With a new visitor record of 48,000 guests, the 36th Die Hohe Jagd & Fischerei at the Messezentrum Salzburg came to a highly successful close. For four days, Salzburg became the international meeting point for hunting, fishing, outdoor activities, and nature — characterized by in-depth professional discussions, strong purchasing intent, and a positive atmosphere throughout all exhibition halls.
“The 36th Hohe Jagd & Fischerei was a complete success. The visitor statistics clearly underline the strong position of this annual gathering of hunters and anglers within Central Europe. Our exhibitors confirm that the event generates noticeable economic momentum and initiates business opportunities — many of which continue even after the four exhibition days. With the large show kitchen and the 4×4 park, we hit the visitors’ interests exactly from a conceptual point of view. This is an excellent foundation for already beginning work on the concept for 2027,” said Alexander Kribus, Managing Director of Messezentrum Salzburg GmbH.
Highlights That Inspired – From the 4×4 Course to the Deer Calling Championship
Particular crowd-pullers this year included the off-road course in the outdoor.are(n)a, the genuss.revier by P.MAX, and the diverse stage program in the impuls.revier. The off-road course experienced consistently high demand, with passenger rides fully booked throughout the event, highlighting the strong interest in modern hunting-ground mobility.
The show kitchen also became a central meeting point. Practical demonstrations, regional game cuisine, and renowned chefs attracted full audiences and enthusiastic feedback. In the genuss.revier by P.MAX, visitors were able not only to gather exciting cooking tips, but also to sample exceptional game dishes — from woodcock and sturgeon to classic venison specialties. The culinary diversity impressively reflected the wide range of local hunting and fishing products and provided inspiration for home cooking.
The stage in the impuls.revier impressed visitors throughout all exhibition days with a top-class program of expert presentations, discussions, and award ceremonies. It offered space for information, exchange, and inspiration, and was extremely well received by the audience.
An emotional highlight once again was the Deer Calling Championship, where intense silence among the crowd was followed by enthusiastic applause after each performance. First place was awarded to Patrick Obersamer, who had already won the national championship title in 2025 and successfully defended it again this year.
Second place went to Alexander Kreuzer, who, at just 15 years old, demonstrated extraordinary talent. Third place was achieved by his brother Günther Kreuzer. All three podium finishers come from Gastein and prepared together for the national championships — a strong symbol of unity, dedication, and living hunting tradition.
Exhibitors Confirm Economic Importance
The exhibition impressed not only with strong visitor numbers, but also with its high economic relevance for the industry. Numerous national and international exhibitors emphasized the quality of the professional audience, the intensive business atmosphere, and the noticeable willingness to purchase and invest.
Particularly highlighted was the direct interaction with end customers, dealers, and partners, which many companies regard as one of the exhibition’s greatest advantages. Hohe Jagd & Fischerei is therefore seen not only as a social meeting place, but also as an important platform for business development and market positioning.
Wolfgang Holzinger, Managing Director of GTML, emphasized:
“From our perspective, Hohe Jagd is a unique exhibition within the German-speaking world. It is shaped by culture, friendship, and a very special atmosphere — that is exactly what makes it so exceptional. For us, it is almost like a family celebration.”
He described the audience as “sensational,” with many returning visitors, friends, and international guests from Slovenia, Germany, and Switzerland. As a Salzburg-based company, the exhibition is considered a key platform, especially for building international contacts.
With the newly founded association Austrian Shooters United, GTML is also sending a strong signal for information and education within the firearms-related community.
Reinhold Sodia also emphasized the importance of the exhibition:
“For us, Hohe Jagd is the most important trade fair in Austria. The direct contact with end customers is especially significant. Only through personal conversations can trends be identified and products presented in the best possible way.”
Among the most talked-about innovations were the new Walther RS3 and the Swarovski ATC Balance, both of which were presented to a broad audience for the first time.
Dominik Waldner of Blaser confirmed:
“Hohe Jagd reflects the professional audience and represents the full spectrum of our customers. We have excellent, in-depth conversations here and experience tremendous interest in our products.”
For new exhibitors such as FSW Media, the premiere was also a complete success. The mix of visitors from northern and southern Germany, as well as Austria, was considered especially valuable. The atmosphere was described as traditional, friendly, and welcoming.
Important Meeting Point for Industry, Politics, and the Region
For Salzburg’s hunting community, Salzburg State Hunting Master Max Mayr-Melnhof emphasized the exhibition’s special role:
“For decades, this exhibition has been an important fixed point. It represents both modern and traditional hunting equally.”
Hohe Jagd & Fischerei is also an important economic factor for the city and province of Salzburg, as well as a major political meeting point extending far beyond regional borders. Every year, it brings together thousands of visitors, industry representatives, and decision-makers from politics and business in Salzburg.
“As a Salzburg native, it fills me with great pride that our province is so closely connected to forests, wildlife, and hunting. Fifty-two percent of the province’s area is covered by forest — this is the essential foundation for sustainable and responsible hunting. More than 12,000 hunters are active in Salzburg. The development we are currently seeing is moving in the right direction. I am especially pleased by the growing recognition and the objective and respectful way in which hunting and wildlife are discussed today,” emphasized Regional Councillor Maximilian Aigner.
Successful Conclusion with an Eye to the Future
With 48,000 visitors, strong international participation, and high satisfaction among exhibitors and guests, the 36th Hohe Jagd & Fischerei will go down as a major success.
The combination of trade exhibition, innovation, tradition, and personal interaction once again confirmed the strength of the proven concept — while also laying the foundation for the continued development of the event in 2027.
