At the border between Poland and Belarus, in the primeval forest of Białowieża, Bison hunting is now open.
The bison populations in Poland have grown exponentially. Therefore, after decades of prohibition, a management hunt has become necessary.
In the early cold hours of the morning, among the frost-covered meadows of Białowieża, the warm breath of the bison forms clouds of vapor, making it feel like you’re facing a mythical creature. With its broad chest and head lowered towards the ground, it can be seen grazing the grass of the surrounding clearing. Characterized by thick brown fur and long horns, the European bison is the largest wild land animal remaining on our continent, with an average weight of around 600 kg, reaching up to 800 kg. Currently found in Central and Eastern Europe, the Polish mammal has few predators aside from humans!
In the early decades of the 20th century, the mammal was hunted to the point of total extinction in the wild. However, through the breeding of individuals in captivity, which were later reintroduced into various EU states, the presence of the animal has been consolidated over time, contributing to the continuous maintenance of the ecosystem’s balance. It is estimated that there are just under four thousand specimens in Europe, with the most famous and numerous herd located in the Białowieża Forest in Poland and Belarus, where these mammals live in the wild.
Comprising four immense interconnected forests, the Białowieża Forest spans approximately 1,500 kilometers and is considered the sanctuary of the European bison. Located about 70 kilometers north of Brest, it represents all that remains of the vast forest that thousands of years ago covered all of Europe, earning it a place among UNESCO’s World Heritage sites in 1979.
The forest is located 42% in Polish territory, where it is also protected as a national park, and the remaining 58% in Belarusian territory.
In Poland, right on the border with Belarus, among ancient oaks and conifers, expanses of ferns and white willows, the hunt for the European bison is organized by Montefeltro under the guidance of a local professional.
The clearings provide nutritious grazing for the bison, which share the area with deer, wild boars, roe deer, and a few moose. Predators, such as wolves and lynxes, which are characteristic of the local fauna, are also present.
A good pair of binoculars and excellent optics on the rifle are essential for identifying the bison to be culled and ensuring a successful hunt. Given that it is a very massive animal, the most suitable calibers for this hunt are various 9.3, the .375 H&H, but also the .338 Win Mag or .338 Lapua can be used, as well as the .340 and .378 Weatherby.
Bison hunting in Poland is considered one of the most prestigious hunts in Europe, both for its exclusivity due to the limited number of available animals and for the magical experience during the hunt among the majestic oaks of one of the oldest forests on the continent.
The European Bison
The European bison (Bison bonasus) is the largest land mammal in Europe. In the past, it was widespread across Central and Eastern Europe, but it was hunted, often to provide meat for armies at war, until its complete extinction in the wild in 1927.
However, a small group of bison survived in captivity in various European zoos. Starting in the 1950s, these bison were reintroduced into the wild in the Białowieża Forest.
Today, the bison population in the Białowieża Forest is about 500 individuals. Bison are a symbolic species of the Białowieża Forest and attract tourists from all over the world.
Since the 1950s, projects have been initiated to reintroduce the European bison into the wild. These projects have been successful, and today the population of European bison is about 3,500 individuals, with about 1,800 living in Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Russia.
European bison live in groups of 10-20 individuals, led by a dominant female. They feed on a variety of plants, including grass, leaves, bark, and branches.
An example of European Bison in the Bielowieza Forest in Poland
European bison play an important role in the European ecosystem. They contribute to seed dispersal, vegetation regulation, and biodiversity conservation.
The situation of the European bison is improving, but the species is still considered vulnerable except in Poland. The main threats to its survival are habitat fragmentation, poaching, and diseases.
In Italy, the European bison is present in two protected areas: the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park and the Sila National Park. In total, there are about 100 European bison living in Italy.
Here are some specific details about the status of the European bison in Europe:
– 90% of European bison live in four countries: Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, and Ukraine.
– The population of European bison is increasing.
– The main threats to the survival of the European bison are habitat fragmentation, poaching, and diseases.
– The reintroduction projects for the European bison have been successful, but it is important to continue monitoring the species’ situation and protecting its habitat.
Experience this unique adventure by planning your hunt in Poland in advance!
