German driven hunting help

[Hoppy]

I have been invited to shoot 3 days driven hunting in Germany through work, I don’t know the host well and have never been before, what would you be expected to turn up in? Is it a very formal affair or is it a case of wear what’s practical? Don’t want to turn up over or under dressed! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Scarpa]

Definitely check the requirements for orange clothing, it's mandatory for driven hunting in Germany. Classic traditional country style clothing seems to be the main look. Warm sturdy boots are a must too.

I just did a fantastic running boar lesson with Paul at the Corinium Rifle range as I'm looking to get a driven boar hunt in, I'd say at least one lesson is a very good idea. Both boar and deer see orange as a shade of grey so it won't make you more visible to them. I have an orange camo gilet, waterproof overcoat and a few orange hats of varying degrees of warmth. This site has some good info.

A beginner's guide to: driven boar hunting in Germany - Rifle Shooter

As you might expect, boar hunting is run with great precision in Germany, so set yourself up for success (and avoid any howlers!) with Alex Hatton’s beginner’s guide to boar hunting; including tips on etiquette and technique! Hunting in the British Isles can at best be described as ‘relaxed’ in...

rifle-shooter.com

 

[Scotty99]

I would echo what Scarpa said about getting some practice on a running boar or deer stand. I too have used the running boar stand at Corinium. There is quite a knack to it, to work out the lead required for a clean kill. Also getting off two shots in the short distance the boar is visible, even with a straight pull is an art in itself.

If you get the chance to work all this stuff out before you go you’ll have much more successful and enjoyable experience rather than having a very frustrating first two days and then finally working it all out on final day of the trip.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Ask about the inviter? organising the German visitors Jagdschein (valid for 14 days) and hunting Jagd Versicherung insurance for you.
Will you bring your rifle with you?
Their forestry I believe all now require all non lead loads now.
A felt seat pad (buy it in Germany) is worth its weight against creeping cold into the nether regions had one since 2005 and always have it with me .
Weidmannsheil

 

[SimpleSimon]

Don't go, you won't like it, it sounds like a load of hassle.

I'll go instead

 

[Brighty3006]

I've been boar shooting in Germany. You must have orange but the rest is just your normal shooting gear and make sure its warm. I had a little bag with me with a flask and other bits. We had 2 stands so you will be in one place for a while. Gets very exciting.

 

[enfieldspares]

Here in UK, if you do need such, Decathlon have orange clothing especially orange "cammo" clothing. At prices, some items, gentle on the pocket and try in store before you buy. For used try eBay.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/sports/country-sports/high-visibility-clothing

 

[enfieldspares]

I've been boar shooting in Germany. You must have orange but the rest is just your normal shooting gear and make sure its warm. I had a little bag with me with a flask and other bits. We had 2 stands so you will be in one place for a while. Gets very exciting.

Do you recommend a wooden board to stand on then if the ground is frozen? Like folk do for ice fishing?

 

[Smokedude]

Warm socks that creeping cold sucks. You can get self warming insoles. I’ve never tried them but might be worth a look. If you dressed for an English tradition pheasant shoot with your hi viz over the top you won’t feel out of place. I didn’t enjoy and good luck.

 

[HonestJohn]

Loden, lots of it, a pipe, and a Blaser with an aimpoint. Don’t mention the war.

 

[bobo]

Do you recommend a wooden board to stand on then if the ground is frozen? Like folk do for ice fishing?

90-100% of all stands are usually in towers, but I usually bring a folding 3-legged chair, just for the case. Very few people can stand completely still for such a long period of time a drive takes.
There is a bench to sit on in the tower, but take something soft and warm to sit on.
It is difficult to sit still on a hard cold board when you have to remain completely still for the 3-4 hours a drive typically takes.
The regular clothes I've seen used for stalking in the UK will be OK, just remember to wear an orange vest over it (I just wear a red traffic vest on top of my hunting jacket).
I have done a lot of drive hunting in Germany, and around 2010 it started with lead-free as a requirement in the first places, now it is almost everywhere.

 

[finnbear270]

Good quality thin thermal underclothes, that creeping cold will be manifest in your feet, and shoulder blades / chest and nipple areas, good re chargeable hand warmers ... expect to be tested on a local range or kinema, avoid any obvious war time cammo clothing & observe any minimum cal issues, usually .270 Win.

 

[bobo]

 

[HonestJohn]

Insulated hat, some orange. In fact, if your need this, it’s up for grabs cheap. (Almost like new)…not trying to bypass sales rules, just offering if needed as I don’t need it.

 

[finnbear270]

Not common but sometimes you might be given a sample bag for testing, so take or purchase a knife just in case, last couple of trips we were doing initial gralloch & test cuts.

 

[bobo]

you don't write when the trip is.
This picture is from January month with -16 degrees Celsius frost, so it's hard to sit still.

 

[Scarpa]

Here in UK, if you do need such, Decathlon have orange clothing especially orange "cammo" clothing. At prices, some items, gentle on the pocket and try in store before you buy. For used try eBay.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/sports/country-sports/high-visibility-clothing

I got most of my orange kit from Decathlon, amazing value and holds up well.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

An old sisal sack wrapped around the feet helps to keep warm cheap as chips too, not for spinning around in the box though, most drives will just have you looking down a ride.
Electronic ear defenders help to listen for the boar pushing through but do be very careful about the small dogs yelping and pushing the game along shoot one of those and all hell will happen.
Whereabout should it happen? I am in the 92363 Breitenbrunn area.

 

[Sika98k]

A sheet of cardboard is good to stand on also if it’s very cold. Layer up, merino wool base layers to start.

 

[finnbear270]

Take good notice of instuctions from whoever puts you in your shoot position, re no shoot zones , if there are any.