Hunting in Austria

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

• 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

Required documents

• 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.

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.

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

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.