Our history

Anyone who writes down the history of an association records far more than dates, names and events. They also tell a piece of local history.

For more than five decades, Jägerverein Berching-Dietfurt has been an established part of social life in the southern district of Neumarkt. Its history is closely linked to the fields and forests between Berching, Dietfurt, Staufersbuch, Pollanten and the surrounding hunting grounds. It is also linked to the people who, over generations, have been willing to work for wildlife, forests and traditions.

From the very beginning, the association was more than an organisational grouping of hunters. It was, and still is, a community. It reflects a sense of duty and a close connection with nature, as well as sociability, the preservation of traditions and a willingness to take on new challenges.

The history of Jägerverein Berching-Dietfurt e.V. begins in a time of change. The 1972 Bavarian regional reform brought far-reaching changes to administration, affiliations and long-established structures. The hunting sector, too, had to rethink arrangements that had previously been taken for granted.

The association was founded in the side room of the Schuller inn in Berching. In autumn 1972, hunters from the region gathered there to discuss the future. At that meeting, they decided to establish their own association.

The foundations were laid that very evening. A hat was passed round, and what was put into it was more than money. The approximately 600 DM in start-up capital was a visible expression of shared determination.

The founding was followed by the work of building the association. In spring 1973, the new association began to take shape. At the founding meeting, the first board was elected. Hugo Bittner became the association’s first chair.

The Berching, Staufersbuch, Dietfurt and Pollanten local hunting groups were formed soon afterwards. The association’s activities also got underway in earnest, with trophy shows, meetings and joint events, and the creation of the hunting horn players’ group.

An early highlight was the first St Hubert’s celebration. It gave the association a way to bring together hunting traditions, links with the church and a convivial atmosphere in a special way.

By the beginning of the 1980s, Jägerverein Berching-Dietfurt was already firmly established. Its founding years were behind it, association life had settled into a routine, and the pioneering spirit of the early years had given way to a period of consolidation.

Issues such as the decline in small game, improving forage, expanding the shooting ground and the general development of the cultural landscape came increasingly to the fore. The major tree-planting campaign in 1981, which included fruit trees, is a good example of how the club did more than simply observe: it took active steps to shape the landscape.

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster brought a profound setback. Concerns about contaminated game meat and the economic consequences also affected local hunters.

With the 1992 elections, Manfred Settnik’s term as 1st Chairman came to an end. Franz Meyer took his place, and his name would shape the decades that followed.

The 1990s were a time when hunting traditions, conservation responsibilities and modern professional requirements became more closely connected. At the same time, shooting, training and dog work continued to develop.

Franz Meyer led the association from 1992 to 2020. This exceptionally long term of office stands for reliability, sound judgement and stable leadership.

Under his leadership, training opportunities were expanded, shooting activities developed further and the full breadth of club life strengthened. In the anniversary year of 2022, Franz Meyer was appointed Honorary Chairman in recognition of his services.

Hunting calls for responsibility, and responsibility calls for skill. That is why training became increasingly important in the life of the association over the years.

A particularly important area was the work with dogs. A working hunting dog has always been integral to ethical hunting. Reports on successful dog-handler training courses and working ability tests show how much voluntary work and experience underpin this area.

Shooting was equally important. Club championships, clay pigeon shooting, rifle disciplines, structural work at the shooting ground and modern training methods show that hunting practice was taken seriously by the club.

The St Hubertus celebration quickly became a highlight of the club year. The hunting horn players have given the club its own musical identity since its early years.

To this day, Hubertus Masses, speeches, tributes and the social part of the celebration bring together gratitude, tradition, remembrance and a sense of belonging.

The association has become more outward-facing, particularly since the 2010s. It remains a hunting community while also becoming more visible as an organisation for education and nature conservation.

Woodland rallies, school projects, holiday programmes, market events and digital communications show that the club’s work today is not limited to its members: it also explains and communicates its role to the public.

The 50th anniversary was a time to pause and pay tribute. The celebration at the village hall in Gimpertshausen brought together reflection, community and recognition.

Highlights included a historical review by Richard Donauer, the recognition of long-serving members for their service and the appointment of Franz Meyer as Honorary Chairman.

The years 2023 to 2026 show the association as a vibrant, modern community that is also mindful of its traditions. Partnerships such as “Together for Forest and Game”, the associations’ fair, woodland rallies, game management exhibitions and ongoing environmental education give the association a clear public profile.

Hugo Bittner (1972–1979) Karl Streb (1979–1986) Manfred Settnik (1986–1992) Franz Meyer (1992–2020), honorary chairman since 2022 Julian Sippl (since 2020)

The association’s history can be divided into three major phases: the founding and development years of the 1970s, consolidation and professionalisation from the 1980s and 1990s, and a strong outward-looking approach from the 2010s and 2020s.

The history of Jägerverein Berching-Dietfurt is not over. It lives on in meetings, Hubertus celebrations, training courses, game management reviews and the daily work of the people who keep the association going.

This chronicle brings together the old association chronicle from the web archive with later association contributions, newsletters and press reports available online.

Q1: Archived association history 1972–1980 Q2: Archived association history 1980–1993 Q3: Archived association history 1993–2000 Q4: Archived association history 2000–2015 Q5: Archived “Committee” page Q6–Q12: Association posts on jaegerverein.info Q13–Q15: Newsletters and press reports 2024–2026

This chronicle provides a continuous account of the development of Jägerverein Berching-Dietfurt from its beginnings to the present day. We are committed to continuing its story.