See. Experience. Join in. Between 24 and 29 January 2023, Messe Dortmund's industry get-together for the international hunting scene once again served up everything passionate hunting, nature and dog lovers wanted to experience. Browsing the show in the best of moods, participants from across Germany and beyond informed themselves on trends and products, immersed themselves in a whole range of topic zones and got the benefit of capable expertise. Specifically the action-packed infotainment, numerous innovations and many hands-on highlights of the extended supporting programme attracted great interest. In addition, JAGD & HUND was once again the venue for important discussions covering all aspects of sustainable hunting. Experts are in agreement that sustainable hunting safeguards people's incomes in many parts of the world and actively helps protect wildlife populations by combatting poaching and, for example, by helping fund national parks.

Dortmund, 31 January 2023 – At the end of six eventful days, this year's JAGD & HUND drew to a close at Messe Dortmund on 29 January 2023 with top marks and high levels of satisfaction among everyone who took part. Sabine Loos, chief show organiser and Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue, commented, “By continuing to build on our commitment to what has been a winning concept for a many years now, we have once again made this year's JAGD & HUND a truly special experience for the international hunting community. The wide range of products from highly respected brands, the latest product highlights and the superb on-stage programme across five stages and special event areas were all very well received by everyone who took part. As a result, it's with great anticipation that our focus now shifts to JAGD & HUND 2024.”

JAGD & HUND welcomes senior politicians and association executives
The importance of Europe's largest hunting show was also underlined by the VIPs present at the opening. In her speech, Minister of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Silke Gorißen, stressed that “The harmonious coexistence of game and forest is one of the central goals at the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection. We want to continue to support the hunting community and our forest owners, because they all provide indispensable services for nature conservation, reforestation, and in the fight against animal diseases such as African swine fever. For this reason, it is important that hunters, anglers and nature lovers feel at home here in North Rhine Westphalia, and that we offer them a good overall framework.”

Norbert Schilff, Mayor of the City of Dortmund, also attended the opening of the show, saying, “We all know that maintaining and hunting game are two of the core tasks undertaken by hunters. They actively ensure a balance between game and woodland, and with that in mind Dortmund is especially pleased to become yet again the world's sustainable shopping and adventure ground thanks to JAGD & HUND, which veritably radiates with a spectacular supporting programme plus a host of information and innovations surrounding this 'green passion'!”

Also present were Nicole Heitzig, President of the State Hunting Association of North Rhine Westphalia, Karl Walch, President of the Working Gundog Association, and Torbjörn Larsson, President of FACE – European Federation for Hunting and Conservation. Representing the International Council for Game & Wildlife Conservation (CIC), the opening event was attended by President Dr Philipp Harmer, Ambassador Dr Tamás Marghescu and Director General Dr Sebastian Winkler.

Working together for animal, species and nature conservation:
Botswana becomes partner country to JAGD & HUND 2024
Key envoys from Botswana had also arrived in Dortmund to mark a very special occasion as Dr Kabelo Senyatso, the Deputy Permanent Secretary and Director of the Wildlife National Park at the Botswana Ministry of the Environment, ceremonially sealed Botswana's participation as the official partner country of JAGD & HUND 2024. Other international guests were the CITES Officer at the Ministry of Environment of Botswana, Lesole Montshiwa and Dr Rodgers Lubilo, Chairman of the Community Leaders Network. All parties are delighted with this partnership, “because sustainable hunting brings in money and secures the incomes of the local population. It also creates jobs and ensures supplies of meat,” said Stephan Wunderlich, a foreign hunting expert at the International Council for Game & Wildlife Conservation (CIC). “Sustainable hunting is an important source of income in many parts of Africa, Asia and Europe as well as North and South America. Numerous scientifically proven examples demonstrate that sustainable, regulated hunting safeguards habitats and actively contributes to the protection of wildlife populations. Hunting revenues are used to combat poaching or, say, to fund national parks. Sustainable hunting is a key ingredient in species conservation,” said Wunderlich.

More information on 'Hunting in Africa'

Fundraising for a good cause

In Germany, too, there are numerous significant projects dedicated to animal welfare and nature conservation and working for healthy coexistence between humans and animals. There were several fundraising campaigns for this good cause during the show, for example with 'The Wild Butcher' Conrad Baierl, Sven Gerdhenrichs (from the 'Bei Sven' snack bar) and the German Hunting Association (DJV) collecting for the 'Wild auf Wild' (= Game for Game) campaign with a variation on the fairground classic 'Ring the Bell' (cunningly re-named the German equivalent of 'Ring the Boar!'), with all efforts bringing in a total of 5,000 euros for German Wildlife Rescue by the time we went to press. “The fundraiser was very well received each day and was availed of 'strongly' (in the truest sense of the word) – and given that it's for such a good cause we're naturally delighted,” said Conrad Baierl, co-initiator of the campaign. On the last day of the show, Baierl and Gerdhenrichs presented the proceeds to Nicole Heitzig, President of the NRW State Hunting Association and member of the board of German Wildlife Rescue, and Axel Claußen, Deputy Chairman of German Wildlife Rescue.

Equally successful was the 'Jeder Schuss ein Treffer' (= every shot a hit) fundraiser by hunting and ammunition manufacturer RWS, where participants were able to demonstrate their marksmanship with an air rifle and at the same time donate to animal, nature and environmental protection. By the time of going to press, around 4,550 euros had been collected for the NRW Wildlife & Biotope Protection Foundation. The foundation will also use the proceeds to assist the hunters' environmental education work within a variety of 'Lernort Natur' projects.

The highlights of JAGD & HUND 2023

>>> Trends and 360-degree showcase

The wide-ranging mix of exhibitors showing the latest hunting-related propositions was well received by all. In particular, optics, hunting apparel and hunting accessories attracted great interest. Christian Socher, CEO of Blaser, was also pleased with the large number of visitors to his stand: “Our feeling is that JAGD & HUND is now running at pre-Covid levels again. There was a lot of activity at our stand, and we had a great many conversations. I want to highlight in particular the interest and the depth of discussion content that this show offers. For us as a supplier in the premium segment, it's a great opportunity. The positive feedback from our customers reinforces this even more, and that's why we'll be delighted to return next year.” Daniel Ebbert, Category Manager, Sport Optics at BRESSER added: “JAGD & HUND is one of the best trade shows in Germany. It's always been well attended – but this year's reunion was once more truly special. Our customers had lots of specific questions about older products, and new products as well, and we were able to engage directly with them. We've already registered for our stand next year.” Klaus Felgenhauer, Head of Customer Service at Carl Zeiss, is also simply thrilled with JAGD & HUND: “JAGD & HUND 2023 has once again exceeded all expectations! We're all glad to see the show back in its classic form, because for us it's unrivalled and very much 'the place to be'. We've been hearing from our resellers that business is better than ever. And they were already telling us this on Day 1! For us, there's no doubt about it: we're definitely going to be back next year.”

>>> Excellent supporting programme

Expert talks, infotainment, hands-on activities and nature-related as well as sensory experiences – all high-quality and full of variety – provided inspiration for young and old, with events like the instructive demonstrations of working and pedigree dogs and the breathtaking falconry demonstrations going down particularly well. The annual off-road vehicle course offering a variety of challenging obstacles to overcome gave those with an affinity for horsepower real-life off-road thrills, and sustainable voyages of discovery captivated the imaginations of young and old alike as they enthusiastically went 'back to school' at the Lernort Natur hunters' initiative (Nature as a Seat of Learning) and in the Mobile Forest School, immersing themselves in the world of nature and animals.

People also loved the many new activities to watch and take part in, including the new stage in Hall 5 where the treasure hunt, the construction of a raised hide and a variety of practical talks proved very popular attractions. The new '#gearundbier - GEARTESTER.de' pub table get-together in the HORRIDO social media area in Hall 7 also reaped great praise, and the free film premières of video platform 'Hunt on Demand' also attracted a large number of viewers. The new hunting videos showed high-quality documentary and pictorial content from Hunter Brothers, Dreispross and others.

The début of the exclusive JAGD & HUND Club Lounge also proved to be a real winner, offering all members of the JAGD & HUND Club a place to retreat to during the hustle and bustle of the show as well as high-value expert talks and workshops on a wealth of hunting-related topics. The club also offers superb infotainment and attractive promotions associated with the show.

Another high-profile feature was one of the true industry highlights: the staging of the German Deer Calling Championship, which reigning German Champion Fabian Menzel from Nüdlingen in Bavaria succeeded in winning again in an exciting competition. Menzel had come third in 2017 and had followed this by winning the coveted first place in 2020, which he defended successfully in 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 proved a capable runner-up each year since, from 2020 to 2023. 'Old hand' Immo Ortlepp from Wedemark landed third place this year, as he had done back in 2015 and 2019. He was also German champion in 2014 and has always managed to finish somewhere near the top of the rankings. Their victories qualify all three to take part in the European Championships on 22 April 2023 in the Czech city of Brno.

Almost no visitors to JAGD & HUND missed the WILD FOOD FESTIVAL, the game cooking event with TV, celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs. Here, the well-known Austrian TV chef Johann Lafer, Michelin-starred chefs Benedikt Faust and Dirk Grammon, cookery couple Magdalene and Wolfgang Grabitz and a host of other highly regarded master chefs introduced the audience to their art and 'got them cooking'. The spectrum ranged from avant-garde gourmet game cuisine to down-to-earth dishes and exotic game cuisine from forest, field and stream. The captivating panel discussions and cooking demonstrations were every bit as inspiring as the – exclusively bookable – workshops and the appealing atmosphere of the 'Wilde Kulinarik' (= game for enjoyment) festival.

One important aspect of any 'special interest consumer fair' is always the shopping experience, and trying on and trying out – as well as tracking down specific items of desire – proved a popular pursuit in every hall. Of course, purchases also included all kinds of culinary delights to taste and take away. Last but not least, the traditional hunting music from the brass band was one of the favourite attractions. As well as the huge range of products and services at JAGD & HUND, visitors were also able to visit FISCH & ANGEL, the meeting place for angling enthusiasts, which took place at the same time. This attractive add-on offering was availed of not just by professional anglers but also by many people simply looking to get a taste of the world of angling.

See you again in 2024!

People taking part in JAGD & HUND were unanimous that this year's show was once again a resounding success, with around 93% of suppliers intending to be back at JAGD & HUND 2024, and approximately 92% already looking forward to visiting the next show. The next JAGD & HUND is due to be held at Messe Dortmund between 30 January and 4 February 2024.

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 2023 – what partners and exhibitors had to say:

Nicole Heitzig, President of the State Hunting Association of North Rhine Westphalia:

“This year's JAGD & HUND was once again a great festival for hunters. We had many good conversations, and exhibitors and visitors were full of enthusiasm. I'm already looking forward to JAGD & HUND 2024 in Dortmund, especially given that Botswana is going to be the partner country.”

Franzis Hedfeld from the Working Gundog Association:

“JAGD & HUND is a key forum for the Working Gundog Association when it comes to engaging and interacting with people. The presentation of our working gundogs at the breeding clubs' stands is an important part of the association's work. We're looking forward to returning as usual in 2023, as this get-together is like a big family reunion for us.”

Christian Socher, CEO of Blaser:

“Our feeling is that JAGD & HUND is now running at pre-Covid levels again. There was a lot of activity at our stand, and we had a great many conversations. I want to highlight in particular the interest and the depth of discussion content that this show offers. For us as a supplier in the premium segment, it's a great opportunity. The positive feedback from our customers reinforces this even more, and that's why we'll be delighted to return next year.”

Christoph Willer, CEO of Bremer Tresor:

“This was our first time here, and things have gone really well. The face-to-face contact with customers was a valuable aspect for us. As we're an online-only business, it's been great to get to know our customers and take away personal feedback. We were also thrilled with the range of products on offer as we explored the show, and we're taking with us a host of exciting impressions.”

Daniel Ebbert, Category Manager, Sport Optics at BRESSER:

“JAGD & HUND is one of the best trade shows in Germany. It's always been well attended – but this year's reunion was once more truly special. Our customers had lots of specific questions about older products, and new products as well, and we were able to engage directly with them. We've already registered for our stand next year.”

Klaus Felgenhauer, Head of Customer Service at Carl Zeiss:

“JAGD & HUND 2023 has once again exceeded all expectations! We're all glad to see the show back in its classic form. For us, the show is unrivalled and very much 'the place to be'. We've been hearing from our resellers that business is better than ever. And they were already telling us this on Day 1! For us, there's no doubt about it: we're definitely going to be back next year.”

Nora Fernandez from Caza Alicante:

“There's a great flair about the place, and the people are really cool. The visitors are highly motivated and the exhibitors are well prepared. Of course, the WILD FOOD FESTIVAL is also an attractive place to be. We'll definitely be back next year.”

Maximillian Moldehnke, Head of Department at Frankonia:

“The show is well received, and the footcount is like it was in the years before Covid. JAGD & HUND is the largest show in the sector, yet it always feels like a communal event – a family affair. It's just always nice to be here.”

Erwin Trompeter, proprietor of hunting supplier Jagdeinrichtung Trompeter:

“We have been coming to JAGD & HUND for 19 years, and there are good reasons for that: for us, this show is the best of all! Every time we're delighted by the orders we take, and this year we were even able to sell our exhibits right on the very first day. Every year we realise that being here is well worth the preparations and all the effort in advance. Because of the good orders and the customer contact we can maintain here, this show is something we wouldn't want to be without.”

Stefan Kolosser, Managing Director of Jagdwelt24:

“We improved our strategy once again for this year's JAGD & HUND, and it has certainly paid off! We're very happy with the way the last few days have gone. You can tell that people are excited to be back and finally to be able to shop at the venue once more. JAGD & HUND has long been a firm feature of our company diary, and we're very much looking forward to coming back next time.”

Birgit Achten, Sales & Service at Krefelder Fuchsfalle:

“We've had a large number of visitors to our stand and have been able to hold a great many interesting conversations. We were already looking forward to the show ahead of time and are glad it was able to be held this year in January – as tradition dictates. Our visit was once again a resounding success, and we'll be happy to return next year.”

Christina Stingl, Sales & Marketing Manager, Sport Optics at Leica Camera Germany:

“After so much has happened in the industry in recent years, curiosity is now running high among trade visitors. They want to hold the products in their hands and try them out. It's great to be able to establish direct contact here at JAGD & HUND.”

Matthias Otto, Managing Director of MONOLITH Grill:

“This year's been very busy, and because we introduced ourselves directly at the show and in the workshops we've succeeded in attracting a great number of interested visitors. People are really engaged, and we've sold a lot, so we will definitely be back.”

Ferdinand Lakemeyer, Managing Director of OVIS-NÄHER AM WILD:

“We've had a large number of visitors to our stand this year. There have been many enquiries, which have led to interesting conversations with customers. Especially for us as a specialist supplier, the show offers great opportunities to present ourselves, and we're happy to take advantage of these. We brought some exceptional promotions to the show, and these went down well with people. All in all, we're very satisfied with JAGD & HUND 2023!”

Pia Laflör, goldsmith and proprietor of Pia Laflör Goldschmiedin:

“I'm an absolute fan. It's great to see how relaxed people are again, and how open everyone is with each other.

Hannes Gamper, CEO of Tiroler Goldschmied:

“We're delighted to be back. The show is well attended, and we always come into contact with customers – new and old – and reach our target audience directly. That's exactly what a trade show should be.”

Conrad Baierl, Master Butcher and Game Expert, a.k.a. 'The Wild Butcher':

“The WILD FOOD FESTIVAL has become our second home. Sven Gerdhenrichs (from the 'Bei Sven' snack bar) and I have made something of a name for ourselves here and so we've been back again this year, feasting away. The satisfaction on our customers' faces is the best thank-you we could ever have. It spurs us on all the more, and now we're already looking forward to the next JAGD & HUND.”



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.

NEXT DATE:

30 January – 4 February 2024

EVENT ORGANISER:

Messe Dortmund GmbH

CONCEPTUAL PARTNER:

1. Landesjagdverband NRW e.V. (State Hunting Association of North Rhine Westphalia)
2. Jagdgebrauchshundverband e.V. (Working Gundog Association)

TARGET VISITOR GROUPS:

Hunters, dog and nature lovers, and lovers of good cuisine

HALLS OCCUPIED:

North Entrance, Halls 3 to 8 and Inner Courtyard (JAGD & HUND, WILD FOOD FESTIVAL)
as well as Hall 2 (FISCH & ANGEL)

EXHIBITORS:
Around 580 exhibitors from 36 nations

VISITORS:
70,000 visitors (approx.)

FULL PROGRAMME 2023:

jagdundhund.de/programm

PROGRAMM-HIGHLIGHTS 2023 (Auszug):

Jagd und Jäger

• Deutsche Meisterschaft der Hirschrufer (Bühne, Halle 4)
• Club-Lounge ( Halle 4, exkl. für Mitglieder des jagdundhund.club)
• Experten-Vorträge powered by Paul Parey (Halle 4, Raum Lübeck)
• Wärmebild-Mobil powered by Jagdwelt24 (Halle 4)
• Junge Jäger (Halle 6)
• Tag der Ausbildung für Revierjäger (Newsroom)
• Jagdparcours Buke (Halle 6)
• Bogenschießen (Halle 8)

JAGD & HUND-Bühnen (Eventfläche Halle 3, Aktionsbühne Halle 4, Vortragsbühne Halle 5, HORRIDO-Blogger-Area Halle 7, WILD FOOD FESTIVAL Bühne Halle 8)

HORRDIO – Das Social Media Revier (Halle 7)

• Blogger-Party
• #gearundbier - GEARTESTER.de Stammtisch
• Hunt on Demand Filmpremieren

Jagdmusik

• Jagdhornkonzerte (Hallen 3, 4)

Kleidung und Mode

• Jagdmode 2023 (Halle 4)

Natur und Umwelt

• Erlebnispfad „Lernort Natur“ (Halle 3)
• Rollende Waldschule (Halle 6)
• Jeder Schuss ein Treffer für die Umwelt (Halle 5)

Tierisch gut

• Treue Begleiter: Jagdgebrauchshunde (Hallen 3, 4)
• Flugkünstler: Greifvogeldemonstration (Hallen 3, 4)
• Hunde-Photo-Stop (Halle 3)

Action für alle

• Offroad erleben – Offroad Parcours (Halle 3)

Verbände

1. LJV – Alles unter einem Dach (Halle 6)
2. RVEJ und VJE (Halle 6)
3. Jagdgebrauchshundverband (Halle 3)
4. Deutscher Bogenjagdverband (Halle 8)
5. European Bowhunting Federation (Halle 8)
6. Hubertus Vereniging Vlaanderen (Halle 3)
7. Koninklijke Nederlandse Jagers Vereniging (Halle 3)
8. Koninklijke Sint-Hubertus Club van Belgie (Halle 3)

Wildbret-Kulinarik: WILD FOOD FESTIVAL (Halle 8)

1. Kochen mit Star-, Sterne-und TV-Köchen
2. Auf der Bühne
3. In Workshops