In the middle of Czech Bohemia, there is a hunting ground where roe deer, wild boar and especially sika deer tread the paths. This dark-coloured deer dominates the western part of former Czechoslovakia. In particular, the area between Pilsen and Karlsbad is known as a core area for sika.

The numbers don’t lie: as many as 100 to 120 of this striking species of deer are harvested every year in this area. This does not include roe deer or wild boar – just to show that this 1,300-hectare hunting ground is home to abundant wildlife.

Hunting area

The closed pine forest provides the sika deer with the cover they need. While the less shy does are more likely to be seen, the shy stags prefer to stay out of sight of the high seats. Especially the older, prime sikas move through the huge forests like ghosts.

This is a challenge but on the other hand also exactly what makes hunting so special. In addition, you will be accompanied by a guide with experience of this cunning game species. His knowledge will help you get one of these massive eight-pointers within an ethical distance.

This has been the case with every hunter to date. A good chance at this coveted deer will also be given to you.

Hunting season

The sika deer hunting season starts from 1 July to 31 December. But those hunt from July onwards for a nice eight-pointer are often disappointed. For it is not in the shy nature of the dark exotic to show itself so spontaneously in open spaces.

During the rut, however, there is no sign of this. Unlike red deer, rutting starts later, from early to mid-October. But then it really gets going. The fights between sika deer are of a completely different order than with red or roe deer.

At the cutting edge, they don’t just duel to find a winner, but actually to eliminate the opponent. Anyone who can imitate the whistling rutting sound during these weeks will get as close to the sika as a roe buck during rut hunting. And that is just the trick that your guide has mastered.

Travel details

For this trip six outings are planned and time is not wasted on this. On the first evening, your guide will take you out hunting. This will get you familiar the area. In most cases game will undoubtedly come soon into view and who knows… an opportunity may present itself.

But even though sika are abundant here, they remain wild and there are no guarantees in the wild. That is why we set aside a total of three days for this hunt, which also gives the best experience. If you’ve been lucky in the hunt, you can continue hunting for a second sika or go for wild boar.

Finally, this trip is all about everything being taken care of for you. Accommodations, meals, transport for each outing, everything has been taken care of. From the moment you step into the hotel until you stand satisfied at the parade while the hunting horns sound. “Lovu Zdar!”

Included