How to Legally Hunt in the Netherlands: Rules, Seasons, and Requirements for Residents and Foreigners
by Ramsey Russell, GetDucks.com, 2025
To hunt legally in the Netherlands, both Dutch residents and international visitors must comply with a detailed set of hunting regulations. These rules are designed to promote ethical, sustainable hunting while ensuring safety and wildlife conservation. Whether you’re planning a Dutch waterfowl hunt or a traditional upland game outing, understanding the country’s hunting license process and legal framework is essential.
Eligibility Requirements for Dutch Hunting Licenses
To obtain a jachtakte (Dutch hunting license), applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Hold valid third-party liability insurance of at least €1,000,000.
• Successfully pass an official hunting exam recognized in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, or Austria.
• Demonstrate access to a qualified hunting area, which must:
• Be a contiguous 40 hectares or more.
• Have a minimum width of 300 meters.
• Allow for a circle of 150-meter radius to be inscribed within it.
Dutch Hunting Laws for Foreign Hunters
EU Citizens:
• Must carry a valid European Firearms Pass to import and use their own firearms legally in the Netherlands.
Non-EU Hunters (e.g., U.S. Citizens):
• Must request special permission from Dutch authorities for the import, export, or transit of firearms and ammunition.
Visitor Licenses:
• Available for a 6-day period.
• Can only be granted upon a personal invitation from a licensed Dutch hunter.
• Visiting hunters must be accompanied by the license holder while in the field.
Hunting Seasons and Permissible Game in the Netherlands
Legal hunting is limited to select species and tightly regulated seasons. Current open seasons include:
• Hare: October 15 – December 31
• Rabbit & Mallard Duck: August 15 – January 31
• Pheasant (Roosters): October 15 – January 31
• Pheasant (Hens): October 15 – December 31
• Wood Pigeon: October 15 – January 31
Hunting is strictly prohibited on Sundays and Dutch national holidays including:
• New Year’s Day
• Easter
• Ascension Day
• Whit Monday
• Christmas & Boxing Day
Firearm and Ammunition Regulations in the Netherlands
Legal Dutch hunting firearms and accessories are also strictly regulated. Hunters may use:
• Shotguns between 12-gauge and 24-gauge (smoothbore only)
Prohibited items include:
• Lead shot
• Silencers and artificial lights
• Semi-automatic or automatic weapons with magazines holding more than two cartridges
• Air rifles
• Military-grade or non-deforming ammunition
Ethical and Legal Hunting Practices
Hunters are expected to maintain healthy and sustainable wildlife populations within their authorized hunting grounds. While the Netherlands does not impose national bag limits, each hunt must align with local wildlife management plans and regional conservation policies. Hunters who violate ethical or legal standards risk license suspension or revocation through judicial decision.
How to Apply for a Dutch Hunting License
Applications are made through the local police authorities and include:
• A criminal background check
• Proof of liability insurance
• Verification of a qualified hunting area
• License validity: 1 year (renewal required annually)
Resources for Dutch Hunting Certification and Information
For detailed guidance and support regarding hunting in the Netherlands, consult:
• Royal Dutch Hunters Association (Koninklijke Nederlandse Jagersvereniging) www.jagersvereniging.nl
• Stichting Jachtopleidingen Nederland (SJN) The official agency for hunting exams and training programs. www.sjn.nl
References
1. Netherlands Enterprise Agency – Hunting in the Netherlands
2. FACE – Firearms Licensing Requirements in the Netherlands
3. Angloinfo – Hunting in the Netherlands
4. Dutch Government – Applying for a Hunting Licence
