Serbia on map
About hunting in Serbia
Serbia is located in southeastern Europe, covering an area of the Balkans and part of central Europe. Serbia is not widely known as a hunting destination, but the country is home to first-class trophies of a wide variety of European species, and its hunting grounds are vast, stretching from the flat, agricultural plains of Vojvodina in the north to the unspoiled mountainous regions. Serbia’s hunting areas, which consist of both free-range and fenced estates, are overseen by hunting associations and the wildlife is carefully managed by biologists and gamekeepers under the auspices of state-owned companies, as well as local hunting associations. Roebuck grow large in Serbia, and populations are dense, with as many as 50 to 100 deer seen per day, particularly during the rut in May. Boar hunting is excellent, and there are also red deer, fallow deer, and mouflon. The bird hunting in this country may be one of the world’s best-kept hunting secrets. Wild quail, pigeons, pheasants, ducks, and geese are all available. Hunting tourism in Serbia has strict rules, and there is some bureaucracy to contend with, but the Serbians are friendly and the country is trying to encourage more hunters to visit.
What you need to know
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1. Planning your trip
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2. Upon arrival
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3. Hunting
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4. After the hunt
Planning your trip
Most hunters arrive by airplane in the capital, Belgrade. Be aware that it may not be possible to enter Serbia from Kosovo. Some travelers with Kosovo entry or exit stamps in their passports have been denied entry to Serbia.
Officially, all visitors must register with the police. Your outfitter or hotel will likely do this for you. This is rarely enforced, but being unable to produce registration documents upon leaving Serbia could result in a fine.
It is best to be met by an interpreter who can take you through the arrival and customs formalities, especially if you are bringing your own firearm.
Upon arrival
Most roebuck hunts are conducted by spot-and-stalk; in the vast open areas in the northern part of the country, a vehicle is often used to spot game from a distance and the stalk is then conducted on foot. Bird hunting is often done by walk-up with dogs.
Hunting
Trophies are boiled and measured after the hunt, usually by the hunting association, which also determines the price list based on the size of the trophy. Before the hunter can remove the game from the hunting ground, the trophy is measured and the fee assessed.
Initial trophy preparation is usually handled by the outfitter. Export documents and veterinary certificates are usually prepared by the management of the hunting area immediately after the evaluation of the trophy. Discuss trophy export requirements and procedures with your outfitter prior to arriving at the hunting area.
After the hunt
It’s important to note that most species native to Argentina, such as puma, peccary, and brocket deer, can be legally hunted in many provinces but cannot be exported. Introduced species such as red stag can be exported with the proper permits. When your hunt is completed, your outfitter can arrange to have your trophies shipped to a taxidermist to prepare them for shipping and export.
Price distribution
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