Hunting in Belarus 2025: Full Guide to Game Species, Seasons, Methods, Permits, and Prices

Hunting in Belarus 2025: Full Guide to Game Species, Seasons, Methods, Permits, and Prices Belarus — known as the “Land of Forests and Marshes” — offers one of the most diverse and accessible hunting environments in Europe. With over 16.7 million hectares of hunting territory, 203 gamekeeping entities, and 91 hunter lodges, the country is a magnet for serious hunters. Whether you’re after big game, waterfowl, or fur-bearing animals, Belarus delivers with long seasons, affordable permits, and a wide range of species. --- Game Species You Can Hunt Belarus allows hunting of 53 wild animal species: 22 mammals and 31 birds. Here’s what you can legally pursue: Big Game • Wild Boar: Abundant and hunted year-round. Driven hunts and ambushes are common. • Red Deer: Prime rut season is September–October. Stalking and calling are effective. • Roe Deer: Open from May to December. Best hunted from high seats or by stalking. • Moose: Trophy species with quotas. Season runs August 20–December 31. • European Bison: Only from reserve gene pool; limited permits (≈10/year). • Wolf: Year-round hunting allowed. Winter flagging is most effective. Small Game & Fur Animals • Hare: Brown and mountain hare hunted in winter. • Fox: Common and hunted for fur and control. • Beaver & Otter: Requires special one-time permits. • Mink, Muskrat, Marten, Ferret: Open November–January. Game Birds • Black Grouse & Capercaillie: Spring hunts with special permits. • Hazel Grouse, Partridge, Pheasant: Autumn hunts with dogs. • Woodcock: Spring and autumn migration hunts. • Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and snipe hunted in spring and autumn. --- Hunting Seasons by Category Species Group Season Wild Boar: Jan–Sept (varies by age/sex) Red Deer: Aug 20–Dec 31 Roe Deer: May 15–Dec 31 Moose: Aug 20–Dec 31 Wolf: Jan 1–Dec 31 (no restrictions) Waterfowl: Mar–May & Aug–Dec Game Birds: Apr–May & Sept–Dec Fur Animals : Nov–Jan Always confirm exact dates with local hunting clubs or outfitters. --- Hunting Methods Allowed • Driven Hunts: For boar, deer, hare, and wolf. Requires coordination and beaters. • Stalking: Ideal for moose, deer, and roe. Demands patience and terrain knowledge. • High Seat Hunting: Common for roe deer and red deer. • Ambush: Used for wolf, boar, and waterfowl. • Calling: Effective during rut (deer, moose) or for predators. • Decoying: Ducks and geese in wetlands and fields. • Flagging: Winter wolf hunts using visual barriers. • Flushing with Dogs: For grouse, partridge, and waterfowl. --- Best Regions for Hunting in Belarus • Brest & Gomel: Early migration zones for waterfowl and boar. • Minsk & Mogilev: Central forests ideal for deer and roe. • Vitebsk: Dense northern forests with high wolf and moose density. • Braslav & Narach Lakes: Waterfowl hotspots. • Belovezhskaya Pushcha: Ancient forest with bison, elk, and predators. • Pripyat Polesie & Olmansky Swamps: Unique marshland ecosystems. --- Permits and Legal Requirements Hunting in Belarus Foreign hunters must have: • National Hunting License (from home country) • Temporary Belarusian Hunting License • Species-Specific Permit • Firearm Import Permit (or rent locally) • Travel Insurance (mandatory) • Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure Firearm import requires: • Proof of ownership • Serial number documentation • European Firearms Passport (EU citizens) • U.S. hunters: registration or receipt with serial number --- Prices and Services (2025) Service Price (EUR) Weapon Import Permit 50 Rifle Rental 50/day Ammo (rifled/smoothbore) 5 / 2.5 per round Hunting Organization (per day) 50–55 Accommodation from 25/day Meals (3/day) from 25/day Trophy Export Paperwork 50 Trophy Prep (elk/deer/roe) 25 / 20 Interpreter 50/day Transport to Hunting Ground €0.35/km --- Infrastructure and Lodging • 91 hunter lodges across Belarus • Most lodges offer fireplaces, saunas, game kitchens, and guides • Transfers from Minsk Airport available • Visa-free entry for 30 days for citizens of 80+ countries (must arrive/depart via Minsk Airport) --- Final Thoughts Belarus is one of the last places in Europe where you can hunt big game, predators, and waterfowl in truly wild conditions — without breaking the bank. With long seasons, diverse terrain, and professional outfitters, it’s a serious destination for hunters who want more than a weekend shoot. Whether you’re stalking moose in Vitebsk, calling red deer in Minsk, or flagging wolves in Gomel, Belarus offers raw, real hunting. Just bring your gear, get your permits, and be ready to earn your trophies. 🦌 Hunting in Belarus 2025: Quick FAQ What animals can I hunt in Belarus? Over 50 species including wild boar, red deer, roe deer, moose, wolf, fox, hare, beaver, ducks, geese, black grouse, capercaillie, and woodcock. When is the hunting season? • Big Game: August to December (varies by species) • Small Game & Fur Animals: November to January • Waterfowl: March–May and September–December • Game Birds: April–May and September–December Do I need a permit to hunt? Yes. Foreign hunters must have: • Temporary Belarusian hunting license • Species-specific hunting permit • Firearm import permit (or rent locally) • Travel insurance • Valid passport and national hunting license Can I bring my own firearm? Yes, with a firearm import permit. EU citizens need a European Firearms Passport. Others must provide proof of ownership and serial number documentation. What hunting methods are allowed? • Driven hunts • Stalking • High seat ambush • Calling • Decoying (for waterfowl) • Flagging (for wolves) • Flushing with dogs (for birds) Where are the best hunting regions? • Vitebsk: Moose, wolf, deer • Brest & Gomel: Boar, waterfowl • Minsk & Mogilev: Roe deer, red deer • Braslav & Narach Lakes: Ducks, geese • Belovezhskaya Pushcha: Bison, elk, predators How much does it cost? • Day hunt: €90–€120 • 3-day package: €300–€400 • Trophy fees vary by species • Lodging: from €25/day