Red deer

Red Stag Hunting in the Carpathians

Hunting red stag in the vast and mysterious forests of the Carpathians is a real adventure for any hunter !

The Carpathian Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

The Carpathian red deer (Cervus elaphus) is one of the most impressive and well-known inhabitants of the mountainous forests of the Carpathians. This large game species is most commonly found in the Carpathian region and is renowned for its magnificent antlers and elegant appearance. Mature stags can reach a body length of up to 250 cm, with a shoulder height of 120-150 cm, and can weigh up to 300 kg. Their antlers regenerate annually, and the older stags can have particularly impressive antlers with up to 10-12 points.

Red deer inhabit various environments, from mountainous forests to open meadows. Their diet primarily consists of grasses, shoots of deciduous and coniferous trees, and shrubs. During the autumn rutting season, stags engage in impressive roaring and fighting to compete for hinds, making this period particularly exciting for hunters.

Why Hunt Carpathian Red Deer?

1. Exceptional Trophies: The antlers of the Carpathian red deer are highly valuable and sought after by hunters. The beauty and size of the trophies present a special challenge and pride for hunters.
2. Unique Experience: The stunning landscapes of the Carpathians and their rich biodiversity offer a unique hunting experience. Hunting is not just a sport but a unique adventure, providing an unforgettable experience through the beauty of nature and the mountainous environment.
3. Cultural and Traditional Values: Red deer hunting has a long tradition in the Carpathians. This activity is deeply rooted in local culture and contributes to the preservation of traditions.
4. Sustainable Wildlife Management: Strictly regulated hunting quotas and wildlife management practices ensure the health and sustainability of red deer populations. Responsible hunting helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife populations.
5. Physical and Mental Challenge: Mountain hunting requires not only physical endurance but also strategy and patience. The challenges faced during hunting and the closeness to nature provide a special experience.

Overall, hunting the Carpathian red deer is not just about acquiring trophies but also about a deeper connection with nature, the mountains, and hunting traditions.

Hunting Season and Regions

The red stag hunting season runs from September 1st to December 15th. The best time to hunt is during the rutting season, which is from September 10th to October 5th. We organize hunts in three different regions:

• Plains: 300-400 meters above sea level
• Hills: 500-800 meters above sea level
• Mountains: 1000-2500 meters above sea level

Our hunting areas cover about 300,000 hectares in the Southern, Eastern, and Central Carpathians.

Detailed Regions

Plains:

• Rutting season starts around September 10th and lasts almost until the end of the month.
• These areas include small forests, reed beds, and farmlands.
• High game density due to abundant food.
• Trophy weight: 6-10 kg.
• Four hunting days needed for success.

Hills:

• Rutting season is from September 18th to October 5th.
• Located at the foothills of the Carpathians, near the Küküllő and Mureș rivers.
• High wildlife density and intense rut.
• Trophy weight: 7-10 kg, sometimes more.
• Predators like bears, wolves, and wildcats also present.
• Four hunting days needed for success.

Mountains:

• Rutting season is from September 10th to October 5th.
• Characterized by large, continuous forests of beech, spruce, or mixed woods.
• Requires good physical fitness.
• Other wildlife includes bears, wolves, lynxes, grouse, and chamois.
• Hunting is done exclusively on foot.

Trophies

Red stag trophies have long beams, averaging 105-130 cm. Their distribution is wide, but their weight is less than in places like Hungary. They typically weigh between 7 and 10 kg, with some reaching 11-12 kg each year.

Tips for Hunting Red Stag

• In hilly and mountainous areas, hunt by stalking on foot or from an ambush.
• Approach the roaring red stag, and if it meets the criteria, take a quick and precise shot.
• You might not see the stag more than once, so take the opportunity when it comes!
• Red stags can weigh up to 300 kg at the start of the rut, so use a rifle with at least a 7 mm caliber.
• Shooting range: 30 to 300 meters.
• Weather: 15-25°C during the day, -5 to 10°C at night.

Factors Influencing the Rutting Season

• Weather: Warm, rainy, or foggy weather can reduce stag activity. In severe storms, they move to sheltered valleys.
• Wolves: The presence of wolves makes stags more cautious, and the rutting period shorter.

Hunting Equipment

• Backpack
• Binoculars
• Headlamp
• Knife
• Flag
• Scar plasters
• Comfortable, broken-in boots
• Raincoat

Accommodation During Hunting Season

Accommodation is often provided in guesthouses or hunting lodges near the hunting areas. In some regions, we manage several areas, allowing us to host up to 6-8 guests at a time. In mountainous areas, hunters might sleep in small wooden huts near grazing areas, which can be advantageous for early morning and late afternoon hunts.

Traveling in the Hunting Area

Travel from the accommodation to the hunting area typically takes 1-2 hours on forest roads.

Size of Hunting Areas

Hunting areas are at least 7,000 hectares in hilly regions and 10,000 hectares in mountainous regions.

Number of Hunters

Typically, 1-2 hunters hunt simultaneously in each area, with a maximum of 3 hunters at rare times.

Annual Quota

The annual quota for red stag ranges from 4 to 10 animals per area. Despite seeming low compared to Western countries, natural selection in the Carpathians maintains and even improves trophy quality each year.

Trophy Scoring and CIC Evaluation

Hunting trophies are evaluated by the provincial authority according to hunting laws. They are scored using a points system developed by the CIC (International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation).

Unique Experience

This type of red stag hunting is unique due to the large forests, beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and high-quality trophies, offering an unforgettable experience for any hunter.

Further Information

If you need more information about red stag hunting, please contact us! We are happy to answer your questions and help you plan your dream hunt in the Carpathians. We look forward to welcoming you to the Carpathians soon!