Hunting in Romania stands as one of Europe’s most authentic and varied hunting destinations, combining rich history, unspoiled landscapes, traditional hunting culture, and a remarkable diversity of game species. From the Carpathian Mountains to the Danube Delta, the country offers a wide range of opportunities for hunters seeking big game, small game, or bird hunting in wild, natural settings.
Wild Carpathia: A Journey Through Europe’s Last True Wilderness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QQpVI7qNr4
This guide brings together the essential facts you need to know about hunting in Romania—covering game species, hunting grounds, laws, travel logistics, and insider tips.
Basic Facts about Romania
Capital City: Bucharest
Official Language: Romanian
Currency: Leu (RON)
Size: 238,397 km²
Hunting Heritage
Romania’s hunting tradition goes back thousands of years, from the Dacians who hunted red deer and bear in the Carpathians, to the medieval nobility who organized elaborate royal hunts. During the Austro-Hungarian period, trophy hunting was developed into a refined sport, and the country produced multiple world-record trophies in red deer, chamois, and brown bear.
Today, hunting in Romania is strictly regulated and managed under sustainable quotas. Professional hunting associations, including the General Association of Hunters and Anglers of Romania (AGVPS), work alongside forestry administrations and private outfitters to maintain healthy wildlife populations and ensure ethical hunting practices.
Hunting Grounds in Romania
Romania offers several types of hunting areas:
State-managed Hunting Grounds – Run by forestry departments, these areas cover vast mountain and forest regions, home to large populations of wild game.
Private Hunting Concessions – Managed by outfitters who lease land from the state; often with dedicated game management and guided services.
Protected Areas and National Parks – No hunting is allowed, but surrounding buffer zones often hold excellent game.
Wetlands and Delta Areas – Particularly areas near the Danube Delta, ideal for waterfowl hunting.
Fenced vs. Free-Range
Hunting in Romania is almost done entirely a free-range hunting country—most game roams in open, wild terrain. Fenced hunting exists only in a few small estates for certain species like fallow deer or exotic introductions, but the vast majority of hunts take place in open forest, mountains, or fields, where animals are entirely free-ranging.
What Can You Hunt in Romania
Romania offers one of Europe’s most complete hunting lists:
Big Game:
Brown bear (largest population in the EU), the biggest bears in Europe
Red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Fallow deer (Dama dama)
Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Carpathian chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra carpatica) – world-record class
Wild boar (Sus scrofa attila) some of the biggest in Europe
Mouflon (in certain regions)
Small Game & Birds:
Wild ducks, geese, and other waterfowl
Woodcock, pheasant, and partridge
Quail and dove (popular with Mediterranean hunters) an excellent high volume shooting for an affordable price
Hare, fox and jackals
Romania’s diverse ecosystems—from alpine peaks to lowland wetlands—allow hunters to combine very different hunts in one trip, such as stalking chamois in the mountains and driven boar hunting in the lowlands.
Geography from a Hunter’s Point of View
Romania’s landscapes are dominated by:
The Carpathian Mountains – Prime ground for brown bear, red deer, and chamois; steep, forested terrain demanding good physical condition.
Foothills and Forested Lowlands – Excellent for roe deer, wild boar, and driven hunts.
Danube Delta and Wetlands – One of Europe’s best bird hunting destinations; a paradise for waterfowlers.
Agricultural Plains – Habitat for hare, pheasant, and quail, often hunted with pointing dogs.
The varied topography means hunters should prepare for both rugged climbs and easy walking hunts depending on the chosen species.
Political Geography
Romania is divided into 41 counties (județe) plus Bucharest, each containing multiple hunting grounds managed by local forestry administrations or private outfitters.
Some notable hunting regions include:
Harghita & Covasna – Renowned for brown bear and stag hunting.
Arges & Gorj – Chamois-rich mountain areas.
Satu Mare & Arad – Roe deer and driven boar hunts in flat forests and fields.
Olt & Călărași – Bird hunting paradise
Hunting Laws in Romania
Hunting is tightly regulated under the Hunting and Game Protection Law. Key rules for foreign hunters:
Foreign hunters must be accompanied by a licensed professional guide.
Hunting permits are issued in advance through an outfitter.
Species-specific seasons apply (e.g., brown bear in spring and autumn, red deer stag in September–October, roe deer buck from May–October).
Night hunting is generally restricted to certain species like wild boar, bears and predators.
Strict trophy measurement and reporting requirements.
Permits & Documentation
Your outfitter arranges:
Temporary hunting permit
Firearm import permit
Insurance
CITES permits for export of brown bear.
Tips for Hunting in Romania
Spot-and-stalk is common for deer and chamois.
Driven hunts are traditional for wild boar and brown bear in some regions.
Calling is used in rutting seasons for red deer and roe deer.
Waterfowl hunts often combine boat access and decoy setups in wetlands.
Romania’s hunts are typically physical, especially in mountain regions—good boots, layered clothing, and quality optics are must-haves.
Firearms & Bows
Minimum calibers for hunting in Romania: Roe deer – .243; red deer/chamois – .270; brown bear/wild boar – .30-06 or above.
Bowhunting: Not Legal in Romania, yet!!!!
Travel, Import, and Health
Most hunters arrive via Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport or Cluj-Napoca Airport.
Firearms require a temporary import permit arranged by the outfitter.
Romania is a safe, malaria-free country; normal travel insurance is recommended.
Trophy Export
Trophies require veterinary checks, export permits, and for CITES-listed species (bear), specific documentation. Many outfitters offer full taxidermy or expedited shipping services.
How Much Does it Cost?
Romania offers some of Europe’s best value for free-range big game hunting trophy fees.
Roe deer buck: from €350–€1,500
Red deer stag: from €2,000–€5,000+ depending on trophy size
Chamois: from €1,500–€3,000
Brown bear: from €6,000–€15,000 depending on trophy
Driven wild boar: from €350/day including trophy fees
With its combination of wild, free-range hunting, old-world tradition, and exceptional trophies, Romania remains a top destination for hunters seeking an authentic European experience.
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