Vienna, January 26, 2026
The 103rd Jägerball at the Hofburg in Vienna once again highlighted the central place of hunting culture within Austria’s civic life and its continued relevance to European conservation, rural policy, and sustainable use discussions. The ball brought together 0ver 4000 attendees, senior representatives from government, national hunting organisations, and international partners from across the sustainable use community.
Ahead of the Jägerball, Dr Philipp Harmer, President of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), participated in a joint welcome dinner hosted together with Jagd Österreich, reflecting the close and longstanding cooperation between CIC and the Austrian hunting community. The dinner provided an informal but substantive setting for exchange ahead of the ball’s official programme.
The dinner was attended by senior representatives of Austrian and European hunting and land management organisations, including Toni Larcher, President of Jagd Österreich, Luis de la Peña, Deputy President of CIC, and Laurens Hoedemaker, President of the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE). Senior CIC executives were also present, underlining the organisation’s commitment to close engagement with Austrian and European partners.
During the Jägerball itself, CIC representatives met with Christian Stocker, Austrian Federal Chancellor, alongside members of the Austrian Federal Government and leaders of national and regional hunting organisations. Exchanges throughout the evening focused on the societal role of hunting, professional hunter training, and the importance of maintaining science based wildlife management and sustainable use frameworks across Europe.
The Jägerball also reaffirmed the close and historic relationship between CIC and Austria, a valued State Member of the organisation. Austria’s active engagement within CIC reflects its leadership in hunting, forestry, and wildlife management, and its continued commitment to international cooperation in this field. The strong presence of Austrian hunting associations further underlined the depth of this partnership, with Jagd Österreich recognised as a close and trusted partner of CIC in advancing professional standards, policy dialogue, and public understanding of hunting across Europe.
Attended by numerous dignitaries and officials from CIC, alongside representatives of Austrian hunting organisations and partner institutions, the Jägerball weekend provided a valuable opportunity to reinforce relationships at the highest political and institutional levels. It also affirms the contribution of regulated hunting to conservation, rural livelihoods, and Europe’s cultural heritage.
Media Contact:
Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
Email: tristan.breijer@cic-wildlife.org
Mobile: +44 781 408 7423
Website: www.cic-wildlife.org.
Photo Credit (Cover Image): leadersnet.at / R. Brunhölzl
Copyright: © leadersnet.at / R. Brunhölzl
