With its vast tracts of wilderness, and abundant populations of game from roebuck and chamois to brown bear and wolf, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most underappreciated hunting destinations in Europe. Read more...

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Balcan country that can boast of complex topography and rich biodiversity. The nation’s economy is based on agriculture, however, mostly mountainous relief ensured that large tracts of land remain untouched by civilization, creating a variety of habitats and making the country a captivating destination for recreational hunters. Stretching across the western and central parts of the country, the Dinaric Alps are characterized by steep mountains and deep valleys. This region is renowned for its populations of chamois and wild boar, offering challenging hunting in rugged terrains. The dense forests of pine and fir that cloak these mountains are also home to red deer and roe deer, providing hunters with opportunities for both stalking and driven hunts. The karst landscapes, particularly in Herzegovina, feature rocky terrain with sparse vegetation, caves, and sinkholes. This area supports unique ecosystems and wildlife, including mouflon. The fertile river valleys of the Neretva, Bosna, and Vrbas rivers, along with associated wetlands, are excellent for waterfowl hunting. These regions also support populations of small game, such as rabbits and pheasants. Unlike many other European locations, pheasant hunting in Bosnia and Herzegovina is about totally wild birds, which makes it very challenging but so much more exciting. The high plateaus and extensive forested areas, such as those around Sutjeska and Una National Parks, are prime habitats for capercaillie, as well as large game, including brown bears and wolves. A highlight of hunting in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the wolf. Unlike most other European countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina still sticks to the old ways of handling the predator, which can be hunted all year round and by any means except poison. For someone who wants to get a taste of European wolf hunting, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the place to go. Brown bear hunting in Bosnia and Herzegovina also leaves nothing to better known options in Croatia and Slovenia. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich hunting tradition that is deeply ingrained in the local culture. Until the area was annexed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the late XIX century, hunting was free and open for everyone. Under the Empire, hunting became a thing for the rich, and the population was disarmed, which predictably led to a surge in poaching and decimated game populations. After the country gained its independence, hunting regained its status as a popular activity. Hunting is not only seen as recreation but also as a means of wildlife management and conservation. The country has numerous hunting associations that manage hunting areas, organize hunts, and work on conservation projects to maintain healthy game populations. There is a lot of talk about the need to develop hunting tourism, although actual deeds in this direction are somewhat less impressive. The positive side of it is, if you go hunting to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can count on a somewhat rough, but refreshingly genuine experience, often described as “hunting as it once was”. Hide details