Wisent hunting in Europe

[Milo]

I'm starting to research hunting wisent in Europe. Has anybody done this or have any first hand experience?
Where did you go and who did you hunt with? Would be looking to hunt in 2020 or 2021.

Thanks much

 

[BRICKBURN]

@Foxi may know about these critters.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

My proposition Poland.
www.huntadventure.pl

 

[Milo]

My proposition Poland.
www.huntadventure.pl

Is this your operation or have you hunting with them? Would like to know more. My understanding is that permits are more difficult to obtain in Poland than other countries.

 

[Daktari]

From what I've seen the only options are Poland and Belarus. Looks like a great hunt for sure!

 

[Daktari]

Additionally, take a look at the Białowieża Forest, it is one of the oldest forests in Europe and my dream spot to hunt Wissent. The forest stretches across Poland/Belarus border I believe.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Is this your operation or have you hunting with them? Would like to know more. My understanding is that permits are more difficult to obtain in Poland than other countries.

This is one best companies in Poland.

 

[Milo]

This is one best companies in Poland.

I will reach out to them to see what they have to say. Thank you.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Good luck Milo.

 

[dailordasailor]

I’d be Curios to hear the trophy price. Never knew they existed but now I’m interested

 

[Solitaire]

From France, I find this info for the trophy prices in Euros ...
http://www.chasse-bielorussie.com/grand-gibier-russie/bison-europe-chasser.html

 

[grand veneur]

I just came across this older topic.

We always talk about buffalo hunting in Africa and South- or South-East Asia , but you can do that in Europe as well. However , the prices have increased dramatically compared to 20 years ago.

 

[Foxi]

@Foxi may know about these critters.

I have no first-hand hunting experience. Just the testimony of my agent.
From him I know that the Wisenthunt always shows 100% success rate.
That alone makes me suspicious and makes me wonder if they're really wild bulls.
Would you be able to guarantee me a good moose with you in 6 days ?
Regards
Foxi

 

[grand veneur]

I shot one on february 2003 on the east side of the Bielowiza forest in Belarus. I don't know the situation nowadays.

It was wild game on open areas. However , the hunting area was well managed as many areas in eastern Europe. It was not very difficult to shot this bull. The game wardens were very familiar with the area and knew where the herds are. It has little in common with the buffalo hunt in Africa , except the approaching and the shooting of the buffalo with my rifle caliber 460WM , but in the wintertime and by snow.

It was a gold medal with 174 points CIC which cost me but then no 20% of today's price. At that time there was little interest for this game.

 

[grand veneur]

 

[perttime]

The numbers of European Bison aren't very high. I suspect hunting must be highly restricted.

 

[Opposite Pole]

I have no first-hand hunting experience. Just the testimony of my agent.
From him I know that the Wisenthunt always shows 100% success rate.
That alone makes me suspicious and makes me wonder if they're really wild bulls.
Would you be able to guarantee me a good moose with you in 6 days ?
Regards
Foxi

In Poland these animals are classed as endangered and are strictly protected. Because of this the herds (now reestablished) are very closely monitored. There are two herds in Poland, one in Białowieża and one in Bieszczady mountains. They are not subject to regular hunting, only few permits are issued each year. Whenever hunting permits are issued for them in Poland it is because the population needs to be reduced or more often particular animals deemed no longer productive are to be killed.

All animals hunted in Poland are wild and there is no high fence hunting whatsoever in the country (it would be illegal). There are some Fallow deer farms but these animals are treated like cattle and are not hunted. But back to the Bison, due to monitoring efforts the game is somewhat familiar with humans and perhaps not so people shy as say a deer. This combined with very close monitoring of the herd and its movement and the fact they are not generally pursued guarantees the success rate.

By taking one of these animals you truly are aiding the conservation of the species.

Both of the areas I mentioned are great hunting destinations for other species too so it might be worthwhile to book a hunt for other game as well while you’re travelling. Same goes for the Belarusian part of Białowieża.

 

[grand veneur]

The numbers of European Bison aren't very high. I suspect hunting must be highly restricted.

It was and still is , i think.

The man on the right side was a biologist. He told us what we have to shot. In the middle , the forest and wildlife officer.

 

[Milo]

I'm under no false illusion that this would be a wild and even adventurous hunt. After all, they are bison. There is a reason that we were able to kill basically all of them on the North American great plains with 1800's technology and infrastructure. That herd numbered approximately 30 million, not counting additional recruitment during those years, and it was shot down to a few thousand.

That said, I would like to hunt one and hunt it in Europe, unfortunately that trip may be a victim of the economics of it.