Stag Hunting During the Rut in Bulgaria

Experience an unforgettable hunting adventure in the heart of Bulgarian wilderness.
Hunt for a trophy stag during the rut, with professional guides and comfortable accommodation in a luxury hunting lodge. This offers the perfect blend of tradition, nature, and relaxation. Enter a hunting reserve rich in history and notable for its exceptional wild game population.

This hunting journey to central Bulgaria offers an exceptional experience in a country renowned for its long-standing hunting traditions and rich wildlife. The reserve is located within the stunning, hilly terrain of the Stara Planina range, at elevations between 500 and 1,300 m. It is easily accessible—the drive from Sofia Airport takes about 3 hours, mostly via motorway.
The hunting area spans approximately 20,000 hectares and is carefully managed. In addition to hunting, guests can enjoy horseback riding. After a day in the field, relax in the wellness center or take a dip in the pool.

Hunting Information

The primary aim of the trip is to hunt a stag during the rutting season, which takes place in September. The ideal period is from 15 September to 10 October. The reserve is noted for its outstanding trophy-quality game and a stable population; annually, 15–20 trophy stags are taken, 99% of which qualify for medals. Besides red deer, the area also holds populations of fallow deer, roe deer, mouflon, wild boar, and grey wolf, offering opportunities to expand hunting options as desired.
Hunting is conducted individually with a professional guide, either as driven stalking or still-hunting. Thanks to excellent wildlife management, you have a good chance of obtaining high-quality trophies—stags’ antlers often exceed 10 kg. The expected trophy weight ranges from 8 to 10 kg.

Typical weather in Bulgaria during September:
Daytime temperatures range between 20–26 °C; nights are around 10–15 °C.
Dry climate and stable conditions ensure high animal activity during the rut.

Weapons and Ammunition

We recommend hunting with your own rifle, listed on your European Firearms Pass, which, together with another form of ID, is sufficient for travel and firearm transport. Choose a caliber with adequate impact energy. Most importantly, ensure your rifle is properly sighted in for long-range shots and tested at a shooting range before hunting. Light binoculars with high magnification, e.g. 10 × 42 with an integrated rangefinder, are ideal for observation.

Accommodation Details

During the trip, hunters stay at a luxury hunting lodge offering high comfort and a warm atmosphere reflecting hunting tradition.

Includes:

• single-room accommodation with private bathroom and toilet
• some rooms feature a fireplace; all rooms have satellite TV
• spacious dining room with fireplace, bar, trophy lounge, and billiards room
• professional staff, including a chef who provides high-quality full-board catering
• wellness center with an indoor spa area and outdoor swimming pool—perfect for relaxation after a day in the field.