After 10 weeks of intensive classroom instruction covering customs, tradition, animal and bird characteristics, habitat, identification, etc, also dogs, the law, and then range shooting on Saturdays, those in the course then take the shooting exam, both rifle and shotgun, a written exam, and an oral exam. Those that pass are ready to start learning, and regardless of their age, are Young Hunters for the first three years. It is not easy, but once you get a German Hunting License it is recognized worldwide and it is a well known fact that you know how to handle weapons, shoot competently, and can be trusted. Anyway, we graduated another class recently and thot I'd share a few photos, Waidmannsheil, Dom.
The ceremony officially kicks off with the horn blowers:
After introduction of the Head Table and dignitaries, the 'crowd' goes outside for what is called the Jaegerschlag:
Complete with bonfire and hornblowers:
They are called up 3 or 4 at a time and get hit with a Stag knife, on the shoulders. The first blow shall appoint you to the Hunter's Guild. The second blow shall award you strength, to always do the right thing. The third blow shall bind you to a vow of true huntsmanship.
After a nice evening meal with a full house:
I also present awards, holding a 'competency shoot' and assorted other awards are also presented:
The evening continues with charges to the young hunters, a kangaroo court, and turns in to a party where the celebration continues. A last photo to share, a really good guy, has been helping with the American Hunting Courses for many, many years, a heckuva good guy. Behind him that wall is covered totally with shooting plates, most of the classes held have a plate on the wall and it adds history to the Rod & Gun Club.
