Days of game and hunting in Bulgaria

published on 8/7/12 10:24 AM

Photo: ecomedia.bg

Traditionally on August 6 Bulgaria marks the Day of the Hunter. The day is celebrated in a number of places, as hunting enjoys considerable popularity in Bulgaria. Actually the hunting and fishing community is the most numerous non-governmental organisation in Bulgaria. On August 11th the winged game season begins in Bulgaria. The Days of Game and Hunting take place August 6-11.

Bulgaria is a paradise for hunters due to its preserved nature and great biodiversity. Bulgaria has 4 world records for red deer trophies, including the present one with 273.60 CIC points. Actually Bulgaria has remained one of the few countries, where the red deer is still found. Even during times of world crisis hunting remains a profitable sector in Bulgaria. In 2011 revenues from hunting tourism reached 3 million euro, or 30 % more than the 2010 level.

Most of the foreign hunters come to Bulgaria from Germany, Spain, Italy and France. Boar hunting is often preferred but hunters also go for hunting red deer and others. Bears are protected in Bulgaria but sometimes the hunting of 1 or 2 bears is allowed, according to procedures specified in the Law for Biodiversity. Small game hunting remains popular too.

Last year 13 Bulgarian red deer trophies received a gold medal. 18 won silver and 19 won bronze medals. Boar trophies received 29 gold medals, 19 silver, and 42 bronze.

A big problem in Bulgaria remains poaching. That is why the Union of Hunters and Fishermen calls on hunters to keep the law and be responsible, as hunting is actually communication with wild nature, which must be preserved for the coming generations.