Definition and Legal Foundations of the Revierjäger
The Term Revierjäger refers to a certified occupational title that is legally established within Germany’s hunting sector. Revierjäger are qualified individuals who, in addition to the general duties of hunting activities, are especially active in the game management of private and communal hunting grounds. They are responsible for the stewardship and care of wildlife populations as well as the management, organization, and execution of comprehensive hunting-related tasks. The qualification as a Revierjäger is subject to distinct legal provisions, primarily stemming from federal and state regulations as well as the Vocational Training Act.
Training and Examination
Legal Framework of Training
Vocational training to become a Revierjäger is state-recognized and organized in a dual system in Germany. The legal basis for this occupation is the Ordinance on Vocational Training for Revierjäger/Revierjägerin (Revierjäger Training Ordinance – RevierjägerAusbV) of June 9, 1997, in the version currently in force. This ensures a nationwide standardized structure and content for the three-year training program.
Key legal foundations:
- Federal Hunting Act (BJagdG)
- Vocational Training Act (BBiG)
- Trade and Crafts Code (HwO) partly applicable
- State hunting laws (depending on the federal state)
Training Contents and Legal Requirements
The training imparts legally relevant content in the areas of wildlife ecology, gamekeeping, hunting operations, forestry, land use, and the handling of hunting weapons and ammunition. The training framework includes regular examinations as well as a final state examination. The examination regulations, evaluation criteria, and procedures are precisely defined by law.
Admission Requirements and Legal Consequences
Generally, a minimum of a secondary school diploma is required to begin vocational training. Training may only take place in recognized training establishments that meet legal requirements and are registered with the relevant authorities. Successful completion of the examination certifies professional aptitude and entitles the holder to use the occupational title “Revierjäger” or “Revierjägerin”.
Legal Status and Duties of the Revierjäger
Statutory Basis
Revierjäger generally work on behalf of the person entitled to hunt, such as a hunting tenant or the owner of a private hunting district. Their legal status arises from a contractual relationship governed by private law. The contract is usually an employment agreement detailing rights and obligations, with full application of labor law and applicable employment and social security regulations.
Hunting Law Competencies
Revierjäger are subject to all hunting law provisions, primarily the Federal Hunting Act and the respective state hunting laws. Their duties include:
- Monitoring and managing wildlife populations in compliance with the conservation obligation (§ 1 BJagdG)
- Carrying out hunting activities in accordance with hunting law provisions (permit prerequisites, closed seasons, hunting quotas)
- Ensuring compliance with nature conservation, animal welfare, and firearms laws
Furthermore, the Revierjäger is obligated to prevent or minimize wildlife damage and to take appropriate preventative measures in consultation with the hunting ground owner.
Liability and Responsibilities
Legal Responsibility
In the scope of their work, Revierjäger bear extensive responsibility for compliance with statutory and contractual requirements. In particular, they are responsible for the proper and safe execution of hunting activities. Violations of hunting, animal welfare, or firearms regulations can lead to criminal, administrative, or regulatory consequences.
Legal Aspects of Liability
Revierjäger are civilly liable for damages they cause intentionally or negligently in their professional capacity. Contractual liability limitations are possible but must comply with statutory provisions (§ 276 and § 278 BGB). Typical liability cases include wildlife accidents due to insufficient road safety measures or violations of firearms regulations.
Firearms and Animal Welfare Law Provisions
Firearms Law Status
To carry the required hunting weapons, the Revierjäger needs a firearms permit under § 15 of the Weapons Act (WaffG). The acquisition, possession, and carrying of hunting weapons are subject to strict regulation. The permit requires successful completion of the hunter’s examination, personal reliability, and the necessary expertise.
- Weapon storage: Legally mandated safety standards (§ 36 WaffG)
- Proof of personal reliability (§ 5 WaffG)
- Proof of physical and mental suitability (§ 6 WaffG)
Animal Welfare Law Considerations
The activities of a Revierjäger are continuously subject to the Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG). Animal welfare provisions affect both hunting activities and subsequent tasks such as processing game and removal of animal carcasses. Violations of animal welfare regulations may result in criminal penalties and the loss of hunting permits.
Data Protection and Documentation Obligations
In the course of their work, Revierjäger must maintain comprehensive documentation. Records of game taken, management plans, catch statistics, and other evidence must be kept in accordance with state law and be available for inspection. Additionally, data protection regulations must be observed when processing personal data, for example in relation to hunting guests or employment relationships.
Social Security Classification
Revierjäger, if employed, are in a position subject to social insurance contributions. They are generally registered with the statutory pension, health, nursing care, and unemployment insurance. Special provisions apply for seasonal employment and for jobs with hunting associations or municipal bodies.
Summary
Der Revierjäger is a state-recognized occupation and holds a significant position in German hunting practice. The activity is comprehensively regulated by law and encompasses requirements from hunting, firearms, animal welfare, labor, data protection, and social security law. Exercising this profession requires not only successful training but also continual compliance with all relevant legal provisions. Violations may have serious consequences, up to and including the loss of hunting or firearms licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal requirements must be fulfilled to work as a Revierjäger?
Several legal requirements must be met to practice as a Revierjäger. In Germany, passing the hunter’s examination—which includes both a theoretical and practical section—is a prerequisite. In addition, the applicant must be at least 18 years old and prove personal reliability and physical suitability under § 17 of the Federal Hunting Act (BJagdG), with checks on reliability under the Weapons Act and the criminal register. Furthermore, a hunting license must be obtained, issued by the authorities for one to three years at a time. For this, a need must be demonstrated, usually through employment as a Revierjäger or by leasing a hunting ground. For Revierjäger in dependent employment, recognized training with a final examination—regulated by the respective state law—is also required. Moreover, when carrying firearms, the provisions of the Weapons Act (WaffG) must be strictly observed.
What are the legal rules governing the liability of a Revierjäger in the course of their work?
Revierjäger have specific liability within the scope of their work. In principle, the Revierjäger is liable under the general provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB), especially §§ 823 et seq. BGB, if they negligently cause third-party damage, for example by breaching road safety obligations during hunting activities. Revierjäger employed by an organization acting on its behalf are personally liable initially but may come under the employer’s liability in the context of internal compensation for damages, unless there is gross negligence or willful intent. Additionally, hunting law regulations, such as keeper’s liability (§ 833 BGB), apply when hunting dogs cause damage in the course of hunting activities. Special insurance policies, such as hunting liability insurance—which is legally required—may cover liability in case of damages.
Under what circumstances may a Revierjäger kill or capture game?
The killing or capture of game is strictly regulated by law. The determining factors are the relevant state hunting laws, the Federal Hunting Act (BJagdG), and specific ordinances. The Revierjäger may only hunt game in an authorized hunting ground and during designated hunting seasons with a valid hunting license. Observing closed seasons and species protection laws is mandatory. Specific animal welfare regulations must also be adhered to, for example regarding the choice of trapping methods and manner of killing (§ 19 BJagdG, Animal Welfare Act). The use of traps is subject to licensing and must be with devices that comply with animal welfare standards. Exemptions, such as for disease control or to protect agriculture, are only granted by the hunting authorities after careful review.
What special firearms law regulations apply to a Revierjäger?
Revierjäger are subject to the German Weapons Act (WaffG) like all hunters, but there are additional obligations in the scope of their professional activities. They require a firearms license (WBK) for hunting weapons and a valid hunting license. For storage and transport, §§ 36 and 12 WaffG apply: weapons must be stored in a certified safe, and during transport, must be unloaded and kept in a locked container. Ongoing and documented training in firearms handling may be mandated by law or employer regulations. The use of firearms is strictly regulated and permitted only for hunting, for protective purposes (e.g., to prevent poaching animals), or trap hunting by authorization.
What legal obligations exist regarding game meat hygiene?
Revierjäger are obligated by EU Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 and by German food and meat hygiene law to observe special hygiene requirements in the processing and marketing of game meat. This includes expert evisceration and inspection of killed game, as well as documenting all relevant findings. Proof of a special training course in game meat hygiene is required for marketing game meat, as regulated by the Game Meat Hygiene Regulation. The Revierjäger must also meet all statutory reporting and recordkeeping requirements regarding wildlife diseases and traceability. Game meat may only be given to third parties after all these requirements have been fully fulfilled and registered in the game origin certificate.
What powers and duties does a Revierjäger have in the area of hunting protection?
According to § 23 BJagdG, the Revierjäger holds public authority in the area of hunting protection, particularly with regard to controlling and preventing poaching, protecting game from diseases, and monitoring compliance with hunting laws by third parties. The Revierjäger is entitled to stop and identify individuals in the hunting district, to confiscate illegally used weapons and aids, and, under strict legal conditions, to kill poaching dogs and cats. There is also an obligation to report breaches of hunting law to the authorities without delay. Proper exercise of these powers requires clear authorization as the person entitled to exercise hunting rights and regular training in compliance with legal boundaries.
What reporting and notification obligations apply to a Revierjäger?
Revierjäger are subject to various hunting law notification and reporting obligations. The killing of certain types of game, especially protected or potentially diseased animals, must be reported immediately to the responsible enforcement authority (§ 31 BJagdG). Additionally, wildlife damage, wildlife disease, or unusual patterns within the population must be documented and reported. There is also a duty to notify authorities of any detected offenses, such as poaching or firearms misuse, in the hunting district. Typically, precise records of game taken must be kept and submitted annually to the hunting authority. In the case of injured animals, § 17 of the Animal Welfare Act requires that injured game be humanely destroyed as soon as possible or that the incident be reported.
