Poland may be the most overlooked hunting destination around. At least by North Americans. Here at The Hunting Report, we have a total of only four Hunt Reports in our database from subscribers who have hunted Poland. They date from 2003 to 2007. Yet the European hunting agency, Diana Hunting Tours, says more of its clients re-book hunts to Poland than any of the other destinations it represents. Why? Because Poland offers a variety of hunting opportunities - traditional drives; driving around and spotting in agricultural areas; hunting from elevated blinds; and even stalking in true wilderness areas. The country also has several popular game species, including roebuck, red stag and wild boar, and trophy quality is good. There is a strong hunting tradition here and good organization. And, finally, Poland can be very affordable.
I learned about Diana’s hunts in Poland when I stopped to speak with one of the company’s consultants, Kenneth Banke, at the SCI convention this past January. I mentioned how Europe had become so expensive for Americans to hunt due to the weak dollar and Banke replied by showing me the “fixed-price” hunts Diana Hunting Tours offers in Poland. A three-day hunt for three roe bucks of any size is only $1,500 US. He had my attention. Since Poland is not a destination we have really covered, I asked Banke to tell me more about the hunting there.
Hunting in Poland is run by either the Forestry Department or local hunting associations. Seems the entire country is divided into hunting areas of at least 7,400 acres. Hunting associations are able to lease these areas from the Polish government and become responsible for managing the game in them. The associations must also compensate local farmers and landowners for loss of crops or other damages caused by animals. To offset those costs, the hunting associations typically sell a portion of their hunt quota to international hunters. According to Diana, there are 2,500 of these associations. Many are well organized and offer well-managed game populations and good trophy quality. Some do not. Banke says Diana has been working in Poland for 29 years and has figured out which areas and hunting associations offer the best trophies and hunting services. They work with associations or forestry agents in about 50 districts all over Poland with acreage ranging from 9,800 to 49,400 acres.....
