At the end of six action-packed days, the 43^rd JAGD & HUND show drew to a close at Messe Dortmund on 4 February 2024. As well as its pronounced international credentials, the growing commitment to sustainable hunting, species protection and habitat conservation has also become one of the hallmarks of what is Europe's largest hunting show.

Dortmund, 7 February 2024 – Hunters, hunting enthusiasts, dog lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and a broad section of the public at large were once again informed and entertained in style at this year's JAGD & HUND between 30 January and 4 February 2024 which featured a wide range of products on show, exciting new events and special exhibition features as well as attractive hands-on highlights. An extended programme of specialist content on many up-to-the-minute topics in international hunting practice went to make the event an informal knowledge hub and a much sought-after forum for engaging with highly respected experts. JAGD & HUND was also the venue for key discussions on all aspects of sustainable hunting. According to experts, it underpins the income of the population in many parts of the world and actively assists in protecting wild animal populations. It does so by means of anti-poaching initiatives and by channelling funding into national parks. 

“We are once again delighted with the positive response to JAGD & HUND – especially with the way it attracted large numbers of visitors from many countries in Europe and far beyond. A unique variety of products from a highly international range of suppliers convenes right here in Dortmund – this is essentially what JAGD & HUND is all about as a buyer-meets-seller forum for the hunting industry. Our aim throughout is to keep on developing this traditional meeting place for the international hunting community so that it always stays in tune with the times, offering significant and meaningful content. We've definitely succeeded in doing so again this year. As well as the wide variety of products for which this show is known – with a host of big-name brands and new product highlights – the high-quality stage programme was also a real winner. This special mix of inspiration, information and interdisciplinary engagement makes Europe's largest hunting show a model of success as the world transforms. And so we're already looking forward with confidence and anticipation to JAGD & HUND 2025,” said Sabine Loos, chief show organiser and Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe GmbH which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue. 

Grand opening

High-ranking representatives from the industry were present at the opening event and emphasised the significance of JAGD & HUND. For example, Nicole Heitzig, President of the State Hunting Association of North Rhine Westphalia, and Norbert Schilff, Mayor of the City of Dortmund, gave welcome addresses as the show commenced. Also in attendance were Karl Walch, President of the Working Gundog Association, Dr Steffen Koch, Head of the German Delegation of the International Council for Game & Wildlife Conservation, Torbjörn Larsson, President of FACE, the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation, and Helmut Dammann-Tamke, President of the German Hunting Association and of the Lower Saxony State Hunters' Association. 

Visitors from Botswana

In addition, a high-ranking four-person delegation from Botswana travelled to this year's JAGD & HUND along with representatives of associations, NGOs and local communities. These included Issac Theophilus, Chief Executive of the Botswana Wildlife Producers Association, who summarised his visit to the show in very up-beat terms, saying: “As we attended for the first time this year, we had a great opportunity to get to know as much as we could about JAGD & HUND. When we return, we now have a benchmark, what is to expect. A lot of the visitors talked to us and were very interested in our association and how we work. We are encouraged to come back again and talk about our conservation policies and programmes as well as participation of communities in the management of Botswana's wildlife resources. We need to share our conservation success story with the rest of the world. As an association we would love to attend JAGD & HUND next year!”

Last year, Messe Dortmund began its partnership with the landlocked country in southern Africa to provide a forum for dialogue on animal, species and nature conservation. The focus was on the economic and ecological importance of hunting, from which Botswana should benefit as much as possible, as well as optimum protection of flora and fauna.

Very popular and highly international

Vendors convened in Dortmund from all over the world, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Hungary, Austria and Poland, with many exhibitors travelling in from the US, the Middle East, South-East Asia and Africa.

Just how unerringly the Dortmund organisers, together with the industry, succeeded in combining tradition and innovation at this top annual event can be seen from the responses of visitors, indeed JAGD & HUND was pleased to register a significant increase in visitors from abroad at this year's show. In particular, there was also an up-tick in the number of visitors from other parts of Germany.

High satisfaction among participants

The extensive mix of exhibitors showing the latest hunting-related developments, offerings and services met with high levels of interest – especially in the areas of optics, weapons, hunting apparel, accessories and dog requisites. Around 95% of suppliers want to be present at JAGD & HUND 2025. Moreover, around 91.5% of visitors are already in favour of attending the show again.

Olaf Christiansen, Trade Show Area Manager at SWAROVSKI OPTIK VERTRIEBS GmbH, was among those who expressed enthusiasm: “JAGD & HUND is once again a highlight in the trade show diary. It is the foremost flagship trade show for the hunting world and, increasingly in recent years, for the entire outdoor sector as well. It has a special appeal throughout Europe.” Tarek El-Zind, Sales Manager at Subaru Deutschland GmbH, was also very impressed by JAGD & HUND: “JAGD & HUND is undoubtedly the best special interest trade show ever. As an exhibitor, we got an All-Round Full-Service Package, and everything worked out perfectly. Both the planning and the visitor footcount far exceeded our expectations. The stands are well coordinated in terms of subject matter, which really helps us present our products to best effect. For us, JAGD & HUND is the most important trade show of the year because it appeals precisely to our clientèle. The visitors are exactly our target audience, which is why we're presenting our new Subaru Crosstrek here.” Carl Julian Neuhaus, COO of Jagdwelt24 GmbH, explained his up-beat view of the show, saying: “At 3,000 sqm, this was our largest exhibition stand to date, and it enabled us to show an extraordinary presence at JAGD & HUND. The show's concept of creating a cosy, relaxed environment and decorating the venue accordingly also has an effect on visitors and makes the whole experience very pleasant. Customers come into the hall beaming with pleasure. With all the well-known exhibitors, the industry is all together in one place, offering everything a hunter needs.”

JAGD & HUND 2024 – the highlights

>>> Hunting know-how and high technical expertise

The varied specialist content programme, which was expanded once again this year, presented a variety of informative talks, discussion panels and workshops on current developments, legislation and the diversity of the hunting world across almost all the venue's stages. The focus was on aspects such as modern huntsmanship – hunting in the social media, wolf management, ASF carrion searches, early training for hunting dogs and infectious diseases in game. Karlheinz Busen, member of the German Bundestag and hunting and forestry policy spokesman for the FDP (German liberal party), also provided interesting insights and expert input on 'From wokeness to huntsmanship'.

The NRW Young Hunters got off to a flying start with their own stage programme at the State Hunting Association stand featuring a variety of presentations. The young hunters also welcomed the German Hunting Association female hunters' forum, offering female hunters the opportunity to engage in professional dialogue face-to-face.

“This year's JAGD & HUND was absolutely thrilling once again. I especially liked the new special event stage run by our Young Hunters. Their appearance also coincides with the nationwide reporting on the show: Hunting is becoming younger, more female and extremely committed. Our association has no worries about new recruits! Indeed we've also had a multitude of superb discussions. Exhibitors and visitors were equally overwhelmed by the atmosphere. I'm already looking forward to JAGD & HUND 2025, the mother of all hunting shows,” explained Nicole Heitzig, President of the State Hunting Association of North Rhine Westphalia.

For the first time, the Working Gundog Association (JGHV) also offered an interesting programme of talks in addition to its popular dog shows and demonstrations. “JAGD & HUND is a key forum for the Working Gundog Association when it comes to engaging and interacting with people. We were particularly pleased that this year, for the first time, we were able to attract highly knowledgeable speakers for specialist talks on hunting dog training and game diseases. We also had another first in the form of a short seminar giving an 'Introduction to the JGHV examination system' and have been delighted with the positive response,” said Friedhelm Röttgen, Vice President of the Working Gundog Association.

>>> New events and speciality zones to watch, cheer on and take part in 

Everyone was talking about the new Jagdwelt hunting world – a modern shopping experience occupying 3,000 square metres and offering an extensive range of products. Together with hunting outfitter Jagdwelt24, JAGD & HUND presented an extraordinary shopping world for all the senses featuring top suppliers and a host of well-known brands from all parts of the hunting world. The special things about this was that whether one was looking for technical products or brand new innovations, everything was available to be tried out in peace and quiet at special test stations. And those who wanted to take the object of their desire home with them also got the benefit of unbeatable trade show prices. The new Jagdwelt hunting world also impressed visitors with its culinary delights – with open-air kitchens for tasting, fortifying and savouring.

Organised by hunting shop OVIS, hunting magazine 'Unsere Jagd – Im Revier zuhause' (Our hunt – on home grounds) and JAGD & HUND, a game calling competition was held for the first time. In the 'Calling Championship – A Small Game Calling Contest', first place in the 'Crow' category went to Benedikt Triptrap, who was followed by Dennis Wiese and Cris Neumann in second and third place respectively. Wiese followed this with a win in the 'Fox' discipline, finishing first ahead of fellow competitors Victor Ziebart and Tom Bende. Both also secured top places in the 'Grey Goose' category. Ziebart took first place ahead of Bende and Heiko Hecker.

In the new Knife Zone, collectors, users and hunting knife enthusiasts were introduced to interesting exhibits and offerings from well-known manufacturers. The accompanying programme provided a wealth of knowledge about knives, including knife care, the perfect knife steel and legal matters. A Knife Award was presented for the first time in the new event area, with suppliers able to submit their entries in advance. The award was based on the criteria of hunting knife, appearance, usefulness and handling. First place went to Puma IP Solingen GmbH, and second place to Heinr. Böker Baumwerk GmbH. The Bronze award went to Friedr. Dick GmbH & Co KG.

>>> Proven show classics and superb hands-on highlights

Nature lovers of all ages were delighted by entertainment, hands-on activities and nature-based experiences for the senses, with events like the instructive demonstrations of working and pedigree dogs, the breathtaking falconry demonstrations and the musical acts by the brass bands going down particularly well. The annual 4x4 off-road vehicle course, with challenging obstacles to be overcome, was an adrenalin-fuelled event. JAGD & HUND also showcased a multitude of brands belonging to well-known car manufacturers and equipment experts for 4x4 off-roaders suitable for hunting. The new Crosstrek from SUBARU also celebrated its début. In co-operation with Frankonia, the leading hunting outfitter in Germany, special hunting equipment has been created for the new all-wheel drive vehicle.

Sustainable voyages of discovery also proved very popular, captivating the imaginations of young and old alike. Nature and wildlife were on the 'timetable' as part of the Lernort Natur hunters' initiative and the Mobile Forest School.

25^th German Deer Calling Championship

As ever, the annual German Deer Calling Championship presented by WILD UND HUND proved extremely popular, with reigning German Champion Fabian Menzel from Nüdlingen in Bavaria winning the contest again in what was a very exciting competition. Menzel had come third in 2017 and had followed this by winning the coveted first place in 2020, which he has defended successfully since 2022. Runner-up Thomas Soltwedel from Dobbin-Linstow in Mecklenburg & Western Pomerania also held onto his place. He was German champion himself in 2019 and has now proven to be a capable runner-up each year since, from 2020 to 2024. Third place went to Jerome Böhm from Wedemark in Lower Saxony. He prevailed in an exciting run-off against Gösta Rehse from Lübz-Gischow in Mecklenburg & Western Pomerania. Their victories qualify all three place-winners to take part in the European Championships between 17 and 19 May 2024 in the Goraj, Poland.

WILD FOOD FESTIVAL – a culinary walk on the 'wild' side

At the popular game event, famous-name TV and Michelin-starred chefs once again did the culinary honours and delighted guests with live cooking demonstrations and exclusive workshops on all aspects of game cuisine. These included celebrity chefs such as Johann Lafer, Brian Bojsen, Florian Conzen, Heiko Antoniewicz and Lukas Jacobi. Inspired by these masters in the kitchen, and also by numerous other professional chefs and game specialists as well as delicious tastings, the shopping experience also proved one of the highlights at the WILD FOOD FESTIVAL, with a variety of game products and ingredients, perfect equipment and all kinds of culinary delights for the home kitchen enjoying great popularity. In addition to a variety of on-stage talks and presentations, the Sika deer – the 'Wagyu' of the Sauerland uplands – also made a special appearance. Anyone not yet familiar with this tasty game highlight was able to find out more about its excellent qualities and how to prepare it.

The HORRIDO Social Media Area also proved to be a big hit. The networking platform once again brought social-media-savvy hunters and hunting enthusiasts together with popular bloggers and influencers to engage and interact. One new feature was the HORRIDO Party which ventured into new territory with a spectacular laser show. Every day, the video platform Hunt on Demand presented free film premieres with high-quality content and great scenic images from the hunting world.

Hunting magazine 'WILD UND HUND' celebrated its 130^th anniversary

To mark the anniversary, visitors were shown a film review of the magazine's rich history and got to know the magazine's editors, specialist authors and experts in person. The winners of the 'Hunting Book of the Year' readers' competition and the winners of this year's WILD UND HUND wedge pin shooting certificate also received their awards on stage.

Fundraising campaigns for the environment and for animal rescue

'Every shot a hit!' Visitors were once again able to prove their marksmanship at the shooting range of hunting ammunition manufacturer RWS. A sum of EUR 5,000 was raised for the NRW Wildlife & Biotope Protection Foundation. The 'wild' interpretation of the fairground classic 'Ring the Bell' was just as successful. On the last day of the show, co-initiators Conrad Baierl a.k.a. 'The Wild Butcher' (Der Wilde Metzger) and Sven Gerdhenrichs from L&S Wild handed over a donation of EUR 5,000 to Nicole Heitzig, President of the State Hunting Association of North Rhine Westphalia and board member of German Wildlife Rescue, and Kathrin Depka, Deputy Chair of the Cologne Hunters' Association.

Associations galore at JAGD & HUND

This year, JAGD & HUND was supported in terms of content and expertise by our conceptual partners, the State Hunting Association of North Rhine Westphalia (LJV) and the Working Gundog Association (JGHV). Further assistance in the form of programme items and with local contacts in attendance was provided by the German Hunting Association (DJV), the Rhineland Association of Private Hunting Landowners & Hunting Cooperatives (RVEJ), the Association of Hunting Cooperatives & Private Hunting Grounds (VJE) and the German Bowhunting Association (DBJV). International assistance was on hand from the Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU (FACE), the International Council for Game & Wildlife Conservation (CIC) and the European Bowhunting Federation (EBF).

See you again in 2025!

The next JAGD & HUND is due to be held at Messe Dortmund between 28 January and 2 February 2025.

Regular updates on JAGD & HUND can be found on the show's Instagram and Facebook channels, and also on the website and via the newsletter.

JAGD & HUND 2024 – what partners and exhibitors had to say:

Lars C. H. Engel, CEO & Consul de Belgique of  Deerhunter ®
“This was our first time at JAGD & HUND, and we're very happy. As we're a B2B company ourselves, selling to retailers, we were a bit sceptical at the outset about whether the show was suitable for us. We're planning to come back next year because JAGD & HUND has enabled us to raise our profile, support our dealers at the venue, make important new B2B contacts and show our entire range of products. The atmosphere was very nice.”

Harald Krahnke, Treasurer of the German Bowhunting Association (DBJV)
“JAGD & HUND gives us an excellent forum for engaging with other exhibitors and making valuable contacts. We feel we're in very good hands at the show and are delighted with the large number of visitors and the interest they've been showing. The show has exceeded our expectations with lots of visitors from across Germany and beyond, which has enabled us to expand our network. The in-depth dialogue with other exhibitors has inspired us, and we are very much looking forward to participating again next year.”

Volker Visser from Sales at GEORG FRITZMANN & Söhne GmbH
“We especially appreciated the excellent organisation at JAGD & HUND. We were at the show both to support our dealer network and to increase awareness of our PARD products. We're very satisfied and will be back next year.”

Magdalena Wolf from Marketing and Public Relations at GRUBE KG
“We've been regulars at JAGD & HUND for many years now. It is particularly important to us to advise our customers personally and competently. The direct contact at JAGD & HUND gives us the opportunity to respond to each customer individually. At the same time, the show reflects the versatility of the hunting world and thus appeals to the broad spectrum of our target audience. As always, JAGD & HUND has been a big success for us, which is why we like to come back every year.”

Benjamin Höchst, Head of Sales at Blaser Group GmbH
“We're very happy with the show, and the organisational aspects all ran perfectly. JAGD & HUND is a great forum for young and experienced hunters to engage and interact. The interest in our products has been great. We're delighted to be part of the show and are already looking forward to next year.”

Hans Martin Lösch, Agricultural Engineer (M.Sc.) at Gut Grambow Hunting School
“We've been in existence for 26 years and have been a regular exhibitor at JAGD & HUND throughout that period. We're delighted with the number of visitors. We used the show to represent our hunting school and the company behind it, and to acquire new clients. The atmosphere in Hall 7 has been very pleasant, and we've had the opportunity to hold in-depth discussions. It's been especially nice to be able to conduct our podcast at the stand.”

Carl Julian Neuhaus, Chief Operating Officer of Jagdwelt24 GmbH
“At 3,000 sqm, this was our largest exhibition stand to date, and it enabled us to show an extraordinary presence at JAGD & HUND. The show's concept of creating a cosy, relaxed environment and decorating the venue accordingly also has an effect on visitors and makes the whole experience very pleasant. Customers come into the hall beaming with pleasure. With all the well-known exhibitors, the industry is all together in one place, offering everything a hunter needs.”

Christoph Landich President of LEADER TRADING GmbH
“We've received an excellent response from visitors and have been able to engage in numerous interesting discussions. The high level of professional interest shown by visitors and the demand for personalised advice enabled us to present our products in an ideal way. We're already looking forward to JAGD & HUND 2025 and can't wait to be back.”

Massimo Machiavelli, proprietor of MACHIAVELLI EXPORT SNC
“Our focus on marketing and networking at JAGD & HUND proved to be extremely successful. The visitors are relaxed and in a good mood, which makes the atmosphere very pleasant. The other stands are varied and interesting, which helps make it an inspiring experience. As the largest hunting show, it is of course a special experience for us every year, and we're already looking forward to being here again next year.”

Erich Manzer, Managing Director of MAWA TRADING GMBH, INFIRAY DISTRIBUTOR
“JAGD & HUND is a very attractive show for us because we can exhibit our entire product range here, hold informative discussions and cultivate our customer contacts. Personally, we've been very impressed by the wealth of products on offer. We're delighted and will be back again next year.”

Johannes Ruttmann, Head of Marketing at Paul Parey Zeitschriftenverlag GmbH
“The show offers the opportunity to reach the younger target audience in particular, which is very important in view of the changes currently underway in the hunting industry. Face-to-face contact with customers and other exhibitors is very important to us. JAGD & HUND pulls together all the important areas of the hunting world and provides a good framework for dialogue and networking.”

Tarek El-Zind, Sales Manager at Subaru Deutschland GmbH
“JAGD & HUND is undoubtedly the best special interest trade show ever. As an exhibitor, we got an All-Round Full-Service Package, and everything worked out perfectly. Both the planning and the visitor footcount far exceeded our expectations. The stands are well coordinated in terms of subject matter, which really helps us present our products to best effect. For us, JAGD & HUND is the most important trade show of the year because it appeals precisely to our clientèle. The visitors are exactly our target audience, which is why we're presenting our new Subaru Crosstrek here.”

Olaf Christiansen, Trade Show Area Manager at SWAROVSKI OPTIK VERTRIEBS GmbH
“JAGD & HUND is once again a highlight in the trade show diary. It is the foremost flagship trade show for the hunting world and, increasingly in recent years, for the entire outdoor sector as well. It has a special appeal throughout Europe.”

Torben Grandt, Head of Training Academy at Hunting&Nature, ZEISS Consumer Products
“We're noticing how more and more young people are interested in hunting and have a deep interest in the technical details of our products. As we primarily want to present our broad product portfolio and advise visitors accordingly, JAGD & HUND is an ideal platform for us. ”

Issac Theophilus, Chief Executive of the Botswana Wildlife Producers Association
“As we attended for the first time this year, we had a great opportunity to get to know as much as we could about JAGD & HUND. When we return, we now have a benchmark, what is to expect. A lot of the visitors talked to us and were very interested in our association and how we work. We are encouraged to come back again and talk about our conservation policies and programmes as well as participation of communities in the management of Botswana's wildlife resources. We need to share our conservation success story with the rest of the world. As association we would love to attend JAGD & HUND next year.“

   
EXIBITION AT A GLANCE

JAGD & HUND – EUROPE’S LARGEST HUNTING EXHIBITION 

Once a year, Europe's largest hunting exhibition JAGD & HUND opens its doors to the public, offering hunting and nature enthusiasts a universe of hunting-related opportunities at Dortmund Exhibition Centre's superb indoor and outdoor facilities. As well as showcasing a comprehensive range of products, the fair is also characterised by a varied supporting programme which makes JAGD & HUND very special, turning it into a unique shopping and leisure experience for people of all ages. Meanwhile, the tandem culinary WILD FOOD FESTIVAL gives visitors the opportunity to meet professional, TV and celebrity chefs revealing modern, tasty and varied ways to prepare game dishes. For anyone looking to experience a unique mix of modern hunting practice and cultural tradition at first hand, JAGD & HUND is surely the place to be.

DATE:
30 January - 04 February 2024

EVENT ORGANISER:

Messe Dortmund GmbH

CONCEPTUAL SPONSORS:

• LJV NRW: Landesjagdverband NRW e.V. (State Hunting Association of North-Rhine Westphalia)
• JGHV: Jagdgebrauchshundverband e.V. (Working Gundog Association)

TARGET GROUPS:
Hunters, dog and nature lovers, and lovers of good cuisine

HALLS OCCUPIED:
Halls 4 to 7, North Entrance & the outdoor area complete with forecourt, Strobelallee cul-de-sac, Volkswiese meadow, car park A7

EXHIBITOR:
Approx. 700 exhibitors from 39 countries

VISITOR NUMBERS:
Approx. 77.000 visitors

2024 PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS (excerpt):

Stages: WILD FOOD FESTIVAL Stage (Hall 1), Event Area (Hall 3), Talks & Special Events Stage (Hall 4), Young Hunters Stage (Hall 6), Knife Zone Podium Stage (Hall 7), HORRIDO Blogger Area (Hall 8)

PROGRAMME POINTS 2024:
Full programme:
  jagdundhund.de/en-gb/programm