The Jagd & Hund Messe, Europe's largest hunting fair held annually at Westfalenhallen, Dortmund, has once again attracted attention not only for its exhibitions and competitions but also for the controversies surrounding hunting practices and wildlife conservation.
This year’s event, taking place from January 28 to February 2, 2025, is not just about showcasing hunting gear and dog training; it has become the focal point of debates over hunting ethics as well. The local Green Party has proposed a controversial conservation fee of €10 per visitor, aimed at generating funds to support endangered species protection projects, particularly for animals like elephants, rhinos, and leopards. Currently, the fair's entry is priced at €23.
One of the notable aspects of this year's event is the stag calling championship, which provides hunters with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to imitate the calls of red deer. This unique tradition, steeped in history, has been crafted over centuries and is intended to draw out stags during their rutting season. Attendees witnessed competitors dressed in traditional hunting attire using various instruments, including specially crafted ox horns and giant hogweed stems, to produce the most authentic stags’ calls.
The competition, held on January 30, 2025, attracted participants like Fabian Wenzel, who won the championship for the fifth consecutive time. He described his passion for the sport, stating, “The stag calling for me, it’s the fascinating thing to play with the stags.” Wenzel is now set to represent Germany at the European Stag Calling Championships later this year.
While the competition thrilled attendees, the fair's broader backdrop involved deep-seated conflicts between hunting traditions and wildlife protection. The Green Party's suggested conservation fee aims to contribute to protecting endangered species globally, and they cited successful models from other realms, such as zoos collecting voluntary contributions for conservation efforts. Spokespeople from the party argue the fee is a minimal addition to the substantial average spending of €720 per visitor.
This move has come on the heels of criticism from various animal rights organizations, which have historically challenged the event for its perceived connections to the hunting of threatened species. While representatives of the Westfalenhallen venue have stated they had not previously discussed such fee proposals directly, they acknowledge the need for discussions to incorporate feedback from various stakeholders, including discussions around the ethics of hunting.
Lucy Frauns, who has gained popularity on social media for her advocacy of modern hunting practices, spoke on the importance of changing public perceptions about hunters. Unlike traditional hunter portrayals, Frauns, backed by her education and candid social media presence, aims to demystify the practice. “Das ist ein alter Mythos von früher, gegen den wir unbedingt ankämpfen müssen,” she stated, referring to outdated stereotypes about hunters. With her platforms on Instagram and TikTok, she strives for transparency, showcasing the ecological responsibilities hunters should uphold.
Frauns’ creative approach contrasts sharply with the experience of Andreas Barth, another well-known figure within the hunting community, whose YouTube content frequently attracts both followers and critics. Barth, who embraces the realities of hunting, has dealt with backlash, experiencing severe criticism for his raw and unfiltered portrayal of hunting, including images of harvested animals. He emphasized the ethos of wildlife conservation, insisting, “Liebt die Natur genauso wie wir – und was man liebt, das schützt man.”
The discourse surrounding the Jagd & Hund Messe encapsulates the complex interplay between hunting, culture, and environmental consciousness. While traditional hunting practices remain deeply rooted, there is a growing recognition within the community of the need for evolution—both to engage the public positively and to pursue responsible wildlife management. Events like this, particularly when accompanied by initiatives like the proposed conservation fee, could potentially reshape dialogue and create new pathways for collaboration between hunters and conservationists.
Overall, the Jagd & Hund Messe stands as more than just a trade fair—it is emblematic of the change and challenges facing the hunting community, constantly negotiating its place within the contours of modern conservation efforts and public sentiment.