SKADI AWARD Launched

Hunting needs role models. That’s one of the reasons we support the new SKADI AWARD from Deutscher Landwirtschaftsverlag and PIRSCH, particularly in the “Wildlife Research of the Year” category. The award seeks out individuals, initiatives, and projects that promote responsible hunting and are particularly committed to wildlife and nature. “The SKADI AWARD reflects our belief that treating nature with care has always been an integral part of hunting,” emphasizes Blaser CEO Christian Socher.

The three categories are:

“Wildlife Research of the Year”

The “Wildlife Research of the Year” award is intended to highlight outstanding scientific work and projects in the fields of hunting, wildlife research, and nature conservation. The award recognizes researchers and institutions whose findings contribute to the understanding, protection, and sustainable management of wildlife populations and their habitats.

“Hunting Dog Handler of the Year”

The “Hunting Dog Handler of the Year” award honors initiatives, individuals, or groups that demonstrate outstanding achievement in all aspects of hunting dogs – whether in training, handling, and deployment; in breeding and breed preservation; or through exemplary standards in animal welfare and hunting practices. Key criteria include hunting skill, responsible treatment of dogs, and a concrete contribution to ethical hunting.

and

“Hunting Ambassador of the Year”

The “Hunting Ambassador of the Year” category honors individuals and initiatives that demonstrate commitment and foresight in promoting hunting, as well as the protection and sustainable management of wildlife habitats and wildlife populations. They communicate hunting in a clear and credible manner, address societal concerns, and build bridges between hunting practices, society, and nature conservation.

Applications are accepted through October 16, 2026, at www.pirsch.de/skadiaward. Anyone wishing to nominate a suitable candidate or project for one of the categories may send a recommendation via email to skadi-award@dlv.de.

After the application period ends, an independent jury will review and evaluate all submitted applications. It will select three finalists in each category and choose the winner from among them. The awards ceremony will take place on February 4, 2027, at the JAGD & HUND trade show in Dortmund.