Red Deer

National and world record – 273,60 CIC / 1989 Silistra

Hunting season:
– Males (Stags): September 1 – January 31
– Females (Hinds): October 1 – December 31

The red deer is a valuable hunting species in Bulgaria. The country is top destination for red deer hunting. Usually, hunters are allowed to hunt only for a short period of time. An exception is the selective hunting, which aims to maintain healthy population and high trophy quality. The world record for red deer is shot in Bulgaria with a score of 273.6 CIC pts. The country owns 15 trophies with a score of more than 250 CIC pts. Ten of the top 20 trophies in the world are Bulgarian. Trophy specimens weighing between 7 and 14 kg are available for hunting.

Scientific Name: Cervus elaphus

Habitat: Woodland, pasture land, wetlands and moorland. Is found in lowlands as well as on high ground and in mountains.

Description: Large deer weighing around 100-200 kg measuring around 150 cm over the shoulder. General colour rufous brown in summer and greyish brown in winter. The antlers are branched rather than palmate and have anything from 2 up to 12-16 points.

Hunting method: Stalking, lying in wait.

Hunting available in: All areas of distribution in Bulgaria.