The travel diary of Alessandro.
Due to negative previous experiences and past travels with other agencies, every time I would like to organize a hunting trip I am always hesitant.
For this reason, I started with not too high expectations, but I decided to try this hunting trip anyway. And it didn’t take much to change my mind.
Even before the departure I immediately noticed the maniacal organization with which everything was planned, from moment zero until my return to Italy.
Together with the staff, we chose what could be the best time for my trip. And so it was.
My first experience with Montefeltro began on 17 August 2021.
Having landed at Skopje airport, they was already there to welcome me and together we immediately went to Bitola, the country south of Macedonia where Montefeltro has its exclusive reserve.
Arriving at the hotel I felt me at home, the structure was perfect, from the cleanliness to the food.
After the first day of travel, I was anxiously awaiting the great start of the hunt for turtledoves and wood pigeons.
As soon as we arrived on the hunting field the following morning, everything that Angelo had anticipated to me before leaving, immediately became reality and in this case my expectations were not disappointed at all, quite the opposite, they were exceeded.
Three days of hunting in which birds in large numbers showed up on the hunting ground, and I managed to bring home excellent results.
The hunting guide, a great connoisseur of the art of hunting and Macedonian lands, was by my side at all times, not only assisting me but also making me have fun.
What else to add? This experience gave me great satisfaction, it was 3 unforgettable days of hunting for doves and pigeons and for this I will never stop thanking the whole Montefeltro team.
Now I just have to organize the next adventure, hunting partridges and rock partridges in Macedonia.
Alessandro
Turtledove and wood pidgeons hunting in Bitola
Turtledove and wood pigeon hunting is a popular outdoor activity in Macedonia, particularly in regions near Bitola. Bitola, located in the southwestern part of the country, offers diverse landscapes that are attractive to both migratory and resident bird species, including turtledoves and wood pidgeons.
During the hunting season, which typically occurs in the late summer and early autumn months, hunters flock to the countryside around Bitola to pursue these game birds. The hunting season is carefully regulated by Macedonian authorities to ensure the sustainability of bird populations and to protect their natural habitats.
Hunting grounds near Bitola often consist of farmland, forests, and open fields, providing ideal habitats for turtledoves and wood pigeons. Many hunting enthusiasts appreciate the challenge of stalking these birds in their natural environment and the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Macedonian countryside.
Hunting turtledoves and wood pigeons requires patience, skill, and often the use of decoys and calls to attract the birds within shooting range. Hunters typically employ shotguns loaded with small pellets to effectively take down these fast-flying birds.
In addition to the thrill of the hunt, many hunters in the Bitola area value the social aspect of the experience, often hunting in groups and sharing stories and camaraderie during breaks in the action.
Overall, turtledove and wood pigeon hunting near Bitola offers outdoor enthusiasts a rewarding and immersive experience, combining the excitement of the chase with the natural beauty of the Macedonian landscape. However, it’s essential for hunters to adhere to local hunting regulations and conservation guidelines to ensure the continued health of bird populations and their habitats.
The Hunt
The migratory journey of the turtle-doves and wood pidgeons commences promptly at 7:30 AM, concluding at 11:00 AM, precisely where it seeks sustenance, notably in sunflower fields. This prompts hunters to arrive at their designated hunting grounds by 7:00 AM, poised for action. Given the predictable flight paths of these avian travelers, seasoned hunting guides diligently scout potential hunting locations a day or two prior, ensuring optimal positioning for the pursuit.
Strategic planning dictates the placement of covers for stealthily stalking the birds, a decision informed by meticulous research and gathered intelligence. Should the morning yield less-than-desired results, the hunt may shift to watering holes frequented by the birds—rivers, swamps, or overflows—provided suitable perches like trees, dry trunks, or electrical structures are present.
The employment of dogs stands as common protocol, underscoring the importance of a disciplined and responsive canine companion. These trained dogs execute commands with precision—stay, lay down, fetch—exhibiting a remarkable ability to track and retrieve downed birds swiftly and accurately. A skilled dog will return to the hunter, proudly delivering the prize with unwavering loyalty and efficiency.
In group hunts, comprising 4 to 8 hunters, comprehensive coverage of the birds’ flight corridors is paramount. This strategic positioning forces the birds to remain airborne, affording hunters multiple opportunities for successful shots. With speeds ranging from 70 to 90 km/h, anticipating the flight trajectory of the turtledove and wood pidgeon demands keen precision and quick reflexes.
Montefeltro Staff, Enrico Zaina
“A passionate hunter (and former professional cyclist) has always devoted himself to his passions. An excellent guide for your hunting trips worldwide. He will follow all the programs reserved for feather enthusiasts and accompany them during the hunting season.”
