Why Austria
Unique hunting tradition and culture
Enjoy traditional stalking in the mountains while surrounded by roaring stags, climbing a peak to chase the majestic chamois, or participating in a classic driven hunt to test your shooting skills
Unforgettable experience for your family
Austria offers plenty of opportunities to combine hunting with a family trip. You and your family can enjoy visits to various world-renowned destinations such as Vienna, the capital, or Salzburg, the city of Mozart. There are many options for cultural experiences for a non-hunting companion and for tours before and after a hunt. The small towns throughout the Alps are also very inviting and welcome tourists from around the world
Unique game species
Austria is well known for its exemplary management of its game animals, including red deer, fallow deer, sika deer, roe deer, chamois, mouflon, Alpine ibex, marmot, and wild boar. There are also healthy populations of black cock and capercaillie
Austria on map
About hunting in Austria
Austria, proud of its centuries-old hunting tradition, is one of the most welcoming countries in Europe for the hunter. You can expect high-quality hunting services and a strong sense of hospitality toward hunters. Hunting is deeply rooted in Austrian society and hunters are regarded as role models because of their ethical values and understanding of and identification with nature. Hunting in Austria will give you insight into how this century-old tradition developed and why it continues to this day. A great variety of magnificent natural landscapes await the hunter. Experience the Northern Alpine Foreland, which includes the breathtaking Danube Valley; the lowlands and hilly regions in northeastern and eastern Austria, with its high density of forests and fields; and the rolling hills and lowlands of the Southeastern Alpine Foreland to the west, dominated by the impressive, soaring peaks of the Alps.
What you need to know
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1. Planning your trip
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2. Upon arrival
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3. Hunting
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4. After the hunt
Planning your trip
Visa
Citizens of the European Economic Area, the United States, Canada, Israel, and many other countries do not need a visa for a stay in Austria of up to three months.
Hunting permits
Outfitters will assist clients in obtaining their hunting permits. Generally a visiting hunter will need to produce a valid hunting license from their country of nationality in order to get a permit to hunt in Austria.
Prohibited equipment
The use of the following equipment is prohibited in Austria:- silencers
- automatic or semiautomatic rifles
- shotguns capable of holding more than two cartridges
- bow hunting equipment
- any electronic optical aiming equipment on the gun, such as night vision or thermal imaging scopes
Upon arrival
Required documents
Hunters should be able to produce the following documents upon arrival in Austria:- Identity card or passport
- Hunting license from your home country
- Euro-firearm certificate (if traveling with your own firearms; see below for specifics)
Gun import for EU citizens
Hunters may enter and leave Austria with firearms that are intended for private use if they carry a European Firearms Pass, if the firearms are registered on this Firearms Pass, and as long as they can justify the objective of their journey (hunting invitation, shooting competition). Ammunition for the personal firearms may also be carried.
Gun import for non-EU citizens
Non-EU citizens need to obtain a permit from the Austrian consulate or other representing authority in their country to import and carry firearms of category C & D (shotgun and rifle) as well as the equivalent ammunition.
Hunting
Ethical hunting
Hunting is deeply rooted in Austrian society and hunters are regarded as role models because of their ethical values and understanding of and identification with nature. Children who grow up hunting learn from an early age its necessity for conservation and they acquire respect for wildlife and learn the importance of fair chase.
Showing reverence to wild game is important. Hunters respect and honor the game taken with the "last bite", and they also honor the hunter with the hunter’s "break". You will hear terms such as “Weidmannssprache;” “Weidmann” means “the hunter.” Many already know the famous “Weidmannsheil,” which is used as a greeting and an acknowledgment of a successful hunt.
Useful tips
Most hunting is conducted as a combination of walking and sitting at strategic places or as a traditional spot and stalk. Good optics are extremely valuable, especially when hunting in the mountains. A waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended.
After the hunt
Game management show
All trophy animals, that is, game with antlers and horns, must be presented at the annual game management show (Trophäenschau). Shipment of trophies can only take place after trophy has been presented. Game management shows take place from January till April.
Trophy fees
Trophy fees for various game animals are calculated in the following ways:Red deer stag
The weight of the skull (without the bottom jaw) and antlers will be calculated 24 hours after the skull has been boiled. Grandels (ivories) are considered part of the trophy and incur no additional charge.
Roe deer buck
Trophy fee is based on its weight with small skull measured at the official trophy evaluation, 24 hours after boiling and cleaning. Upon request, the trophy can be weighed with full skull. In this case the the weight will be corrected by the trophy jury.
Mouflon ram
The outside curve of the longest horn will be measured and the fee charged accordingly.
Fallow deer stag
The trophy fee is based on its weight with skull (without bottom jaw), measured at the official trophy evaluation, 24 hours after boiling and cleaning.
Wild boar
The outside curve of the longest bottom tusk will be measured and the fee charged accordingly.
Documentation
The outfitter is responsible for obtaining an official EU veterinary certificate for the trophy. At the same time, the outfitter should obtain any other necessary local documents as well. The outfitter is not responsible for obtaining any trophy import certificates that may be required for non-EU countries.
Price distribution
Hunting methods
Game classification
Reviews
Top hunts
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