At Swazi, nothing makes us prouder than seeing our gear put to the test by real people in the field. One of those is Mario Roth, a dedicated hunting instructor in Hannover, Germany, who spends most of his days outdoors training the next generation of hunters. For him, Swazi isn’t just clothing – it’s equipment he relies on daily, come rain, shine, or snow. Mario explains his story below and shows how Swazi supports both his own hunts and the demanding training environment of the Jägerprüfung, Germany’s toughest hunting qualification....
Training the Next Generation of Hunters in Hannover, Germany
For the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a hunting instructor in Hannover, Germany. Each year, I guide around 30 participants through one of the most rigorous qualifications in the country: the Jägerprüfung – often referred to as the “green A-levels.”
The course takes about six months to complete and covers five subject areas, from wildlife studies to firearms and hunting traditions. My role focuses on the practical side of hunting. In other words, I spend most of my days outdoors with my students – in forests, fields, and shooting ranges, and in all weather conditions you can imagine. Rain, wind, snow, or sunshine – if the students are in the field, so am I.
Out there, clothing isn’t just about comfort. It’s about functionality, reliability, and trust. Over the years, I’ve found myself relying on Swazi gear more and more.
Discovering Swazi
I first came across Swazi in England and later noticed it being used in the hunting series Wild Boar Fever XI. The rugged design and reputation intrigued me, so I invested in my first pieces: the Tahr XP Anorak and the Nahanni Shirt.
It didn’t take long for me to realise that Swazi isn’t just clothing – it’s equipment. From then on, it became part of my personal hunting kit and, eventually, my teaching kit too.
Today, my favourite piece by far is the Doughroaster. Whether it’s an early morning stalk, a cold day teaching in the forest, or an evening lesson in game hygiene, the Doughroaster has never let me down. It’s more than a fleece – it’s a piece of gear I know I can depend on.
Training Future Hunters
The journey to becoming a licensed hunter in Germany is anything but easy. The Jägerprüfung tests students in both written and oral-practical exams across a wide range of topics:
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Wild animals and native species
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Firearms and trapping equipment
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Nature conservation, gamekeeping, and hunting practice
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Processing of game, game diseases, and hunting dogs
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Hunting traditions, hunting law, and weapons law
Passing this exam requires more than memorising facts. It demands deep knowledge of wildlife, ecosystems, regulations, and – most importantly – safe and responsible hunting practices.
That’s why our Jägerlehrgang (hunting preparatory course) is designed to combine theory and practice in equal measure. Students don’t just learn hunting on paper – they live it.
Theoretical Training
The classroom side of the course covers:
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Hunting operations and management
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Wildlife biology and behaviour
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Nature and conservation law
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Firearms, ballistics, and safe weapon handling
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The use of hunting dogs
Practical Training
Equally important is the fieldwork, which includes:
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Rifle and shotgun training on the range
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Field trips to study flora and fauna in their natural habitats
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Wildlife enclosure visits for species observation
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Participation in driven hunts to experience real-world practice
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Game hygiene and processing courses
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Visits to hunting estates to prepare for final examinations
It’s a demanding, immersive experience that stretches students in every way – mentally, physically, and emotionally. But with this intensity comes reward: year after year, our courses achieve an excellent pass rate.
That success is not by chance. It comes from a team of instructors who are not only seasoned hunters but also dedicated teachers, committed to preparing the next generation of responsible hunters.
(Instructor Mario Roth pictured above)
Why Swazi Matters in the Field
In my role, equipment is everything. When you’re responsible for 30 students, you can’t afford distractions or failures – whether that’s a rifle, a compass, or your clothing. Gear has to work, every single time.
That’s why Swazi has become such an important part of my daily routine. Its gear has proven itself not just in the solitude of my personal hunts, but in the practical reality of training future hunters.
From standing on a frozen shooting range to trudging through a rain-soaked forest, I know I can rely on my Swazi kit to keep me warm, dry, and focused. The Doughroaster in particular has become a constant companion – versatile, dependable, and as much a tool as any firearm or field guide.
Sharing Swazi with the Next Generation
What excites me most about this partnership is the opportunity to introduce Swazi to my students. Many of them, after months in the field, start asking about reliable gear for their first set of hunting clothing. They want something durable, trustworthy, and proven by experience – not just flashy marketing.
When those questions come, I’m proud to point to Swazi. It’s gear I use myself every day, and it naturally fits the needs of new hunters starting their journey.
Hunting in Germany is built on tradition, responsibility, and respect for nature. Training new hunters means passing on not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of conservation and ethical practice.
To do this work well, I need clothing that’s every bit as tough as the job itself. For me, Swazi is exactly that: rugged, dependable, and built for the realities of life in the field.
And as my students prepare to step into their own hunting journeys, I know that Swazi can help them do so with confidence – just as it has for me.
If you’d like more information about Mario and his Jägerprüfung course in Germany, or to learn how Swazi can support you in the field, please get in touch with us.
