Red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Red deer is the most important big game of Hungary. Our country gives home to the world's finest quality red deer stock. To shoot a stag during the rut is one of the most beautiful experiences in a hunter's life.

In Hungary the rutting season begins in the first days of September. It realizes its purpose up to 10-15th September. After this time the intensity of roaring begins to fall, but until the 20-25th September on a small percent of the territories there is a quiet roaring. During this "post-roaring" the old, huge stags give place to the younger generation, so during this term the chance of shooting a stag with smaller antlers is higher.

Red stags can be found throughout the mountain ranges, but the strongest trophies are bagged in southern Hungary , where you can find hills as well as plains. The northern Hungarian hills offer stags with trophy weights up to 7-8 kgs. In this area the rutting season starts only in the second part of September.

When?

The trophy (mature) stag is shootable from 1st September up to 31th Oktober. The best roaring lasts from the 5th September to the 30th September.

The cull stag can be shot from the 1st September to the 31th January. The culling usually takes its time from November, until the end of January. During this type of hunt hinds , calves, and wild boars also can be shot.

Where?

This most important and famous big game of Hungary is usually hunted on the South part of the Transdanubia, in Somogy, Zala, Baranya counties, depending on the requested trophy weight.

Stags taken in the north-eastern and north-western part of the country are of medium quality.

How?

The hunting methods are stalking, shooting from hide, and shooting from horse drawn carriage or sledge.