For years, international hunters have been asking the same question:

Is bear hunting legal in Romania?

The answer is yes. Following the recent decision of Romania’s Constitutional Court, regulated brown bear hunting is set to resume under the new wildlife management law. More importantly, the law is not only valid for the current hunting season—it also applies to the 2027 season, providing much-needed stability for hunters planning future trips.

Romania’s Constitutional Court Clears the Way

On 24 June 2026, Romania’s Constitutional Court (CCR) rejected the constitutional challenge filed by the President of Romania and declared the new brown bear management law constitutional.

The decision removes the final constitutional obstacle, meaning the law can now enter into force after the remaining administrative steps are completed.

If you would like to learn more about the Court’s decision and the legislative process, you can read our detailed article here:

Romania’s Constitutional Court Upholds New Brown Bear Hunting Quotas for 2026

Romania’s Constitutional Court Upholds New Brown Bear Hunting Quotas for 2026

What Does the New Law Mean?

The legislation establishes a scientifically managed harvesting system designed to reduce the growing number of conflicts between bears and humans.

For the current management period, the law authorizes:

• 859 bears under the Prevention Quota
• 110 bears under the Intervention Quota

These quotas are intended to manage Romania’s growing brown bear population while protecting rural communities, livestock, agriculture, and public safety.

Good News for Hunters: The Law Also Covers Next Season

One of the most important aspects of the new legislation is that it is not limited to this season only.

The law also provides the legal framework for the 2027 hunting season, giving both hunting organizations and international hunters confidence to plan well in advance.

For overseas hunters who typically book their trips many months ahead, this is excellent news.

There Is No Fixed Bear Hunting Season

Unlike many European countries, the new Romanian law does not establish a fixed bear hunting season.

This means that, legally, brown bears may be hunted throughout the year, provided that:

• the hunt is conducted under an approved quota;
• all permits have been issued;
• the hunt complies with Romanian wildlife regulations.

Although hunting is legally possible year-round, not every period offers the same quality of hunting.

When Is the Best Time to Hunt Brown Bears?

From both a hunting and trophy-quality perspective, two periods clearly stand out.

Spring Hunt

15 March – 1 May

Spring is one of the most exciting times to hunt Romanian brown bears.

After leaving their winter dens, bears feed actively, travel extensively, and are often visible during daylight hours.

This period also offers excellent trophy quality, with thick winter coats still in prime condition.

Autumn Hunt

Late September – 15 December

Many experienced hunters consider autumn the best season of all.

During this period:

• bears are feeding heavily before winter;
• activity levels are high;
• mature boars are easier to locate;
• the fur is fully developed and at its highest quality.

For hunters looking for the best combination of trophy quality and hunting conditions, autumn remains the preferred season.

What About 2028?

This is perhaps the most frequently asked question by international hunters.

The answer is that no one can guarantee what will happen after the current legislation expires.

However, there are encouraging signs.

Former Romanian Minister of Environment Tánczos Barna has repeatedly argued that Romania’s brown bear population has recovered to a level that justifies changing its conservation status. He has publicly supported asking the European Union to remove the brown bear from the list of strictly protected species under European legislation.

If such a change eventually occurs, Romania could gain greater flexibility in managing its bear population and establishing long-term hunting regulations.

At this stage, however, this remains a political and legislative objective rather than a completed legal change. Any modification of the bear’s protection status would require action at the European Union level and cannot be guaranteed.

Why Romania Remains Europe’s Premier Bear Hunting Destination

Romania continues to offer one of the largest populations of wild brown bears in Europe.

Combined with:

• vast Carpathian forests;
• experienced professional guides;
• genuine free-ranging bears;
• and a long tradition of wildlife management,

Romania remains one of the world’s premier destinations for brown bear hunting.

Planning Your Brown Bear Hunt

With the Constitutional Court confirming the legality of the new law and the legal framework extending into the next hunting season, now is an excellent time for international hunters to begin planning their trips.

Demand is expected to be high, while the number of available hunting opportunities will remain limited by annual quotas.

At Romania Hunting Outfitters, we closely follow every legislative development and will announce available hunting dates as soon as the necessary permits are issued.

If you have been waiting for the opportunity to experience one of Europe’s greatest dangerous game hunts, Romania is once again open for regulated brown bear hunting.