A significant moment took place at this year’s Landesjägertag (the annual gathering of the provincial hunting association) in Lower Austria, as long-standing CIC member Dipl.-Ing. Josef Pröll received standing ovations upon concluding his 13-year tenure as Landesjägermeister of the Lower Austrian Hunting Association (NÖ Jagdverband).
Marking a notable transition in Austrian hunting leadership, CIC President Dr. Philipp Harmer delivered a tribute, recognising Mr. Pröll’s strategic leadership and contribution to hunting as a pillar of society.
“Josef Pröll brought the hunters back to the centre of society,” said President Harmer. “His work has shown how modern conservation and traditional values belong together. Through engagement, integrity and vision, he has set a standard for others to follow.”
Mr. Pröll assumed office in 2012 and led a period of modernisation and renewed public engagement. Under his direction, the association strengthened its ties with landowners and farmers, expanded youth involvement, promoted game meat, and positioned hunting as an essential tool for sustainable land management. Lower Austria became a model for forward-looking, socially integrated hunting policy.
The role now passes to Christoph Metzker, elected by an overwhelming majority. Aged 50, Metzker is a board member of RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria, one of Austria’s leading agricultural companies. With a farming background and a strong commitment to hunting, he is known for his strategic thinking and clear leadership. His appointment marks a continuation of the professional, grounded approach that has defined Lower Austria’s hunting community in recent years.
The CIC congratulates Mr. Metzker on his new mandate and thanks Mr. Pröll for his longstanding commitment to the values of responsible hunting, nature conservation, and public engagement.
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
