The Jagd & Hund 2025 trade show, renowned as Europe's largest hunting fair, has drawn significant attention this year, not only for its exhibits and competitions but also for the heated discussions surrounding hunting ethics and wildlife preservation.
At the heart of the event, held at the Westfalenhallen Dortmund from January 28 to February 2, was the announcement of the winners of the Jagdbuch des Jahres 2024 competition. This annual contest, organized by WILD UND HUND, celebrated its 26th edition, inviting readers to vote for their favorite new hunting books of the past year. Among the notable winners was Gert G. v. Harling, who clinched first place in the fiction category with his book “Von Jägern und Gejagten”. This year's competition saw participation from nine publishers, showcasing thirty titles ranging from thrilling hunting stories to classic works and culinary books about game preparation. Readers who voted had the chance to win copies of the winning books, with five copies of each title up for grabs.
Beyond literature, the trade show has positioned itself as a family-friendly event. Families attended with fathers, sons, and even grandfathers, creating an environment where traditions and passions could be shared and passed down. Visitors explored various exhibits, including impressive dog and bird of prey demonstrations. The Wild Food Festival was another highlight, featuring top chefs who showcased delectable ways to prepare wild game dishes. For those interested, Jagd & Hund offered extensive video coverage from the event available on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, ensuring enthusiasts could keep up with the latest trends and innovations from the show.
One standout feature this year was the introduction of two new Bergara precision rifles, the BMR-X models, which drew considerable interest as they debuted to the public following their initial reveal two weeks earlier at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The BMR-X rifles, available with either steel or carbon barrels, cater primarily to .22 l.r. and .17 HMR calibers and are lauded for their lightweight design and sporting enhancements aimed at improving shooting performance. Designed for hunters seeking versatility, the carbon model weighs just 2.4 kg, making it ideal for carrying during long hunts.
Another innovative product showcased was the SVEMKO Rogue Pro silencer, introduced by Manfred Alberts GmbH. Designed for the AR-15 and AR-10 platforms, this silencer features a new flow system to optimize the discharge of gases, allowing for minimal bolt acceleration and improved durability. Priced at around €1,150, it captures the latest technology on the market.
The show wasn't just about firearms; it also tackled the increasingly important topic of ammunition. Maximilian Loew of RWS presented new offerings from the DRIVEN HUNT line, which now includes calibers such as 8x57 IS and 9.3x62 for short rifles. Emphasizing safety and environmental concerns, RWS has focused on lead-free offerings, which are gaining traction among modern hunters.
The controversy surrounding hunting practices and wildlife conservation was ignited by proposals from local government officials prior to the event. The Dortmund Green Party has called for the introduction of a 10-euro conservation fee for visitors, aimed at financing projects for endangered species protection, particularly African elephants and rhinoceroses. With the average spending per attendee reportedly over €720, according to the Westfalenhallen, proponents argue the fee would be minimal and could generate significant funds for conservation efforts. Critics, including hunting advocates, argue this measure could unnecessarily penalize visitors and portray hunting negatively.
The dialogue surrounding the fee has drawn media attention and public scrutiny, particularly after the city’s mayor announced plans to create an ethics committee to evaluate the trade's offerings, which critics claim has yet to be implemented. The show, traditionally associated with hunting culture, found itself at the center of broader discussions about the intersection of wildlife conservation and hunting.
Despite the tensions, many attendees praised the opportunity to explore innovations and connect with others passionate about hunting and wildlife. Exhibitors highlighted the effectiveness of current offerings, such as the CZ 600+ Ergo Driven Hunt rifle, which boasts thoughtful ergonomic design and integrated muzzle threads for suppressors—an indicator of the increasing melding of modern technology and traditional hunting practices.
The adoption of biometric technology made headlines as Hartmann Tresore unwrapped their facial recognition gun safes, offering advanced safety features meant to prevent unauthorized access. Leverage on high-tech solutions not only indicates the evolution of security for firearms but also marks the industry’s response to growing calls for responsible gun ownership.
Summarizing the event, attendees left with more than just the latest hunting gear; they carried with them the pulse of the hunting community. Through competitions, innovations, and charged discussions, Jagd & Hund 2025 set the stage for continuing dialogue and exploration within this ever-evolving field.