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Hunting in Bulgaria
We'd like to welcome hunters worldwide!
Whether you hunt ibex in Spain, chamois in Austria, grouse in Scotland, or wild boars in Bulgaria, hunting in Europe is a fascinating and rewarding experience. Hunting in Europe is inextricably intertwined with the continent’s rich history, and the customs and traditions that have been passed down through the generations are an important part of the adventure. European countries are known for their intensive scientific game management, which has led to excellent trophy quality for many species. Hunting in Europe is also a great choice for a hunter who wishes to combine a few days of hunting with a family vacation or business trip.
Hunts in Europe tend to be well-organized, sophisticated operations. A variety of hunting techniques are utilized, depending on the country and the species. Driven hunts for big game are common in many areas, but spot-and-stalk as well as hunting from stands or "high seats" are common techniques as well.
Europe’s big-game animals include chamois, several types of ibex, mouflon, red deer, moose, reindeer, wild boar, sika deer, wolves, and Eurasian brown bears. Game birds are also plentiful, including black, red, and willow grouse, ptarmigan, geese, ducks, woodcock, snipe, red-legged partridge, and pheasant.
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Founded in 2019, BG Hunters network: Bulgaria Hunting Trips & bghunters.com, etc. is a trusted online marketplaces where hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and professional outfitters can list, easily discover, book, and enjoy unique hunting
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Bulgaria Hunting Trips | Hunting area Караманите 9299
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Hunting in Bulgaria
The country: Bulgaria is a country situated in Southeast Europe. Its capital city is Sofia. Bulgaria is bordering Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. With a land area of 110,994 square km, Bulgaria is the 16th-largest country in Europe. Bulgaria`s population is 7.5 million people.
Climate: Considering its relatively small area, Bulgaria has variable and complex climate. The country occupies the southernmost part of the continental climatic zone, with small areas in the south falling within the Mediterranean climatic zone. Annual precipitation is around 635 mm, but this can vary throughout the year. The four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, are clearly differentiated.
Flights: There are daily flights to Sofia, Varna and Burgas airports from most European capitals. Intercontinental flight connections can be made in Frankfurt, Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam, London or Istanbul.
Visa: A visa for Bulgaria is not required for US citizens, or EU passport holders.
Rifle import permit: Hunters may bring their own firearms, but it is crucial to arrange all details with us in advance. All EU citizens who have valid EU firearms pass (EFP) can enter Bulgaria with their own rifles and ammunition, without any additional requirements. If you do not possess such an EU firearms pass (EFP), an official firearms import permit must be obtained for entering Bulgaria with your personal hunting rifle and ammunition. The process takes 30 working days. You need to be able to provide all rifle and ammunition details as well as a valid hunting license from your home country. We will personally meet you at the airport and assist you with all customs procedures and formalities. Then together we will depart to the hunting area.
Accommodation: The hunting lodges vary greatly in size, terrain, habitat, accommodations and ease of access. Depending of your hunting wishes and game preferences, we will choose the lodge and hunting area that best fits your expectations. You will experience the Bulgarian hospitality, local traditions, Bulgarian cuisine with recipes handed down from one generation to the other.
Hunting: Bulgaria is a country with an amazing nature and various wildlife. Hunting difficulty levels vary a lot. For hunters seeking mountain adventures, there are high rugged peaks where chamois are stalked, and there are also many hilly regions and plains areas where deer and other game live in abundance. Most hunting is done by spot-and-stalk or by still hunting from a high seat. Depending of the game chosen we propose our 4 nights / 3 hunting days or our 6 nights / 5 hunting days programs.
Bulgaria is also one of the few European countries that allows bow hunting. The trophy hunting in Bulgaria is generally open all year long. The hunting periods for big game species are set as follows:
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1st September - 31st January - European Red Deer, Balkan Chamois (female - 15th September - 31 October), Fallow Deer, Balkan Chamois (male - 1st December to 15th January);
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15th April - 15th May – Capercaillie, Balkan Chamois (male);
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1st May - 30th October - Roe Deer;
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All year round - Wild Boar (individual hunt), Mouflon, Wolf, Fox, Golden Jackal;
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st October - 15th January - Wild Boar driven hunts.
After the hunt: We will assist and monitor all the processes from the harvest of your trophies, through the taxidermist`s work and export documentation to the shipping agent and the actual trophy shipping to your home.
Small game hunting in Bulgaria
Woodcocks
One of the most popular types of wing shooting in Bulgaria is woodcock hunting, and for good reason. These birds' migration route takes them directy through Bulgaria, making it one of the best woodcock hunting destinations in the world.
Woodcock hunts begin at around 9:00 AM, the best time being in daylight, with a pointing dog. The Setter and the Pointer have proved themselves invaluable helpers for this hunt. The woodcock is a secretive bird; most commonly encountered in forests, hence its name - woodcock. It likes to hide along the edge of the forest, in gullies, near small rivers, where the soil is soft and in short bushes (briar, blackberry and thorny bushes), but must be close to the forest. During rapid temperature drops, the woodcock can be found in pine forests, where the snow and rime can’t reach the ground.
There it spends the entire day feeding and resting, and manages to survive because the soil doesn’t freeze. Some of the best regions for hunting woodcocks can be found in Bulgaria. These regions maintain the vitally necessary for the bird temperature of 5 degrees Celsius. It’s a well-known fact that one of the biggest woodcock migration routes - via Pontica - passes through Bulgaria, making it one of the best hunting destinations for this bird in the world.
These birds stay for the longest time-period precisely in Bulgaria. Bulgarian hunters don’t have much interest in woodcocks, allowing mostly foreign hunters to indulge in this type of wingshooting in Bulgaria. The best habitats are near the Black sea, because the snow melts quickly thanks to the maritime climate. The hunting terrains are easily traversable because the soil is soft and lacks rocky areas. Some of the forests are sparse which allows for better visibility of the birds and more trophies.
The hunt for woodcocks is tremendously interesting because it is difficult, involves long treks and strong emotions. The best pointing dog for hunting these birds is the English setter. It has a firm stance, searches the places where the vegetation is thickest, has a good tempo and covers large areas. Unlike the Pointer it searches in a circular fashion and, most of the time, it tries to block the bird’s escape.
The Pointer has a good sense of smell, but searches further and in a straight line, which makes it possible for it to miss some of the birds. There are exceptions; some Pointers are very good in hunting woodcocks. Lately, we have begun to see the German shorthaired pointer in the forest, but the problem is that they track and give chase to furred game.
The best terrains for woodcock wingshooting in Bulgaria are short-stalked forests, clearings, and sparse beech, oak and coniferous forests as long as there are meadows frequented by livestock nearby. At night, woodcocks find their food in those meadows by burrowing.
Wood Pigeons
In the beginning of the season for wood pigeon hunting doesn’t differ from turtledoves as both animals are stalked in the same feeding spots (sunflower fields and harvested agricultural fields).
Hunters have to be at the hunting grounds at 7:00 AM and can hunt there until 11:00 AM. From 11:00 AM to 16:00 PM the birds can be stalked by the watering spots (beside rivers, swamps, overflows etc.) and the places where they rest (damp, sunless forests beside sunflower fields, acacia forests, dried tree trunks or massive singular trees from which the wood pigeon has the possibility to keep watch for any threats). Hunters need to be under the cover of a tree or at the edge of the forest and shoot only birds in flight. The period for this type of wingshooting in Bulgaria starts the beginning of August and ends on the 30th of October.
Wood pigeon hunting with lures:
Wood pigeons can be hunted with lures beginning from the 30th of October until the end of February. The hunting grounds are rice fields, harvested corn and sunflower fields etc. The most important thing about this hunt is observation, based on it we can determine where exactly the birds feed.
Using camouflage netting a hideout is constructed near the edge of the field. 20 to 40 artificial birds and two devices with rotating mock wood pigeons imitating landing birds and luring flocks. Spreading some additional food, found in the field (sunflower seeds, corn etc.), between the lures is recommended because the birds have excellent vision. Additionally a lone, static, wood pigeon is placed on a high place overlooking the field to play the role of a lookout.
Shooting range is 15-30 m.; firing before the bird lands gives the best results. When there is more than one person involved, the hunters are allowed to fire only on command.
Retriever dogs can be used for this type of wingshooting in Bulgaria. The dog must be well disciplined and must be able to stay still inside the hideout because the birds are suspicious when they notice movement. The hunters must stay still while in the hideout as well.
Weapon: Semi-automatic rifles are the preferred choice, but side-by-side or over/under shotguns can also be used. Barrel length should be between 66 and 76 cm and the chokes can be: |, ||, |||. The most commonly used rounds are № 6 ½ and № 7 ½, generally though you can use rounds ranging from № 5 to № 8
Accessories: camouflage netting, 3D camouflages, appropriate clothes that seamlessly blend in with the terrain.
Wood Grouse
The wood grouse is the biggest gallinaceous bird and is encountered in pine forests at over 1500 m above sea level.
It is also one of the most prestigious trophies among birds. Wood grouse hunting takes place early in the morning, before dawn. Observations need to be made beforehand to identify the so-called tokovishta (places where the wood grouse mates with 1 to 6 females).
Wood grouse hunting can only take place during its mating period, and having a guide who knows the area well is mandatory, because the trecks to the hunting grounds are made in complete darkness. Advancing towards the singing wood grouse happens on command from the guide.
Depending on the terrain, up to 3 paces are walked only during certain parts of the wood grouse’s song. It makes 3 sounds and the hunters can move only when it starts singing the third one - brosene. This is a sound that mimics the sound of sharpening a scythe. Before that the two others are popping (sounds like opening a bottle of champagne) and knocking. When making the third sound the wood grouse can’t hear anything, that’s why the hunters need to make their advance then.
If a hunter cannot synchronize their movement with the bird’s song, the guide must take their hand and make sure they move in unison with the melody. Shooting distance is about 30 m and the shot is taken on the command of the hunting guide. This is the only bird that can be shot when on the ground. The rounds are № 2/0 до № 4/0 when hunting with a smoothbore weapon.
When hunting with a rifled weapon, the shooting distance can be between 50 to 80 m, if the visibility allows it. When using a rifled weapon the wood grouse can be hunted in daylight, because the distances are significantly greater. Rifles and Flobert rifles can be used, as well as 223 and all small caliber shotguns. The wood grouse in Bulgaria is an exceptional trophy but it isn’t a bird that can be consumed. It is a trophy which can be stuffed and preserved.
The hunt itself is very interesting and emotional.
Wild ducks
Wild duck hunting is one of the coldest and most exciting types of wing shooting in Bulgaria. There are three types of duck hunting. The first kind is at flight, early in the morning and at dusk. The second kind is with fake lures at the resting spots (reservoirs, dams, rivers and runoff water). The third kind is walked up hunting along river banks, canals and streams.
When hunting in the early hours of the morning, the hunters have to be at the hunting spots before dawn. The birds move from ther feeding spots towards the resting spots. Those are normally large dams and high-water rivers. Wearing warm clothes is recommended, but using camouflage coverings is a must, due to the fact that these birds have a sharp eyesight and a very acute sense of hearing. It is a good idea for hunters to use auditory decoys, so as to direct the birds towards themselves. You may use retriever dogs (Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Drahthaarts, Kurzhaarts and Setters). The dogs need to be very disciplined, compliant and to obey the command Stay in place!. Dogs with experience trace the shot birds by themselves and swiftly retrieve them for their guide.
During the hunts at dusk, it is advisable to lie in wait for the ducks at their feeding spots.
Those are: surface runoff areas (overland flow), harvested fields (rice fields), shallow streams, flooded corn fields (grooves filled with water). It is mandatory to use auditory decoys, so as to direct the birds towards the desired places. It is advisable to use retriever dogs, due to the fact that the hunt takes place in the darker hours of the day. For this kind of wing shooting in Bulgaria, using Drahthaars and Kurzhaars brings greater success. They are able to find the shot birds visually as well as by smell, while Labradors and Golden Retrievers tend to track the bird visually and are more suited for hunting at wide open water areas (reflective water surfaces).
Walked up hunting is the second method of hunting ducks. That is an emotion-filled outing involving long hikes, which is why the hunter must be in excellent health. This kind of hunt is most sucessful when the bigger dams in the area freeze over. Smaller canals and rivers do not allow the water to freeze even at temperatures below - 15 degrees. Birds are aware of that and they find favourable conditions to rest and eat. It is recommended to start this type of hunt at 6 am, and it can last until as late as 5 pm. It may then be combined with an evening hunt at dusk. Combined, the two types of hunt can bring wonderful results. During walked up hunts, it is good to use a guide who knows the places where the birds rest during the day. Once you near the resting spots, you need to move quietly and stay low. You need to use the surrounding vegetation as a cover while you approach the birds and use the element of surprise. It’s possible to lift between 20 and 50 birds into the air at one of these spots. When moving along a riverbank or canal, you need a disciplined dog that walks no more than 15 - 20 steps ahead of you. Once you near the resting spots, the dog must obey the command Heel! or Behind me! so as not to lift the resting game birds. In Bulgaria, the most widely established dog breeds are Drahthaar and Kurzhaar. Once the birds have been shot, the dogs must retrieve the birds from water as well as dry land under the command Retrieve!. The dog must be able to maneuvre through obstacles (water obstacles, fallen trees, ponds, etc.) - in other words, it needs to be hardy while retrieving.
The third kind of hunting is by lying in wait for the birds at their resting spots. Those are: large reservoirs (dams), surface runoffs. It is mandatory to use lures (decoys). It is advisable to put between 40 and 100 duck decoys into the water. It is good to have two or three pairs of spinning wing decoys (mojos). You may use mobile duck decoys with electric motors, so as to create the illusion that the birds are moving. The hunters need to have made a temporary hiding place at the river bank. It must blend in with the terrain so as not to arouse suspicion in the birds. A boat camouflaged with reed vegetation can be used for the same purpose. Hunting by boat allows the hunters to choose the hunting spots for themselves. When using decoys in such cases, they need to be mobile, with built-in chords and weights (so that they can be thrown directly from the boat).
Turtle-Doves
The turtle-dove’s passage begins at 7:30 AM and ends at 11:00, at the places where it feeds (sunflower fields), that is why the hunters have to be at the hunting grounds by 7:00 AM. Due to the fact that birds of the dove species use the same air corridors when flying, it is advised that the hunting guides research the hunting spots a day or two in advance.
The spots where the cover will be set to stalk the birds are decided on the basis of the collected information. After 11:00 AM if we’re not satisfied with the results, we can stalk the birds by their watering places (by rivers, swamps, overflows etc.), on the condition that there are trees, dried tree trunks, electrical posts and wires.
The use of retriever dogs is common practice. The dog must be very disciplined and adept at carrying out commands.
It should obey the commands: stay, lay down, fetch. An experienced dog has the ability to track the moving birds before the hunter and upon shooting to bring back the bird quickly and energetically, well remembering the shot bird’s exact spot. It must sit down in front of the hunter and give back the animal.
During a group hunt (in groups of 4 - 8 hunters), it’s advisable they cover all corridors of the passing birds, forcing them to keep flying in the air and giving the hunters a chance to continue shooting. The turtle-dove flies at speeds of 70 to 90 km/h and must be anticipated properly.
Snipes
Snipes are rarely the target of Bulgarian hunters, but there is quite the interest from foreign hunters.
This type of wing shooting in Bulgaria doesn’t require the hunters to get up early and can continue the entire day. Snipes are most commonly hunted in the so called overflows (fields that retain water, rice fields, spots where rivers have overflown and shallow lakes).
This is a bird that makes one of the longest migratory flights in the world. There is evidence that some specimens travel from Japan to Bulgaria. The hunt is very emotional and puts the hunter’s marksmanship skills to the test.
On liftoff snipes let out a cry which guides the hunter to the target. The problem is the bird makes sudden and sharp turns to either side and after the 30th meter straightens out its trajectory.
Missing the target is quite common. Out of the three types of snipes (small, common and large) the common snipe is allowed to be hunted in Bulgaria. Retriever dogs, which cope well with watery terrains, can be used.
The dogs must work very close to the hunter, at a distance no greater than 20 - 25 m. because the snipe lifts off at the 20th meter (the bird doesn’t allow the hunter to get close to it; the terrain doesn’t allow stealthy movement) and does so very quickly, making it quite difficult to hit.
English Setters have established themselves as the best dogs for this hunt. They have a good, firm stance and an exceptional sense of smell. Their fur protects them from the moisture and they can work all day.
Snipe hunting is allowed in the period from the beginning of August to the end of February. The best time for this type of wing shooting in Bulgaria is in December and January when most water basins freeze.
Quails
Quail hunting in Bulgaria - one of the two types of wing shooting in Bulgaria that can take place as early as August. Quail hunting is carried out primarily in the early hours of the day. It’s recommended you be at the hunting grounds by 6:00 AM.
In the beginning of the season, it is best you hunt until 10:00 AM and from 16:00 to 19:00 in the afternoon because of the high temperatures which impede the dogs work. During that period, it’s advisable you choose hunting grounds that are at greater altitudes. Practice shows us that quails prefer higher mountainous regions when the temperatures start to rise. They are most commonly encountered in meadows where different sorts of millet grow, in flat fields of harvested grain crops or the so called stubble fields where weeds are dominant.
The use of dogs of English breed (Pointer, Setter, etc.) is recommended. Hunting quails in passages is the most intense and successful method, when groups of 1000 to 3000 birds are formed. The season for this kind of wing shooting in Bulgaria is from the 1st of September to the 1st of October. During this period, temperatures are lower and it’s possible to hunt throughout the course of the entire day. A single hunter can shoot more than 100 birds during this type of hunt.
If the dogs are well trained, it is possible to shoot around 15 - 30 quails in about 2 - 4 hours. Our advice is to only shoot when the dog is in its pointing stance. That way there is equality between the hunter and the prey, and the hunt itself is pleasant. The dog has to be well trained, have a firm pointing stance and be a good retriever.
Young dogs can be brought along on this hunt, because they gain qualities and experience, making them better helpers when hunting other types of birds. The dog must work hard to find the game and, after the shot, bring it back to the hunter. If it learns to find quails then it will be able to find all other types of birds with ease. The recommended shooting distance is 20 to 30 meters. When the dog is standing still but there is nothing in front of it, it should be allowed to pick up the scent of the fleeing animal.
During group hunts the participant have to walk slowly and stop every 10 - 15 paces for about 30 seconds. That way the birds that press themselves down to the ground are forced to leave their cover and the dogs are given a chance to pick up their scents. When hunting in a group (4 - 5 hunters) we must always know the position of our fellow hunters. Whenever a person from the group fires their gun in an attempt to shoot down a bird, the others have to wait for him and then fire. Usually a region is searched with the group forming a line, complying with the safety measures.
The quails are completely wild; the populations are not mixed with birds raised in captivity. The best hunting period starts on the 1st of September and ends on the 1st of October. The hunting terrains are mountainous, hilly and farmlands.
Pheasants
Pheasant hunting is a fun and exciting type of wing shooting in Bulgaria's flatlands.
The hunt for pheasants begins at around 9:00 AM and can last the entire day. The terrain can be small, rolling hills, flatlands or along rivers and canals where thick vegetation is present.
Wild pheasants prefer hiding in thick bushes. The best places for this kind of wingshooting in Bulgaria are along the river Danube, in the northern part of the country. The hunt can be done in a group or individually, walking along rivers canals and the edges of forests.
When hunting pheasants in Bulgaria, continental pointing dogs find wider use, because the terrain is overgrown with thick vegetation where the English pointing dogs find difficulties. There are areas in Bulgaria where pheasants bred in reserves can be hunted. These birds live on huge patches of closed off land where they can grow much like their wild counterparts. They are bred in order to meet the numbers that hunters desire, especially during driven hunts.
Pheasants can be hunted all year round in Bulgaria at the designated places.
Partridges
Partridge Hunting in Bulgaria begins at around 9:00 AM, because the gallinaceous birds do not require the hunter to get up and be at the hunting grounds very early. This type of wing shooting in Bulgaria takes place in flatlands and regions with small, rolling hills.
Partridges found in Bulgaria are wild and their biggest populations reside near Plovdiv, where there are lots of uncultivated lands and fields of weeds. In these places partridges can easily hide and breed. Some flocks consist of more than 50 birds. It is possible to see 10 to 20 families a day. Partridges are hunted with pointing dogs, the Pointer and Setter being the breeds most commonly used. They scour bigger areas quickly and have a good firm stance.
Some Pointers can smell flocks from 100 m away. You can hunt individually or in a group. Nervous dogs are to be avoided (dogs that can’t hold their stance or are easily provoked by the moving birds in front of them, which in turn impedes the hunters’ advance). Partridges, when in danger, fly 300-600m from where they were standing and land again. That is why their flight path needs to be tracked.
We need to have good control over the dog so as to be able to regulate the search distance, especially when we know where the birds are. The families have a strong scent which makes them easy to find. It’s advisable, when hunting partridges, to try and break up the flock. Then they press to the ground longer and we can observe beautiful stances from the dogs.
This type of wing shooting in Bulgaria can last all day with a lot of ground covered with high tempo. That is why the hunter needs to be in good health.
Hares/Rabbits
Hares are one of the most popular species of game for Bulgarian hunters. Hare hunting is deeply enrooted in Bulgarian tradition.
There are two methods for hunting hares used in Bulgaria. One is on foot with pointing dogs, but the more preferred one is by driven hunt.
Usually flat, rolling and isolated patches of land are searched. Hares are hunted in groups, and the hunters usually align in a straight line within 6-10 paces of each other. During group hunts, safety precautions are of vital importance.
Shooting is only allowed in front of the hunter and behind them, while keeping in mind the position of the other participants in the hunt. Usually, plowed patches are searched, especially in windy conditions. The reason for this is that the hare lies down in a small burrow with its back to a big lump of dirt. This usually occurs during cold winter days.
Depending on the weather, hares can be encountered by the edge of fields and forests and in rolling terraced places, especially in rainy conditions. In these spots, the soil drains well and the hare can watch out for danger. They always choose high places (terraced hills, mounds, dams, etc.) for their burrows.
The dogs must work close to the hunters and, upon finding the hare, must freeze in a pointing stance in front of it. After the shot they must bring back the animal.
The hunters should be in good health due to the long treks in cold weather. A backpack is a must since each hunter carries their catch. Foreign hunters usually hunt with a guide and a carrier so this doesn’t always apply to them.
Geese
Goose hunting involves early mornings and very cold treks. This type of wing shooting in Bulgaria is effective while the birds are in flight in the morning and late afternoon.
In the morning the geese are stalked by the places they have rested at (big lakes and rivers). Places that offer a vantage point are chosen, allowing the hunters pick the birds off before they manage to climb beyond the hunters’ range. The best distance for shooting geese is about 30 to 40 m. This is a very resilient bird and that is why bigger pellets must be used (№ 1, № 0, № 2/0 and № 4/0).
In the late afternoon the geese can be stalked by the places they rest at overnight (big lakes and rivers), usually by the edge of the water. The use of goose calls is recommended in order to lure the birds in the desired direction. At dusk the shooting distance can range from 15 to 30 m.
The second way to hunt geese is at their feeding spots.These are fields with wheat crops still in the early stages of their growth, the main food source for the geese. After the field is chosen a hideout that blends in with its surroundings is constructed. The hideout can be set up some time before the hunt allowing the birds some time to get accustomed to its presence.
Decoys with and without spinning wings can be used as well as 3 artificial magpies and 50 to 100 static birds, mimicking a flock of feeding and resting geese. Other types of decoy birds can be used in order to create the illusion of a peaceful field. Shooting distance ranges between 15 to 30 m.
Hunters can use goose calls to direct the flocks to the desired spots and because the birds drop down from great heights the hunters must have patience and wait for them to come within range. Shooting is under the command of the guide (Now! etc.). These are powerful birds with good plumage. If shot at prematurely there is a chance to miss or wound the goose.
A retriever dog can be used. It must be well-disciplined and obey the command Stay! and must be kept inside the hideout. Geese hunts can last the entire day and the hunt itself is static and in cold weather.That is why heat insulating clothes, warm winter boots and neoprene socks are a must for this type of wing shooting in Bulgaria.
Big game hnting in Bulgari
Wild Goat/Chamois
The Balkan Chamois mostly inhabits the Rhodope and Rila mountains. The hunting areas in Bulgaria are usually over 1800 m, but in certain places even over 800 m and the stalking is easier than elsewhere. Female chamois have an average of 90 - 93 CIC points, the males about 103 - 106 CIC points. Hunting chamois in Bulgaria gives hunters a chance to get amazing trophies.
Wild Boar Hunting from a High Seat
Individually, wild boar hunting in Bulgaria is done from a high seat. During the summer period, the fur of the wild boar is short and rare (from May to October) and it is not as beautiful and impressive. The quality of the trophies shot down is high and the sizes range between 18 and 31 cm. The world record for wild boar trophy is in Bulgaria - 158.2 points CIC.
Roe Deer
Roe deer are widely distributed throughout our country. Its population has gradually increased in the last few years. The average weight of male deer trophies is abound 300 to 500 g. However, specimens with a trophy weight more than 400 g are often shot.
From the end of spring until the beginning of autumn, the big game rests. Only roe buck hunting is allowed during this period. The best time for successful hunting is in May and June just before the forest trees rustle, and the grass has not grown too high. The rut is usually at the end of July.The most suitable time for roe deer hunting in Bulgaria is in May, when the season opens and in August, during the mating period.
In Bulgaria, the roe deer inhabits lowlands as well as mountains. The hunting method used here is stalking, which requires good preparation. However, waiting and stalking are worth if you want to acquire trophy with weight about 300 - 450 g in the mountainous hunting areas, and 400 - 550 g in the northeastern Bulgarian plains. Trophies of roe deer are symmetrical, with long and richly pearled antlers.
Red Deer
Red deer are the pride of Bulgaria's hunting reserves. Some of the best red deer trophies have been shot in Bulgaria.
Due to the rich natural biotope and proper care the population boasts very good trophy characteristics - mighty, beautifully symmet
- Book Your Hunt in Bulgaria
- Караманите 9299
Hunting trips in Europe
- Hunting in Austria
- Hunting in Belarus
- Hunting in Croatia
- Hunting in Czech Republic
- Hunting in Estonia
- Hunting in Finland
- Hunting in France
- Hunting in Germany
- Hunting in Greece
- Hunting in Hungary
- Hunting in Ireland
- Hunting in Italy
- Hunting in Latvia
- Hunting in Lithuania
- Hunting in Macedonia
- Hunting in Montenegro
- Hunting in Poland
- Hunting in Portugal
- Hunting in Romania
- Hunting in Russia
- Hunting in Serbia
- Hunting in Slovakia
- Hunting in Spain
- Hunting in Sweden
- Hunting in Turkey
- Hunting in Ukraine
- Hunting in United Kingdom
- Hunting in England
- Hunting in Scotland
Hunting trips in Bulgaria
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Austria
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Belarus
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Croatia
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Czech Republic
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Estonia
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Finland
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from France
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Germany
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Greece
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Hungary
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Ireland
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Italy
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Latvia
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Lithuania
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Macedonia
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Montenegro
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Poland
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Portugal
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Romania
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Russia
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Serbia
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Slovakia
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Spain
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Sweden
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Turkey
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Ukraine
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from United Kingdom
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from England
- Hunting trips in Bulgaria - Караманите 9299: We'd like to welcome hunters from Scotland
About hunting in Austria
Few cities in the world glide so effortlessly between the present and the past like Vienna. Its splendid historical face is easily recognized: grand imperial palaces and bombastic baroque interiors, museums flanking magnificent squares and, above all, the Hofburg - where the Habsburg rulers lived, loved and married into empires.
For our mountain hunts in the western Austrian Alps, Vienna is usually the starting location for every hunt.
Enjoy traditional stalking in the mountains while surrounded by roaring stags, climbing a peak to chase the majestic chamois, or participating in a classic driven hunt to test your shooting skills.
Unforgettable experience for your family
Austria offers plenty of opportunities to combine hunting with a family trip. You and your family can enjoy visits to various world-renowned destinations such as Vienna, the capital, or Salzburg, the city of Mozart. There are many options for cultural experiences for a non-hunting companion and for tours before and after a hunt. The small towns throughout the Alps are also very inviting and welcome tourists from around the world.
Unique game species
Austria is well known for its exemplary management of its game animals, including red deer, fallow deer, sika deer, roe deer, chamois, mouflon, Alpine ibex, marmot, and wild boar. There are also healthy populations of black cock and capercaillie.
About hunting in Belarus
Why hunting in Belarus is famous and so popular? The answer is simple: Belarus is well-known for its pure nature and great variety of species. Hunting trips to Belarus can combine both hunting which requires activity and leisure time. Belarus is known for its pristine wilderness, forests and marshes. This country always attracted hunters from all over the world. Hunting in Belarus is affordable for hunters of all classes, but low-price doesn’t mean low quality and less pleasure. You can choose a trip that will satisfy you fully and we’re ready to help you. Hunting in Belarus gives you opportunity to hunt on such animals as: aurochs, elks, red deer, roe, boar wolf, fox, beaver, hare, marten, otter, muskrat. Among birds it’s possible to hunt on capercaillie, blackcock, grouse, partridge, snipe, woodcock. As you can see, variety of possibilities for hunting in Belarus is great, everyone can find a trip according to interest. In Belarus you have a chance to hunt according to centuries-old traditions. Unique nature of Belarus scopes, variety of animals and experienced guides will make you tour to Belarus unforgettable experience! Game will remind you of great time, so don’t miss an opportunity!
About hunting in Bulgaria
Wide Variety of Game Animals
A mix of rugged mountain ranges and broad plains provides ideal habitat for red deer, roe deer, fallow deer, chamois, mouflon, wild boar, wolves, and lynx.
Unspoiled Natural Landscapes
Most of Bulgaria’s more remote regions remain undeveloped and undiscovered by tourists, leaving plenty of room for abundant game populations and providing a true wilderness hunting experience.
Cultural and Touring Opportunities
Bulgaria is famous for its beautiful Black Sea beaches, fine wines, monasteries, and historic and cultural sites including Plovdiv, Europe’s oldest continually inhabited city, that are well worth exploring before or after your hunt.
About hunting in Czech Republic
/Prague never lets you go/, said Franz Kafka, /this dear little mother has claws/. But those who tear themselves away from the capital like the hunter’s won’t be sorry. The honey-coloured spa towns in the Sudeten Mountains, Bohemia’s Renaissance breweries and hilltop ruins, and the tumbling vineyards and underground bars of Moravia are well worth exploring.
The landscape of the Czech countryside with old forests and lovely cultivated agriculture and man-made fish ponds are unique in the /old world/.
Good populations of roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, and wild boar, and exceptionally large mouflon.
Scientific game management and careful stewardship have kept the game populations healthy and thriving and the Czech Republic is the go-to destination for large mouflon in Europe.
Experience the rich, historic hunting traditions of central Europe
With an abundance of castles and chateaux, many of them filled with magnificent hunting tapestries and stag trophies, the past is always close at hand in the Czech Republic.
The city of Prague is a wonderful pre- or post-hunt destination
With its medieval Gothic architecture, vibrant urban center, and of course, Pilsner beer, Prague is well worth spending a few extra days after your hunt to explore.
About hunting in Croatia and Serbia
Croatia doesn’t feel like a place that has been thoroughly worked over by the tourist industry. Though development continues apace along the more commercialized stretches of the coast, Croatian tourism has spun off in a number of positive directions.
From dramatic mountainous landscapes and dreamy deep-blue seascapes to thick wild forests and wide open fields Croatia & Serbia offer a variety of different vegetations to explore for the traveling hunter.
Outstanding Deer and Bird Hunting
Serbia is an affordable destination for high-quality roebuck and bird hunting; it may be one of Europe’s best-kept hunting secrets.
Scenery, History, and Culture
With a fascinating history, beautiful landscapes and an abundance of museums and wineries, Serbia is a great place to tour before or after your hunt.
Friendly, Welcoming People
Serbs tend to be laid-back and known for their excellent hospitality and enjoyment of life.
About hunting in Estonia
Affordable Hunting Destination
Estonia is a great value for hunters, offering outstanding hunting experiences priced affordably.
Variety of Game Animals
Moose and lynx are plentiful, as well as red deer, roe deer, and bears.
Beautiful and Friendly
Estonia is a scenic country with friendly, welcoming people who value their wildlife and enjoy hosting visiting hunters.
About hunting in France
Rich Variety of Game
A wide range of huntable game is available, including red, roe, and fallow deer, mouflon, wild boar, Pyrenean and alpine chamois, and world-class bird shooting.
Two-Thousand-Year-Old Hunting Culture
Once the province only of the aristocracy, France’s rich hunting heritage can now be enjoyed by hunters from around the world.
Perfect Post-Hunt Family Vacation
Combine high-quality hunting with a sampling of French food, wine, and culture.
About hunting in Hungary
Hungary, situated in the Carpathian Basin and bordered by Austria is a popular tourist desination in Central Europe. With its capital Budapest the country is full of rich cultural heritage.
Its characteristic steaming hot, outdoor spas and impressive landscape divided by the Danube with several national parks and well managed hunting areas makes Hungary a perfect destination for hunters and their non-hunting companions.
Centuries-old traditions
Hungary has a centuries-old hunting tradition, and the time-honored traditions of the hunt are still a tangible and important part of the modern-day hunting experience.
Variety of game species
The countryside has excellent habitat for a variety of game species. Combined with the pleasant climate, this makes the country a paradise for hunters.
Exceptional trophies
Hungary prides itself on the high quality of its game management, and the large number of exceptional trophy animals taken every year is proof of the success and sustainability of its management program.
About hunting in Ireland
The Emerald Isle’s mountains, lakes, and stunning Atlantic seashores offer a beautiful setting in which to pursue red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, and several varieties of feral sheep and goats in acres of wild and windswept countryside. Ireland has one of the densest populations of sika deer in Europe, and stalking these elusive animals in the ancient forests and green hills of the Irish countryside makes for a true challenge. Bird hunting in Ireland is outstanding, with some twenty species of game birds including excellent high-volume shooting for wood pigeons. The Irish are well known for their excellent hospitality and welcome visiting hunters. Opportunities for post-hunt sightseeing, hiking, and touring abound.
About hunting in Italy
Bird Hunting in Beautiful Countryside
Bird hunting for abundant partridge, pheasant, and quail is very popular in Italy with resident hunters and visitors alike.
Exciting Driven Boar Hunts
Italy is home to healthy populations of wild boars and driven shoots are popular and highly successful.
Outstanding Vacation Destination
Whether you decide to go wine-tasting in Tuscany or pay a visit to the Roman ruins after your hunt, you'll discover why Italy is one of the world's finest tourist destinations.
About hunting in Latvia
Latvia, located in northern Europe along the coast of Baltic Sea on the western border of Russia, is one of three countries known collectively as the Baltic States. Most of the country consists of a mosaic of vast forests alternating with fields, farms, and pasture land. The country has the fifth-highest proportion of forested land in the European Union, with forests making up some 56 percent of the total land area. Latvia also has miles of beautiful, undeveloped seashore.
This wealth of habitat has given rise to a long tradition of conservation in Latvia and excellent wildlife management. More than 10,000 European moose are taken each year in Latvia, primarily from stands or high seats but also with the use of moose dogs and calling during the rut. Driven wild boar hunts are also popular. Other huntable game found in Latvia includes the European lynx (often hunted with hounds, similar to cougars in the USA), red stags, and the unusual but highly sought-after raccoon dog. Bird hunters will find good populations of capercaillie and black grouse in Latvia.
About hunting in Macedonia
Part Balkan and part Mediterranean, a place that only became famous a couple of years ago with many wild areas left to explore as a hunter.
Hunt the Unspoiled Heart of the Balkans
Relatively undeveloped and undiscovered by tourists, Macedonia has abundant game populations and offers a true wilderness hunting experience.
Trophy Chamois and Ibex
Macedonia is known for its large Balkan chamois trophies, and it is a major destination for hunting kri kri ibex.
Combo Hunts at Great Prices
With a wide variety of native and introduced species, Macedonia is well positioned to offer hunts for a combination of different species at affordable prices.
About hunting in Poland
True Wilderness
With large areas of unbroken forest and sparsely populated rural areas, a hunt in Poland is a wilderness adventure.
Bison Hunting
Poland has the largest population of European bison outside of Russia.
Variety of Species
In addition to bison, thriving populations of roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, and wild boar draw hunters from around the world.
About hunting in Romania
Authentic, Natural and Cultural are the words that best capture the essence of Romania, a dynamic country rich in history, arts and scenic beauty.
Romania’s national and natural parks, displaying a unique variety of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife, protect some of the largest remaining areas of pristine forest in Europe.
True wilderness
Hunting Romania’s primeval forests and rugged mountainsides is the perfect way to experience one of the last true wilderness regions on the European continent.
Game animals
Romania is home to a wide variety of sought-after game animals from brown bears and wolves to roe deer, stags, wild boars, and chamois.
Touring opportunities
From its authentic medieval castles, to mysterious Transylvania, to the beautiful shores of the Black Sea, Romania offers plenty of cultural and historic touring opportunities when your hunt is over.
About hunting in Russia
Variety and abundance of game
Russia’s forests, rivers, and towering mountains teem with an incredible diversity of fish and wildlife.
Affordability
Because of recent economic changes and today’s currency exchange rates, hunts in Russia are a great value for the international hunter.
Rich historical legacy and ancient hunting traditions
Russia’s hunting traditions go back to ancient times, and it forms an important theme in the literature of great Russian writers. Russian hunters are proud of the cultural legacy of the hunt, which persists to this day.
About hunting in Slovakia
Variety of Game
Slovakia boasts excellent populations of the classic European species: red deer, roe deer, fallow deer, mouflon, and wild boar.
Strong Hunting Tradition
Slovakia has a long and proud hunting tradition dating back to the 1400s, and celebration of its hunting culture continues today with events such as Saint Hubert Days in the village of Antol in central Slovakia.
Affordable Hunt with a Bohemian Flair
The thinly populated forest areas and rich agricultural land in Slovakia provides a true European hunting experience at a modest price.
About hunting in Spain
Red-legged Partridge shoots, Spanish Grand Slam Ibex Hunting and /Monteria’s/.
Great Weather, Excellent Food and Wine, Strong Southern Hunting Traditions.
Outstanding mountain hunting
Spain is home to some of the world’s greatest mountain game, including four sought-after varieties of ibex, two subspecies of chamois, and Iberian mouflon.
World-class driven hunts
Traditional driven hunts for red deer, roe deer, and wild boar, as well as driven bird shoots, are a valued part of the hunting culture in Spain.
Excellent family vacation destination
Spain offers plenty of pre- or post-hunt enjoyment for the entire family, whether it’s skiing in the Sierra Nevada, lounging on the beach in Majorca, or sightseeing in the historic cities of Madrid or Granad.
About hunting in Sweden
Sweden, with the highest percentage of forested land in all of Europe, has a long and storied hunting tradition. The northern regions of this Scandinavian country are still sparsely populated, true wilderness. European moose live in just about every corner of the country; most estimates put the total population at some 300,000. In fact, the Swedes are the world’s most enthusiastic moose hunters, taking some 100,000 animals every year twice as many moose as are shot in the USA and Canada, combined.
The tremendous abundance of moose in Sweden has given rise to a moose-hunting tradition that is heavily focused on the most basic reason people hunt: for meat. The traditional “moose drive,” conducted with dogs that push moose to standing hunters, incorporates plenty of camaraderie and teamwork, with the aim of filling freezers and keeping the moose population in check. There are many other species to hunt in Sweden as well as moose, including roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, reindeer, and wild boars. Capercaillie and black grouse are also abundant and highly sought after by hunters in Sweden.
About hunting in Turkey
The Border between Central Europe and the Far East.
Excellent Wild Mountain Hunting without the lack of comfort.
About hunting in England & Scotland
High Birds, endless Highlands, unique Culture and Hunting & Shooting with style.
Huge variety of Species and breathtaking Estates.
Classic Deer Stalking
Stalking red deer in the Scottish Highlands is one of the world’s most classic hunts. Many other varieties of deer are abundant throughout the UK as well.
Upland Birds
The UK, especially Scotland, is home to some of the finest (and often most expensive) wing shooting in the world. Driven hunts for grouse and pheasant are wildly popular as are walk-up hunts with dogs.
Tradition and Culture
The traditions of the hunt that began in the highlands and moors of the UK have spread throughout much of the world as a result of British influence. Hunters visiting the UK today often stay in castles, eat traditional fare, and explore the same highlands and moors that hunters have trod for centuries.
- BOOK YOUR HUNT IN BULGARIA
Гривяк
(Columba palumbus L.)
Срокове на ловуване
Ловът на гривяк е разрешен
от 15 август до 28 февруари.
Препоръчителни патрони със съчмен заряд за отстрел на гривяк
Екипът на БГ Ловци (bghunters.com) Ви препоръчва следните патрони:
- Препоръчителни патрони - 28g. за 16 кал. / 32g за 12 кал.
- № на сачмите - 7, 5
- Разстояние - 30-40 метра
Разпространение на гривяка
Видът е широко разпространен в Европа, Азия и Северна Африка. В нашата страна се среща повсеместно.
Описание на гривяка
Общият тон на оперението при гривяка е синкаво-сиво. Гушата и гърдите му са с розово-сив цвят, преминаващ към корема в сиво. От двете страни на врата и на крилата си има бели петна, а на опашката - широка тъмна ивица. Клюнът е оранжево-червен с жълт връх. Краката са червени. На дължина той достига 40-44 cm, а на тегло - до 500-600 gr.
Младите гривяци се отличават по това, че гърбът им е по-кафяв, белите петна на врата липсват, и гушата и гърдите не са розови, а мръсно кафяви.
Местообитания на гривяка
Обитава гористите местности, като се изкачва до 1800 m н.в., но числеността му не е голяма. По-значителна концентрация се наблюдава през есента, когато от север започват да долитат по-големи ята, които временно се задържат у нас и след това отлитат на юг. Гривяците остават да зимуват и в студени зими в случаите, когато има обилно плодоносене на бука.
Храна на гривяка
Гривяците ядат семена на културните растения, бурените, иглолистните дървесни и храстови видове, дъбов и буков жълъд, къпини, ягоди, боровинки и други плодове, пъпки, зелени части и др. Редовно поемат гастролити (дребни камъчета). Хранят се предимно на земята, но може да кълват буков и дъбов жълъд и някои ягодови плодове по дърветата.
Биология на гривяка
Гривяците, както повечето птици от сем. Гълъбови, образуват трайни двойки. Гнездото си правят от тънки клонки на различни височини по дърветата в най-глухите части на гората. Мътят два пъти през годината. В края на април женската снася две бели сравнително едри яйца. С изключение на северните райони, тя започва да мъти след снасянето на първото яйце и затова малките не са еднакви по размери. Мътят двамата родители, но женската лежи по-дълго време.
Малките се излюпват след 17-18 дни, растат бързо и след един месец напускат гнездото. Първите няколко дни прекарват с родителите си, след което образуват ята.
Гривякът е много предпазлив. Той се крие в най-гъстите части в короната на ниските дървета, а при високите често каца на самия връх и внимателно наблюдава наоколо. Има много добро зрение и отдалеч забелязва опасността. На храна отиват в определени часове сутрин и следобед. Гривякът пее само през размножителния период, като издава високи гърлени звуци.
Естествени неприятели на гривяка
Най-опасни за гривяка са дневните грабливи птици, бялката и златката, които атакуват гнездата с яйцата или малките пиленца.
Ловностопанско значение на гривяка
Гривякът е многочислен в почти всички части на своя ареал. Не е застрашен в световен аспект. През миналото столетие значително е разширил ареала си на север в Скандинавския полуостров. Интересен и ценен обект на ловния спорт. Полетът му е бърз и стремителен, а ловът е труден и изисква много търпение. Месото на гривяка е твърдо и не се отличава с добри вкусови качества.
За гривяка и неговия лов
Обикновено ловци допускат до себе младите гривяци. Най-често след първия или най-много след втория излет, когато се стреля по гълъбите, те стават много осторожни. Летят на голяма височина много бързо и трудно допускат ловеца на изстрелно разстояние. Това прави този лов много емоционален и всеки трофей - ценен.
Гривяците са много предпазливи и виждат поразително надалеч. Могат да различат и най-малкото движение или промяна на заобикалящата ги среда. Затова изграждането на прикритието трябва да стане най-добре от предишния ден, и то привечер.
Обикновено
ловци допускат до себе младите гривяци. Най-често след първия или най-много след втория излет, когато се стреля по гълъбите, те стават много осторожни. Летят на голяма височина много бързо и трудно допускат ловеца на изстрелно разстояние.
Това прави този лов много емоционален и всеки трофей ценен.
Нашата страна обитават три вида гълъби: скалният или сивият гълъб, гълъбът-хралупар и гривякът. От тях най-едрият е последният и той е обект на лов съгласно Закона за лова
и опазване на дивеча. За да ловуваме успешно на този интересен ловен обект, трябва добре да познаваме неговата биология и навиците му на живот.
Гривякът живее основно в иглолистните и смесени гори, като предпочита по-старите насаждения,
изпъстрени с поляни, и полета с единични дървета в тях. Общият цвят на оперението му е пепелявосив. Двете страни на шията му са металнозелени, с по една бяла ивица. На дължина мъжкият достига 40-44 см. Женската е по-дребна.
Гривякът
почива на сухи или разлистени клони по върховете на дърветата, а през горещите часове на деня - вътре в самата корона на дърветата. Полетът му е много бърз и с честа смяна на посоката и хоризонта. Храни се основно с житни зърна, иглолистни
семена, буков и дъбов жълъд, ягоди, капини, малини, рядко с охлюви и червеи, а рано напролет - и с пъпките на широколистните и иглолистни дървета. Вода пие чрез засмукване, като пъха цялата си човка във водата. Чрез това той затваря
восковицата на носните си отбори и по този начин може да образува вакуум в устната си кухина, посредством която засмуква водата.
Още при пристигането си през пролетта птиците са чифтосани. В първите дни двойките се държат по няколко
заедно. Мъжкарите токуват, накацали по високите клони на дърветата, издавайки характерното за тях гугукане: гурр-гру-гуру-ру. Женската прелита наоколо, като приглася с по-особени, стенещи звуци: ху-у-у или гу-у-у. На петия-шестия ден
от долитането си чифтовете се разделят и търсят място за гнездене. За построяване на гнездото си гривяците избират дебел, страничен клон или разклонение близо до стеблото, на високо и с гъста корона дърво. Самото гнездо е направено
някак си небрежно от преплетени тънки, сухи клончета и клечки. Отвътре го постила с по-нежна трева, но винаги е раздърпано, неугледно и не особено стабилно. Гривяците често използват и стари гнезда на свраки, дребни соколи и катерици,
като само доприбавят по някое друго клонче и суха трева. Брачните игри на мъжкаря около гнездото се състоят от шумни излитания, с пляскане на крилата, кръжене и устремно спускане. А преди да хвръкне и след като кацне, продължително
и високо гугука.
У нас гривякът мъти два, рядко три пъти за едно лято. Женската снася винаги само по две яйца. Те са чистобели. Първия път - в началото на април, втория път - в края на юни и началото на юли. Много често, ако птиците
са тревожени по време на гнезденето, второ люпило няма. Мътенето трае 17-18 дни, а малките остават в гнездото около 40 дни. Отначало те се хранят, както и малките на домашния гълъб, с "птиче мляко" (това е особена кашица, която се
отделя в специална жлеза в гушите на родителите), а по-късно и с размекнати зърна. Както казахме, възрастните гривяци са зърноядни птици. Гушата им е много голяма и побира 5-6 жълъда наведнъж. След като напуснат гнездото си, малките
се събират в ята и бродят в околностите, а старите отглеждат второто си поколение. Към края на август излита и второто люпило, и възрастните и младите птици се събират в големи и смесени ята. Рано сутринта те излитат за храна по нивите,
към 10:00 ч. кацат по дърветата, за да почиват. По обяд отиват хкрай реките и водоемите, за да пият вода и пладнуват по околните дървета. Следобяда отново отлитат към нивите, за да се хранят и на смрачаване се прибират в гората да
нощуват. Гривяците от по-северните страни започват в края на месец август - началото на септември своята миграция към зимните им местообитания. Това са бреговете на Средиземно море и островите в него.
Нашите гривяци предприемат
тези прелети през октомври. През по-мека и безснежна зима те остават до късна есен в Северна България, а в Югоизточна България и Южна Тракия дори остават да зимуват.
Гривякът е трудно и бавно размножаваща се птица. Счита се, че
младите започват да гнездят едва на втората година от своя живот и имат само едно люпило. Освен това, ако по някаква причина се развали чифтът гълъби напролет (поради смъртта на едната птица или изгубването при прелета), втората птица
остава сама и не прави гнездо, нито си търси другар до следващата пролет. От снесените две яйца рядко се излюпват и оживяват и двете малки. Гълъбчетата са много нежни и лесно загиват. Излетелите пък от гнездото млади птици са твърде
непредпазливи и още в първите си дни стават лесна плячка на хищници и хора. От друга страна, урбанизацията и масовото проникване на човека в горите, засилената сеч и други фактори намаляват още повече характерните местообитания на
този ценен вид. Гълъбите се оттеглят в по-малко населените и отдалечени райони и ако не намерят подходящо място за гнездене, въобще не снасят.
Най-подходящите месеци за лов на гривяк са септември, октомври и ноември. При топли зими,
когато гривяците зимуват у нас, ловът им може да продължи до закриването му през месец февруари.
Скалният гълъб е по-дребен от гривяка, оперението му е синкаво-сиво. От двете страни шията му е със зеленикав оттенък. На крилата си
има две черни препаски. Мъжкарят достига на дължина 34-38 см. Женската е по-дребна. У нас се среща доста често. Гнезди на колонии по скалите. Храната му е същата като на гривяка. Отлита по-рано от него на юг. В най-южните райони на
страната ни обитава целогодишно. Съгласно Приложение 2 към чл. 66, алинея I от Правилника за прилагане на Закона за опазване на дивеча, неговият лов в България е забранен.
Гълъбът-хралупар (дупляк) е с пепелявосиво оперение. На
крилата си има две неясни, размити черни ивици. Мъжкарят достига до дължина 33-35 см. Женската е по-дребна. Гнезди в хралупите на старите дървета, откъдето е получил и името си. Храната му е като на гривяка. През лятото се събира на
малки ята. Когато мигрира на юг, ятата са по-големи. Поради намаляване и дори изчезване на старите дървета с хралупи, числеността му е силно намалена и той реално е застрашен от изчезване. Също е строго забранен за лов.
Неприятели
за всички гълъби са ястребите, соколите, златката, бялката, невестулката, свраките, гарваните и много други фактори, които променят тяхното местообитание. Ловът на гривяци, съгласно приетия Закон за лова и опазване на дивеча, у нас
се извършва чрез причакване или чрез издебване. Ловът чрез причакване протича по следния начин. Птиците се изчакват обикновено или край местата за хранене - ниви, стърнища и др., или обикновено край реките и водоемите, където те идват
по обяд да пият вода. Тогава обикновено кацат на съседните дървета. Особено предпочитат някое дърво със сух връх и клони. За да се прикрие добре ловецът трябва да си е направил предварително чакало. Това е пръчкарник от зелени вършини.
Неговото изграждане е много важен елемент от този лов. Гривяците са много предпазливи и виждат поразително надалеч. Могат да различат и най-малкото движение или промяна на заобикалящата ги среда. Затова изграждането на прикритието
трябВа да стане най-добре от предишния ден, и то привечер. Най-добре е пред него да се приготви и солище с глина и малки камъчета, а отгоре да се покрие с анасон и овес, може и зрял грах. По този начин ще привлечем ятата с гривяците.
Когато
сутрин и вечер летят по нивите, за да си търсят храна, може да ги бием чрез причакване край пръснатите из полето дървета. Отново е желателно да се направи добро прикритие. Този лов е особено успешен, когато в него участват трима-четирима
ловци, прикрити на различни места по терена. След изстрел единият от ловците пропъжда гривяците от своето прикритие и те прелитат край позициите на неговите ловни другари.
- Чрез причакване могат да се бият птиците и край местата, където се прибират за нощуване.
- Вторият способ за лов е чрез издебване.
Тогава ловецът използва най-успешно наличните прикрития по терена, като се старае да се доближи на изстрелно разстояние до кацналите на някое дърво птици. Както казахме, те са обаче много предпазливи и това е много трудно.
Стреля се
с патрони, снаредени с дробинки № 7 или № 8, а при висок полет на птиците - с № 3 или № 4. Хубаво е патроните да са с концентратори. Повеждайки гривяка, трябва да дадем изпреварване от 1 -2 метра пред него, за да можем да имаме попадение.
В противен случай само си гърмим и плашим птиците.
По чуждестранните ловни канали ни показват лов на гривяци в някои страни от Европа, каквито са малко познати у нас.
Основният традиционен лов на тези птици там може да се раздели на няколко метода:
- С мрежи за ловене на гълъбите, характерен за страната на баските и в Италия. Това са вертикални мрежи, до десет на брой, или хоризонтални такива, покрити с растителност.
- Друг способ е от колиби за стрелба, характерен за Пиренеите. Там се използва и полагане на мрежи в полето за хващане на птици, без участие на хората.
- В югоизточната част на Франция, която в ландшафтно отношение и като терен е близка до нашите условия, се практикува ловуване на гривяци в гориста местност. Ще се спра по-подробно именно на този метод, защото той може да намери приложение и у нас.
Изграждат се съоръжения за лов на гривяци, които работят без мрежи, но тук е вложена много изобретателност и инженерна мисъл от страна на ловците. В районите на Арманяк, в Жирондинските степи или степите на Лот-е-Гарон, та чак до предпланините
на Пиренеите, традиционно се практикуват тези елементи, характерни за местните ловци, за лов на гривяци с различни тънкости и варианти, които варират в зависимост от топографията на местността и изобретателността на ловците. Участниците
в лова са екипирани с портативни радиостанции тип "уоки-токи", за да поддържат връзка между колибата за наблюдение и тази на земята. Разстоянието между двете е средно около километър и половина. Разгледани по-подробно, тези съоръжения
напомнят военни фортификации. Основната част от тях е колибата за наблюдението. Тя е едновременно място за живеене на ловците, има възможност да се готви, яде и почива вътре, но също така е и основен пост за ръководене и провеждане
на този вид лов. Колибата е снабдена с изнесен пост за наблюдение, който е най-високата част на съоръжението, откъдето се примамват птиците с имитиране на техните звуци. По принцип постът не се напуска никога по време на лов. През
целия ден ловците се сменят, за да могат да наблюдават прелета без прекъсване.
Основният помощник в "шпионирането" е гривяк, затворен в клетка. Неговата основна задача е да информира от своя кафез за пристигането на ятото птици
още преди да е забелязано от човешкото око. Този "супер гълъб" - мюре трябва да има остро зрение, за да различава подобните си отдалеч през клоните на дърветата. Обикновено той се поставя пред поста за наблюдение.
Около колибата
за наблюдение и нейния малък капак, който се затваря леко с ръка, за да прикрива напълно наблюдаващите, са разположени коридори и тунели, високи около 1.8 м и широки до 2.2 метра. Тяхната обща дължина може да достигне до километър.
Разположението им е строго специфично и се подчинява на конфигурацията на терена. С други думи, тунелите водят до характерни места, например малка горичка, където гривяците се разполагат при силен вятър, някой друг район, където птиците
кацат да нощуват, или характерни места от терена. В тунелите ловците се придвижват тихо и се стреля по птиците след зададен сигнал. Всеки ловец избира по една птица, един от тях брои: едно, две... - и на три последва колективен изстрел.
По
дължината на коридорите могат да се видят няколко колиби. Този начин на ловуване на гривяци е широко използван дори при ловуване в равнинните райони. Колибите за наблюдение служат и за подслон на ловните кучета, както и за задействане
на капаните, които се разполагат над примамки и се задействат оттук дистанционно.
Ловът на гривяк без стрелба се свежда само до факта птиците да се накарат да кацнат на земята, за да се уловят в капаните или мрежите. За целта другата
особено важна част от този начин на лов е примамката (мюрето), която ще свали ятото. Този безценен помощник е отново в колибата. Това е най-често гривяк, главата на който е покрита от качулка от алуминий, а самият той е поставен на
дървена пръчка. Плясъкът на неговите крила трябВа да се познаВа до съвършенство от ухото на ловеца, който се движи с птицата по коридорите, когато гривяците вече са кацнали на земята, но са прекалено далече или още летят и са високо.
Пляскайки с криле, примамката трябВа да имитира птица, летяща от дърво на дърво или кацаща на земята.
Последният важен елемент е гукането. Всеки ловец на гривяци трябва да може да издава звуците на птицата. В действителност, когато
гривякът кацне, примамен от плясъка на крилете на "мюрето" и фалшивото гукане на ловеца, остава само да се продължи диалогът до момента на изстрела с пушката. Ето така ловуват на гривяци нашите колеги във Франция. Почти като на фронта,
с предварително изградени фортификационни съоръжения, радиостанции, мрежи и капани. И това в една обединена и просперираща Европа. А ако някой по някакъв начин накърни техните традиционни методи на лов, колегите протестират и отнасят
този важен за тях въпрос дори в съвета на Европа.