European Bison

Hunting season:
– Males: all year
– Females: September 1 – December 31

European bison was hunted to extinction in the wild in the early 20th century. Nowadays it has been reintroduced into several countries in Europe, including Bulgaria. They are now forest-dwelling. The species has few predators besides humans, with only scattered reports from the 19th century of wolf and bear predation.

Scientific Name: Bison bos bonasus

Habitat: Predominantly deciduous forest with scattered open glades.

Description: Large animal with very heavy forequarters, especially in male, and long strong legs. The Bison weighs around 700 kg (bulls only, cows are smaller), and measures up to 180 cm over the shoulder. The head is short and broad, the pelage is dark brown and very dense, giving more the appearance of a mane. Older individuals have the characteristic “doglap” under the chin, known from other wild oxen. Older Bison males also have a longish beard. Both sexes have horns. The Bison was close to extinction after the 2nd World War, but a stable population has now been established in some parts of Europe.

Hunting method: Stalking.

Hunting available in: Hunting ground “Voden”, Bulgaria.