Young hunters shoot out of the car: Preliminary weapons ban in Köstendorf

Young hunters shoot out of the car: Preliminary weapons ban in Köstendorf

An extraordinary incident occurred in the afternoon of November 23 in Köstendorf, where an 18-year-old young hunter was accused of shot from a car. According to an eyewitness, the young man is said to have been traveling during a hunt when he aimed from a car window with a long weapon towards a meadow and the adjacent forest. The witness then alerted the police after he heard at least one shot.

The incoming police officers secured four long weapons on site that the 18-year-old had legally. Due to the severity of the incident and the potential hazard, a temporary ban on weapons was given against the gun owner. The investigation is underway to clarify the exact circumstances and to check whether the applicable laws have been violated.

background to hunting and gun ownership

In Austria, the possession of long weapons, such as hunting rifles, is allowed from the age of 18. In order to obtain a hunting license that is required for the hunting, interested parties must successfully take the Jung hunter exam. This examination can be completed from the age of 18, and the regulations vary depending on the state. In 2023, around 132,000 hunters were registered in Austria, which corresponds to about 1.5 percent of the population, according to the source of hunting Austria.

The acquisition and possession of weapons is subject to strict provisions. A weapon ownership card or registration in the central weapon register is necessary. In this context, the incident in Köstendorf shows the sensitivity and responsibility that are connected to the gun ownership.

The local authorities continue to work on the investigation and take the suspicion of improper handling of a weapon very seriously. In addition to the legal assessment, the security aspects are also of central importance. Such events can affect trust in the security and weapons laws, which is why precise information is important.

The police have already taken the first steps to de -escalate the situation and ensure that similar incidents will be prevented in the future. In view of the current investigations, it remains to be seen whether the incident will have legal consequences for the young gun owner, while the authorities will continue to inform about the exact details. Further information is ongoing, including reports on the applicable laws and the need for responsible use of weapons.