German Hunting Association Calls for Crackdown on Illegal Firearms

The Deutsche Jagdverband (German Hunting Association) is urging the federal government to create a nationwide crime‑statistics system that distinguishes between offences committed with legal and illegal firearms. Association president Helmut Dammann‑Tamke said hunters are involved in only 0.01 % of gun‑related crimes and criticised recent tightening of gun laws as a “placebo” that misdirects focus.

The DJV proposes expanding undercover investigations and establishing specialised task forces to dismantle the estimated 20 million illegal weapons circulating in Germany. It cited the case of a six‑fold murderer from Stade who purchased a semi‑automatic rifle and ammunition on the Berlin black market for €4,000, underscoring the ease of access to illicit arms.