December 3, 2024
Many argue about which European country is the best for hunting. Some name Great Britain with its ancient forests, others – Germany with its rich hunting grounds, and still others – Spain with its diversity of wildlife. In these debates, many forget about Poland. This country in Eastern Europe is an excellent place for beginners and experienced hunters. It is full of incredible hunting places that everyone should visit. Also, Poland is not inferior to other European countries regarding the number of animals and birds that can be found. All this makes it attractive for hunters who want to enjoy contact with wildlife and get a great trophy. Let's look at the most popular hunting locations together and learn the main hunting features in Poland.
Features of hunting in Poland
All hunting enthusiasts who come to Poland should carefully prepare and consider several important features. This approach will help plan the event properly and make it close to ideal. First, you should know that Poland offers hunters various landscapes. In this country, dense forests, mountains, and wetlands are equally common. They all form unique ecosystems with their diversity of animals and birds. For example, there are many large game in forests, such as deer, roe deer, bison, elk, and wild boar. There are also more minor representatives of the fauna (hares, foxes, etc.). The mountains are home to various species of birds, and some ungulates adapted to life in difficult conditions. Wetlands attract attention with various waterfowl, the hunting season for which is open almost all year round.
An essential feature of hunting in Poland is the accessibility of most hunting grounds. Almost all of them are located near a large city, so there will be no problems transporting weapons and ammunition. Such a convenient location also helps to reduce travel time. This is especially important for foreigners who come to hunt in Poland. They are always limited in time, so a few hours saved will not be superfluous. Not only are many hunting grounds available, but also various services for hunters (accommodation, rental of transport, weapons and special equipment, organization of hunting, guide services, etc.). There are so many of them that everyone can find the necessary option for themselves.
Poland has strict rules and laws governing the hunting process. This feature creates specific difficulties for hunters but helps to preserve the populations of all the most popular game species in the country. To obtain permission to shoot animals, you must have a hunting license. It is issued exclusively to persons who have reached the age of 18. Also, applicants for it must pass a short exam, allowing a special commission to assess the level of theoretical and practical training of each person. Since the license is issued exclusively by the Polish Hunters' Association, all applicants must become members of this organization and comply with its rules.
In some cases, additional permits for shooting certain species of animals will be required. These include representatives of fauna that nature conservation organizations protect. Hunting seasons and quotas apply in Poland, as in other countries.
Different types of day and night hunting are available in Poland. During daylight hours, it is carried out wherever possible and not prohibited by law. Night hunting is allowed only in certain places, so finding out about access to it in advance is essential. At the same time, in most cases, there are no restrictions on using night vision devices and other optics. Another feature is that people like to observe various hunting traditions in Poland. In this regard, every foreigner will have the opportunity to see something new and get to know the hunting culture in this country better.
Amazing places for hunting
There are many unique places in Poland that every hunter will love. These locations combine the beauty of wild nature with rich wildlife and are suitable for various hunting types. In such locations, hunters can be alone or spend time with like-minded people. In both cases, they are guaranteed positive emotions and good chances of getting a cool trophy.
Bialowieza Forest
The most incredible place for hunting in Poland is Bialowieza Forest. It is located in the eastern part of the country on the border with Belarus and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bialowieza is one of the oldest forests in Europe. Here, you can find many trees over 100 years old and dozens of other unique plants. Dense thickets give way to small open areas, which contribute to the formation of diverse ecosystems. These ecosystems include animals and birds that can be hunted.
To hunt in Bialowieza Forest, you will need many permits. The protected status of the territory forces you to obtain several mandatory documents that will make shooting at animals legal. Local nature conservation organizations control the hunting process, so prohibited actions are quickly stopped or punished with a huge fine. However, such restrictions do not stop hunting enthusiasts who want a trophy in such a unique place.
Among the vast variety of animals found in Bialowieza Forest, bison deserve special attention. They are rarely seen in other places on our planet, so many hunters dream of getting such a trophy. In addition to these majestic giants, hunters are attracted to red deer, roe deer, and other ungulates. All of them have no problems with the population, so it is much easier to get permission to shoot them. Wild boars are also among the popular species. They can be hunted all year round. In Bialowieza Forest, you can also find wolves, but this won't be easy. Black grouse are the most common among the birds in this unique place.
Bialowieza Forest offers hunters the opportunity to hunt and enjoy the beauty of this ancient forest. Only 70 km away is the city of Bialystok, which is attractive for its architecture. Every hunter can admire it. You can do this at the beginning or end of the trip and between trips to the forest.
Tatra Mountains
The Tatra Mountains are located in the southernmost point of Poland. This incredible object attracts the attention of travelers and hunters from all over the world. The mountains are located on the border with Slovakia. They occupy an area of almost 800 square kilometers, but only 175 square kilometers are in Poland. A characteristic feature of the Tatra Mountains is the presence of several high peaks that are known throughout Europe. In addition, this object is distinguished by many deep valleys and untouched mountain meadows. All of this allows the formation of several unique ecosystems suitable for the habitation of many representatives of the fauna. The Polish authorities allow hunting in many of them, which automatically makes the Tatra Mountains attractive for hunters.
To hunt in these places, you need to have a special permit. In some cases, when the chosen location is located on the territory of a local national park, it won't be easy to obtain it. Also, among the restrictions, it is necessary to highlight the need to comply with the seasons and quotas provided by the Polish Hunters' Association. In all other respects, visitors will have complete freedom of action. An essential feature of the Tatra Mountains is the presence of many difficult mountain areas. Only well-prepared hunters can overcome them, so measuring your desires with your capabilities in advance is essential. In some regions, you even have to lay dangerous routes. When choosing them, you need to use the services of experienced guides who will help you get to the hunting grounds and avoid various troubles.
If you manage to overcome all the difficulties, the hunter will have the opportunity to get many good trophies. Among them, the most popular are chamois and other ungulates. Wild boars, small species of roe deer, rabbits and other creatures are often found in the valleys and meadows. Among birds, black grouses and various predators are usually a priority for hunters. In addition to hunting, everyone can enjoy the picturesque mountain landscapes and breathe clean air in the Tatra Mountains. You can also have a good time in the famous Zakopane, which is closest to the most popular hunting grounds.
Puszcza Borecka
In the northeast of Poland, near Lithuania's border, there is a unique natural site called Puszcza Borecka. It is a dense mixed forest where people rarely appear. Wild nature reigns in this place, so every hunter who comes to Poland should see it with his own eyes. Puszcza Borecka is known for its diversity of ecosystems. Among the dense vegetation, there are dozens of small lakes. The area around them is home to many animals and birds, hunting which will bring great pleasure. There is also a marshy area in the forest full of living creatures.
Puszcza Borecka is ideal for hunters. A hunting license and a weapon that complies with Polish law are enough to shoot animals in this area. However, the animals are pretty shy. They rarely encounter people and instantly hide from them in dense thickets. Therefore, hunters need to be extremely careful and behave quietly.
Puszcza Borecka is home to about a hundred bison. Hunting them is prohibited, so you must settle for more traditional hunting species. The most popular of these are ungulates. Among them, hunters most often give priority to deer and roe deer. Of other mammals that can become a good trophy, the wolf, beaver, lynx, wild boar, and marten are worth highlighting. Most of the listed animals can be hunted even in the dark. You must have the desire and high-quality night vision devices to do this. There are also many birds in Puszcza Borecka. Despite the vast variety, the most common choice of hunters are ducks and geese.
Puszcza Borecka is quite far from large cities. The closest are Bialystok and Gdansk, which are about three hours away by car. They will allow you to fill the breaks between hunts and better understand the unique Polish culture.
Puszcza Kampinoska
An incredible location, in every sense of the word, is Puszcza Kampinoska. It is just a few dozen minutes drive from the outskirts of Warsaw, so every hunter who comes to Poland can quickly get there. This object is a forest bordered on both sides by the Vistula and Bzura rivers. Due to this, it has a vast variety of landscapes. Dense thickets, pine and spruce forests, sand dunes, and swamps are equally common here. All this creates ideal conditions for the lives of hundreds of species of animals and birds, most of which are suitable for hunting.
The proximity to the capital of Poland makes Puszcza Kampinoska one of the most popular hunting locations. In this regard, strict restrictions apply on the territory of the object. They make preserving species diversity possible and avoid excessive reduction in the populations of the most popular animals. Violations of the current rules lead to hefty fines, so you should always follow them. Also, in Puszcza Kampinoska, you must always be attentive and careful, as many hunters increase the likelihood of accidents.
This location attracts the attention of fans hunting wild boar, roe deer, and deer. These species are a priority for most hunters. Also, in Puszcza Kampinoska, there are many birds, including predators and waterfowl. In addition to hunting, this object is interesting for the beauty of wild nature. Here, you can walk for hours, enjoy the views, and take a break from the noise of the nearby large city. If hunters do not have night vision devices with them, you can devote daylight hours to hunting, and after sunset, go to Warsaw and enjoy the beauty of the Polish capital. This will diversify the hunter's journey and make it unforgettable.
Puszcza Niepolomicka
Every hunter should visit a beautiful forest complex in the southeast of Poland. This site, located only 20 km from Krakow, is a natural pearl of the region. It consists of several protected areas carefully protected by local nature conservation organizations. The Vistula and Raba rivers border Puszcza Niepolomicka.
Puszcza Niepolomicka is known for its ancient forest areas. They will make every hunter experience visual pleasure and feel the grandeur of the local nature. In addition to dense forests, there are open meadows and small areas without significant vegetation. Thanks to this, Puszcza Niepolomicka is home to many animals and birds, which become the main target of thousands of hunters every year. Most living creatures are shy, so you need to move as quietly as possible and not shoot unnecessarily.
The diversity of the landscape and the abundance of greenery make Puszcza Niepolomicka an excellent place for bison. In addition to them, the forest is home to many other herbivores. Among them, the most interesting for hunters are deer and roe deer. There are also mammals on the territory of this object, such as wolves, lynxes, wild boars, and small wild cats. Good conditions for bird habitation have been formed in dense thickets and open areas. Puszcza Niepolomicka has as many as 175 species, making the forest complex one of the European leaders in this indicator. Among the birds, the most popular among hunting enthusiasts are partridges and pheasants.
The proximity of Puszcza Niepolomicka to such a fantastic city as Krakow allows hunters to diversify their trips. After admiring the magnificent forest landscapes and communicating with wildlife, you can stroll along the streets of the famous settlement. Krakow is Poland's cultural, scientific and religious center, so hunters filling the pauses between trips to the forest will definitely have something to do at any time of the year.
Pojezierze Suwalskie
Hunters and ordinary travelers will not regret visiting Pojezierze Suwalskie. This location is in the northeast of Poland, near the border with Lithuania. It combines dense forests, hilly open areas, and about 250 lakes. These bodies of water have crystal-clear water, so watching them is incredibly pleasurable for people. Pojezierze Suwalskie also offers hunters the opportunity to get a good trophy. However, this isn't easy for many reasons, so this location is suitable mainly for experienced craftsmen.
Many lakes make Pojezierze Suwalskie an excellent place to hunt waterfowl. Quite a few different species live here, so hunters will have plenty to choose from. It is essential to follow the rules of the seasons and shoot only the game that is allowed to be hunted at a given time. In addition to waterfowl, wood grouse and black grouse are popular among hunters. There are also areas of dense forest in this location that are full of lakes. You can meet many ungulates and wild boars there. These representatives of the fauna most often become a priority target for local and visiting hunters.
Pojezierze Suwalskie can give a fantastic hunt and the opportunity to get visual pleasure from observing the local landscapes. They are lovely during sunset when the rays of light reflect in the water and create the most attractive picture. You must have a night vision device if you want to wait until now. It will help you navigate in conditions of insufficient light and find the correct route to the place of overnight stay. For a change of scenery, you can visit the neighboring cities of Pojezierze Suwalskie Bialystok and Gdansk. It will take several hours to get there by car, but the subsequent acquaintance with the local architecture and culture will make everyone forget about the time spent on the road.
Karkonosze Mountains
The Karkonosze Mountains are located in southwest Poland, near the Czech Republic. They are part of a national park, so the entire area around them is carefully protected. Despite this, the site is accessible to hikers, cyclists, and hunters. The latter must have a special permit and follow several important hunting rules.
The Karkonosze Mountains are characterized by their steep slopes, which are pretty tricky and dangerous for people to be on. In this regard, to hunt in these places, you will need a guide who knows exactly where to go to minimize the risk of trouble. The areas adjacent to the mountains were overgrown with forest many years ago. Today, it is an excellent place to hunt a variety of games. Also, in the vicinity of the Karkonosze Mountains, there are high-mountain meadows with their unique ecosystem.
The mountains and surrounding area are home to many ungulates. These animals easily find shelter from predators and have enough food. Most hunters prefer these animals. Their favorites include roe deer, deer, and mountain goats. For those who prefer more exotic game, bird hunting is available. The Karkonosze Mountains are home to many birds of prey, including partridges and pheasants.
Hunting and exploring Poland's most picturesque mountain landscapes are not all that this location has to offer. In the Karkonosze Mountains, you can enjoy the clean air and listen to the sounds of nature. If this is not enough, you can visit Wroclaw in between hunts, which is about two hours away by car. This city has various attractions so that no hunter will be bored. You can also visit Poznan and Katowice if you wish, but you must get there much longer.
Puszcza Drawska
In a place far from large cities in the northwest of Poland, one of the most attractive hunting locations in the country is located. Puszcza Drawska is a mixed forest where coniferous and deciduous trees are equally common. In addition to them, there are several picturesque lakes on the territory of this object, as well as the Drawa and Notec rivers. Such a variety of natural sites becomes the basis for forming several radically different ecosystems, each with unique flora and fauna.
Hunting in Puszcza Drawska is a traditional activity. You need to have a hunting license and follow the basic rules for shooting animals (seasons and quotas). This will allow you to hunt and not harm the wildlife of Poland legally. In Puszcza Drawska, different types of day and night hunting are available. In the first case, hunters will need high-quality daytime optics and modern night vision devices in the second. Without these devices, achieving the desired result will be extremely difficult.
The main hunting object in Puszcza Drawska is deer. There are so many here that anyone who spends at least 3-4 hours in the forest can meet at least a few individuals. The population of roe deer and wild boar is no less significant. The latter can be hunted 365 days a year, which is essential when shooting at other animals, which is prohibited by law. Among the birds here, there are various waterfowl, as well as partridges and pheasants.
Puszcza Drawska is located far from large cities in Poland. Thanks to this, there are no crowds of travelers and many hunters. The nearest densely populated city is Szczecin, which can be reached by car in a few hours. In this town, you can spend time when the weather or other circumstances do not allow you to go into the forest for a trophy.
Puszcza Piska
Between Bialystok and Gdansk, there are many incredible places to hunt and travel. One of them is Puszcza Piska. It is located near the border with Lithuania and is the largest forest complex in the region, occupying about 100 thousand hectares. On its territory, many coniferous trees form the local landscape. Also, in Puszcza Piska, several rivers and lakes complement the natural splendor of this place. They create their unique ecosystem and become a habitat for hundreds of living creatures, most of which can be hunted.
Puszcza Piska is often called a bird sanctuary. Many species live on its territory, among several rare birds. Birds are the main target of most hunters. In addition to them, elks, deer, and wild boars find food and shelter from predators in the Puszcza Piska forests. Also popular is hunting foxes, hares, lynxes and beavers. The above species have no population problems, but hunting them is still only allowed during designated seasons. The exception is wild boars and some species of waterfowl. They can be shot at any time of the year.
Puszcza Piska is attractive to hunters not only for its biodiversity but also for its beautiful views. In most places, visitors to this location can observe picturesque landscapes and get maximum visual pleasure. Hunters who like to go to the forest and study the features of the surrounding area can visit Bialystok and Gdansk. Each of these cities offers a variety of entertainment and leisure options.
Kozubow Forest
In the southern part of Poland, not far from the border with Slovakia, there is Kozubow Forest. It is part of the local landscape park and is famous nationwide. This object attracts the attention of nature lovers and is ideal for hunters of different skill levels. A variety of landscapes characterizes Kozubow Forest. Overgrown forested areas alternate with open hilly areas and magnificent meadows. All this allows hundreds of species of animals and birds that can become potential prey for a hunter.
Kozubow Forest is equally suitable for individual and group hunting. In both cases, the event participants will have complete freedom to choose the best time of day to conduct it. All hunters must follow strict rules and laws in this place. To shoot certain species, you need to obtain a special permit, which is issued taking into account quotas and hunting seasons. Otherwise, Kozubow Forest does not limit hunters, so they can choose the appropriate methods for obtaining a trophy.
Like many other places in Poland, Kozubow Forest is home to many ungulates. They are most often the priority target of local and visiting hunters. Among the most popular species are roe deer and deer. If hunting for these animals is prohibited at one time or another, you can always try to get a wild boar. It is found here in huge numbers and can be shot all year round. There are not as many birds in Kozubow Forest as in other locations. However, you can get several large pheasants or partridges if you try.
Although Kozubow Forest is quite far from large cities, many hunters are always here. They are attracted not only by the variety of games but also by their beautiful nature. It can surprise anyone with its forest landscapes, which will remain in the memory for a long time. If hunters have enough time, they can visit the cities of Wroclaw and Lodz. They are attractive to any traveler, so hunters will also have something to do.
Lasy Janowskie
In the southeast of Poland, not far from the border with Ukraine, is Lasy Janowskie. It is a large forest area popular with travelers and hunting enthusiasts. This area is characterized by deciduous and pine trees, which are evenly distributed throughout the territory. Also, Lasy Janowskie has several open areas over a reasonably large area. All this creates favorable conditions for many plants and animals, who find enough food and everything they need to build their shelters in these places.
The most popular activity in Lasy Janowskie is mushroom picking. Hunting is also popular. This place is home to many large mammals, which often become the main prey of hunters. The most popular are deer, wild boar and roe deer. Pheasants and other birds are usually found near open areas and can be hunted. This must be done in compliance with the rules of the seasons and Polish hunting laws. There are also several unique species in Lasy Janowskie, but hunting them is prohibited. In this regard, hunters first need to identify the target and only then shoot at it.
Hunters in Lasy Janowskie are attracted not only by the opportunity to get a valuable trophy but also to enjoy the beauty of the local nature. Many call it one of the most beautiful in Poland, so no one is advised to miss the opportunity to see this spectacle. On days when you can’t go hunting, you can visit Lublin. This city is known for its magnificent castles, cathedrals and other architecture, so every hunter will have something to do.
Bieszczady Mountains
The Bieszczady Mountains are an incredible place for hunting and close contact with wild nature. They are simultaneously located in the territories of three countries (Slovakia, Ukraine, and Poland) and are among Europe's most challenging to access. In Poland, these mountains are located in the southeast of the country. They are remote from most cities, so getting to them will be more complex than any other location. Despite all the difficulties, hunters adore this place and strive to get there before returning home.
The Bieszczady Mountains are famous for their stunning landscapes. Everyone who gets to this location gets absolute pleasure from observing the local beauty. This wild and harsh place is home to many living creatures that can become suitable prey for novice and experienced hunters. The most popular hunting species list includes brown bears, wolves and various ungulates. Bison are also found in the Bieszczady Mountains, but hunting them is prohibited here. There are also many birds of prey and various small game in the mountains. Such species diversity allows hunters to independently choose a priority target and visit the location when the hunting season for the selected game is open.
The best way to reach the Bieszczady Mountains is by car from Rzeszow, Przemysl, or Tarnow. Krakow is also recommended as a starting point for the trip. During breaks between hikes in the forest, you can explore these cities. Each is unique and interesting, so you should visit them all.
Opole Forest
Beautiful natural areas and good hunting locations near Opole, southwest of Poland, near Katowice and Wroclaw. The local forest is characterized by a variety of close-growing trees that create ideal conditions for the habitation of many animals. Small open areas with unique ecosystems are also found in Opole Forest.
Opole Forest is suitable for all types of hunting. Here, you can walk alone for hours searching for a game or gather in groups to search for exciting animals jointly. In both cases, all participants of the event are guaranteed great fun. In Opole Forest, you can only shoot those representatives of the fauna for which the hunting season is currently open. Violating this rule is fraught with serious negative consequences (often, the punishment is a hefty fine). However, if everything is done correctly, even beginners will have an excellent chance to get a deer, wild boar or roe deer. These are the animals most often found in Opole Forest and become the priority target of hunters. There are also many different birds in the area, but they are rarely hunted here.
The forest's proximity to Katowice and Wroclaw opens up more opportunities for hunters. Thanks to this, they can not only do what they love but also see the sights of the listed cities or find other exciting activities.
Gostynin-Wloclawek Landscape Park
In the center of Poland, every hunter should visit a protected natural area. It occupies an area of almost 400 square kilometers and is an excellent place for hikers, birdwatchers, and hunting enthusiasts. The latter come here quite often due to the convenient location of the Landscape Park (LP) and the variety of available games. You can get to Gostynin-Wloclawek from the capital of Poland, as well as from Poznan, Lodz, Bydgoszcz, and Gdansk.
Gostynin-Wloclawek LP is attractive for its variety of landscapes. Its many forested areas, open areas, and water bodies make it an ideal habitat for living creatures. The roe deer is the most popular among hunters, but deer, wild boars, and different types of birds (predators, waterfowl, etc.) are also common.
This location is attractive not only for its fauna but also for its flora. Several unique trees, over 200 years old, grow on its territory. Every hunter who finds time for other activities besides hunting can see them with his own eyes. The convenient location in the center of Poland also makes it possible to visit many cities in different parts of the country. Getting to them by car will be pretty simple and fast.
Recommendations for hunters in Poland
The abundance of fantastic hunting spots makes Poland one of the leaders in Europe in this indicator. Thanks to this, many foreigners come to the country to get valuable trophies. You need to listen to several vital recommendations to increase your chances of success and avoid various troubles. First, carefully check the available documents, particularly the hunting license. It must be executed appropriately and have a valid validity period. Other hunting documents (for example, a permit to shoot a specific type of animal) must meet a similar requirement.
All hunters need to remember that there are hunting seasons for different types of animals in Poland. They must always be followed to avoid fines or other troubles. At the same time, several species can be hunted all year round. If they become a priority target, no seasonality rules must be considered. In addition, you should know the local laws regarding wildlife. There are many of them in Poland, so you need to carefully study the legislation of the entire country and the region in which you plan to hunt. This is especially important in cases where the event is held in a protected area.
All foreign hunters who come to Poland should find out in advance what types of weapons and ammunition are allowed there. This approach will significantly simplify the import of everything necessary for hunting. It is also essential to check the latest changes in legislation regarding the use of daytime optics and night vision scopes.
To make hunting exciting and comfortable, choose the right clothes and shoes in advance. They are selected depending on the current season and the weather conditions typical for this period. In summer, which is dry and hot in most of Poland, it is best to prefer light clothes with good breathability. It will help to avoid excessive sweating and the discomfort associated with it. Spring and autumn are characterized by changeable weather. In this regard, choosing demi-season clothes for this period is better. At the same time, it is recommended to have 1-2 spare options in case of a sharp cold snap or warming. Winter, which is always quite cold in Poland, can occasionally present unpleasant surprises in heavy snowfalls and gusty winds. In this regard, using the warmest clothing possible and additional protection for various body parts is recommended.
Hunters need camouflage that is correctly selected for any season. In Poland, hunters often use traditional camouflage patterns that help them blend in with the environment and become less noticeable to animals. Foreigners should do the same; their chances of success will be much higher. Footwear is selected depending on the season, current weather and conditions of the area in which the hunt is taking place.
Hunting grounds in Poland are pretty diverse, but they all require good physical preparation from the hunter. It will help to overcome various obstacles and get to the most suitable places for hunting. Physical preparation is essential in mountainous areas, so only well-prepared people should attend. In all cases, hunters should take various navigation devices with them. They will help to navigate and choose the right direction of movement. Without these devices, there is a risk of getting lost in an unfamiliar area, which often does not have visible landmarks.
All hunters in Poland and other countries need to monitor their safety. To do this, you should avoid violating the rules for handling weapons and constantly monitor the surrounding area. If the latter can be done exclusively with your eyesight during the day, then at dusk or in complete darkness, hunters will need monoculars, binoculars and night vision goggles, as well as special thermal imaging optics. All of the above will provide good visibility and make it possible to avoid many dangerous situations. Of course, you should not forget about communication tools and a first aid kit equipped with everything necessary to provide first aid.
Poland is a European country where hunting is entertainment and real adventure. It allows one to closely communicate with wildlife, observe magnificent landscapes, and give everyone a good chance of getting a status trophy. Considering all of the above, we can conclude that Poland is one of the best places in Europe for hunters. If you add to this the uniqueness of the local hunting culture, you get an incredible mixture that will not leave any visiting foreigner indifferent.