The Country of Serbia

Serbia is a landlocked country in southeastern Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula. It is known for its diverse geography, with fertile plains in the north and mountainous regions in the south.

• Capital: Belgrade
• Official Language: Serbian
• Population (2023): Approximately 6.62 million
• Geography: Serbia’s terrain varies from the fertile Pannonian Plain in the north (Vojvodina) to the limestone ranges and ancient mountains in the east and southeast. The country’s topography is dominated by hills and low to medium-high mountains in the central part, which are crisscrossed by numerous rivers. The main mountain systems are the Dinaric Alps in the west, and the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains in the east. The Danube River is a major geographical feature, flowing 588 km through or along Serbia.
• Climate: Serbia has a moderate continental climate with four distinct seasons. The proximity of mountain ranges and the Adriatic Sea also influences local weather patterns.

Wildlife in Serbia

Serbia’s varied landscapes—from the banks of the Danube to the peaks of the Balkan Mountains—support a rich diversity of wildlife, including both common and rare species.

Notable Wildlife:

• Mammals: Serbia is home to some of Europe’s most iconic predators, including the Gray Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, and Brown Bear (Balkan Brown Bear subspecies). Other mammals include the European Wildcat, Golden Jackal, Otter, and a variety of deer (Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Roe Deer) and wild boar. There are also around 30 species of bats found in the country.
• Birds: The country is a significant habitat for many bird species, especially birds of prey. These include the Golden Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Saker Falcon, and Griffon Vulture. The town of Kikinda in the north is known as a “World Capital for owls,” with large winter roosts of Long-eared Owls.
• National Parks and Conservation: Serbia has several national parks and special nature reserves dedicated to preserving its biodiversity. Đerdap National Park along the Danube River is home to a vast array of plant and animal life, including wild boar and lynxes. Fruska Gora, Kopaonik, and Tara are also important national parks. Serbia has a Biodiversity Strategy in place to protect its natural resources and endangered species, such as the Eurasian Otter and the Great Bustard.

Hunting in Serbia

Hunting in Serbia is a popular activity, with a well-established system for managing game and hunting grounds.

Key Aspects of Hunting in Serbia:

• Regulation: Hunting is regulated by the Law on Game and Hunting. Anyone with a hunting license can hunt in designated areas. Hunting grounds are run by public enterprises like “Srbijašume” and “Vojvodinašume,” as well as local hunting associations.
• Licensing: To obtain a hunting license, a person must pass a hunting test. Foreign hunters are also required to have a hunting license and permit, which are typically arranged through a hunting outfitter. Hunting licenses can be issued monthly or annually.
• Game Animals and Seasons: Serbia offers a wide variety of game, both big and small.
  • Big Game: Popular species include Red Deer, Roe Deer, Fallow Deer, Wild Boar, and Mouflon. The hunting season for roe deer often begins in mid-April, while the red deer rutting season in September is a major draw for hunters.
  • Small Game: Small game hunting includes species like pheasants, quails, wild ducks, and wild geese.
  • Predators: Hunting for certain predators like the golden jackal is also available.
• Hunting Methods: Common hunting methods include stalking, hunting from a blind, and driven hunts, particularly for wild boar.
• Hunting Tourism: Serbia is gaining recognition as an affordable destination for hunting tourism, particularly for high-quality roebuck and bird hunting. Visitors from countries like Italy, Germany, and Austria are common. Outfitters provide all-inclusive packages that cover licenses, guides, and trophies.