Boar Hunting in Poland

Vigilant wild boar on a forest's edge

In boar hunting, a team of hunters searches out boars living in the wild. These wild ancestors to the domestic pig defend themselves with their sharp and dangerous tusks, making the sport an extreme challenge. They are prevalent in the central forests of Europe, especially in Poland, where hunting clubs manage them in places away from populated areas and other predators. These areas have become so successful that "their populations are greater than ten animals per square kilometer," according to PolandHunting.com.

History

Grazing boars

Prized for their meat, European wild boar were a constant nuisance for the farmer. Terrahunt.com states that "a typical field of corn was a magnet for a group of boar, and the damage they can do in a night is enormous. In a certain time of the year boar crave for protein and they plow over pastures looking for insect larvae." Over time, this chore of removing them had transformed into a highly challenging sport across the countries of France, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland.

Time Frame

The best times for hunting boar are during November, December and January, especially in the weeks around a full moon. Since boar usually mate in late autumn, the opening day of hunting season can vary between April and September. According to Hunting in Poland, the hunting season is from April 1 until February 28. The season for sows opens after summer, to protect nursing sows. In some areas, the season for driven hunts is different from the season for the individual hunts.

Equipment

Proper clothing for winter hunting in Poland

Since the best hunting in Poland can be during the winter months and especially at night, temperatures can consistently hover below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Heavy, breathable hooded parkas, gloves and other thick clothing are strongly recommended to prevent the loss of body heat. Boar hunting also requires the use of rifles, with some driven boar hunts using shot guns with appropriate ammunition. The rest of the equipment should be based on specific needs and preferences.

Dangers

Wild boars are naturally withdrawn and will not attack unless provoked, but precautions must be taken when they are protecting their young or during mating season. Their combination of speed, sharp tusks and weight, which can exceed 300 lbs., can be extremely dangerous. Farmers have been attacked in their fields and collisions have occurred between cars and these animals.

Guided Hunting

Tours are led by experienced guides, and packages can be arranged to include accommodations as well as other amenities. The hunt normally begins after some vital safety instruction.

For example, Artemis Hunting Club offers three- and five-day excursion packages that include board and lodgings, organization of the hunt, an English-speaking guide, transportation, dogs, preparation of trophies, insurance and all permits required by Polish authorities, except for your gun. Wild Boar Safari, Poland, provides packages tailored to individuals or groups, which include accommodations in private houses, Polish lessons and translation services.

References

• Poland Hunting: About Boar Hunting
• Terra Hunt: Hunting the European Wild Boar
• Hunting in Poland-Big and Small Game: Wild Boar hunting in Poland
• Shooting Enterprise LTD: Wild Boar Hunting
• "The Independent": 300lb and dangerous: Wild pigs on wanted list

Resources

• Polska: Poland's Official Travel Website
• Lonely Planet: Poland
• Artemis Hunting Club
• Poland Hunting
• Wild Boar Safari Poland