The Country of Poland

Poland is a Central European country with a rich history and diverse landscape, bordered by the Baltic Sea to the north.

• Capital: Warsaw
• Official Language: Polish
• Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN)
• Population (2023): Approximately 37.55 million
• Geography: The geography of Poland is generally low-lying, with vast plains and forests dominating the central part of the country. The northern region features a sandy Baltic Sea coastline and the Masurian Lake District, which is home to more than 2,000 lakes. In the south, the landscape rises into the Sudetes and Carpathian Mountains, which include the Tatra Mountains—home to Poland’s highest peaks.
• Climate: Poland has a temperate climate, with cold winters and warm, sometimes hot, summers.

Wildlife in Poland

Poland is home to a significant population of large mammals and is recognized for its conservation efforts, particularly in its national parks.

Notable Wildlife:

• European Bison: Poland is a global leader in the conservation of the European Bison (Żubr), with the largest wild population in the world, primarily located in the Białowieża Forest.
• Large Predators: The country has stable populations of Gray Wolves, Eurasian Lynx, and Brown Bears, which are concentrated in the Carpathian Mountains and the Białowieża Forest.
• Other Mammals: Other notable species include the European Elk (Moose), Red Deer, Roe Deer, Wild Boar, and various species of foxes and other small mammals.
• Birds: The White Stork is a national symbol of Poland, with the country hosting more than 25% of the world’s population. Other notable birds include the White-tailed Eagle, which is the national emblem, as well as various owls and migratory waterfowl.
• Conservation: Poland has 23 national parks, covering over 1% of the country’s territory. Białowieża National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous and ecologically significant, protecting Europe’s last primeval forest.

Hunting in Poland

Hunting in Poland is a popular and strictly regulated activity with a deep-seated cultural tradition.

Key Aspects of Hunting in Poland:

• Regulation: Hunting is managed by the Polish Hunting Association (“Polski Związek Łowiecki”). Every hunting district is under the supervision of a local huntmaster. Both Polish and foreign hunters must have a valid hunting license. Foreigners typically work with a specialized agency to obtain the necessary permits.
• Game Animals and Seasons: Poland offers a variety of game, both big and small. The hunting seasons are set by law.
  • Big Game: Popular big game species include Red Stag, Roe Buck, Fallow Buck, Wild Boar, and Mouflon. The hunting season for red stag is particularly popular during the rutting season in September. Roe buck hunting is available in the spring and again during the rut in July and August.
  • Driven Hunts: Driven hunts are a popular tradition, especially for wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer, and typically take place from October to mid-January.
  • Small Game: Popular small game species include hare, pheasants, and wild ducks.
• Hunting Methods: Methods include stalking (individual hunting), hunting from a high seat, and driven hunts. Hunting is a highly ethical and ritualized activity in Poland, with hunters adhering to a specific code of conduct and respecting traditional customs.
• Hunting Tourism: Poland is a well-regarded destination for international hunting tourism, attracting hunters from across Europe and the world, especially for the high quality of its big game trophies.