions
- Number of clay pigeons: The number of clay pigeons that must be shot at varies. Typically, candidates have to shoot at 15 to 20 clay pigeons.
- Hit rate: The required hit rate also varies. 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 required.
- Types of shot and trajectories: The types of throws can vary depending on the federal state. By default, different angles and heights are used to simulate realistic hunting situations. Some federal states also use more complicated types of throws such as cross or steep shots.
- Number of throwing machines: Some test locations use a single throwing machine, while others use several machines to create more complex trajectories.
Safety regulations
Candidates must adhere to strict safety regulations, including the correct handling of the weapon, wearing ear protection and safety goggles and keeping to the direction of fire.
Kipphase shooting
Procedure and requirements
In tipping bunny shooting, the candidates shoot at a moving target on the ground that simulates the movement of a fleeing bunny. The hare is moved mechanically along a predetermined path.
Test conditions
- Number of hares: Depending on the federal state, candidates must shoot at a certain number of hares. The usual number is 5 to 10 shots.
- Hit rate: The required hit rate can vary greatly. In some federal states, for example, 3 out of 5 tipping bunnies must be hit, while in others 5 out of 10 are required.
- Speed and direction: The tipping bunny can be moved at different speeds and from different directions (from left to right or vice versa) to increase the difficulty.
- Target size: The size of the tipping bunny can vary depending on the test location to simulate different levels of difficulty.
Safety regulations
Strict safety regulations also apply here, including the correct handling of the weapon and adherence to the direction of fire. In addition, the shooter must ensure that they only hit the tipping bunny in the safe shooting area.
Differences between the federal states
The examination requirements and conditions for shotgun shooting in the hunting examination are not uniformly regulated in the various federal states. These differences apply to both clay pigeon shooting and shotgun shooting.
Clay pigeon shooting
- North Rhine-Westphalia: Here, for example, the candidates must shoot at 20 clay pigeons and score at least 15 hits. Various types of shots are used, including more demanding cross and steep shots.
- Bavaria: In Bavaria, the candidates also have to shoot at 20 clay pigeons, but it is sufficient to score 10 hits. The types of shot are less complex, mostly standardized trajectories.
- Lower Saxony: In Lower Saxony, the focus is on a high hit rate. Candidates must shoot at 15 clay pigeons and score at least 12 hits. The throwing machines are placed in such a way that different angles and heights are covered.
Kipphase shooting
- Baden-Württemberg: Here the candidates have to shoot at 5 tilting bunnies and score at least 3 hits. The tipping bunny moves from left to right at a moderate speed.
- Saxony: In Saxony, the test is more demanding. Candidates must shoot 10 tipping bunnies and score at least 7 hits. The tipping bunny moves at different speeds and in different directions.
- Thuringia: In Thuringia, the candidates must also shoot at 10 tipping bunnies, but it is sufficient to score 5 hits. The tipping bunny moves at a constant speed, usually from right to left.
Conclusion
Shotgun shooting in the hunting test is a demanding and versatile discipline that tests the shooting skills and safety of prospective hunters. The specific requirements and examination conditions vary considerably depending on the federal state. It is therefore essential for candidates to obtain comprehensive information about the applicable regulations in the respective federal state at an early stage and to train accordingly. Thorough preparation and an understanding of the different examination modalities are crucial for the successful completion of the hunter examination.