Guys, I'm thinking of trying to hunt in Europe one of these years and since I'm left handed, I would like to bring my own rifle. So, which are the easier countries to bring hunting rifles into?

I'm mostly interested in trying eastern Europe but open to any country that has good hunting for stag or fallow or even hogs, wolves or bears.

Thanks for any help.

France and Austria have been very easy for me.

Bulgaria is very easy.

UK
Bulgaria
Croatia

Czech Republic are easy.

Poland was easy. Of course we entered by car from Germany and there is no border crossing- just a sign by the autobahn!

Romania is very relax with weapons to travel!

Czeck republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia were found by me to be open to hunters.
At the opposite, in Western Europe you may have some obstacle. Years ago, coming back from a Slowenian hunt, a young Italian cop objected that my Steyr bolt action was forbidden in Slowenia, being semiatomatic (according to his views or training).
What do you do in that case? Would you react? .

Poland and Romania both offer excellent value in hunting...the best in Eastern Europe I'd say.

Most countries are easy with the correct preparation and paperwork.

I would say 90% of issues are linked to route or carrier issue, usually because of the person that is booking the flights doesn’t know the specific issues.

Avoid connections where possible and places like Ireland, Amsterdam. Also avoid overnight layovers because firearms cannot always be checked through.

K

quote:

Originally posted by Fallow Buck:
Most countries are easy with the correct preparation and paperwork.



Avoid connections where possible and places like Ireland, Amsterdam. Also avoid overnight layovers because firearms cannot always be checked through.

K

Eh ? Ireland ? If you’ve your paperwork in order it’s a doddle coming in here. Or have I taken you out of context ?

Yes you are right but it is one of the worst places to transit through with guns if you are not staying.

K

I wouldn't know as a foreigner comming with a rifle to Denmark would be like. But I don't think its such a big hazzle. Here a foreigner can also hunt alone. No babysitter required.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
Guys, I'm thinking of trying to hunt in Europe one of these years and since I'm left handed, I would like to bring my own rifle. So, which are the easier countries to bring hunting rifles into?

I'm mostly interested in trying eastern Europe but open to any country that has good hunting for stag or fallow or even hogs, wolves or bears.

Thanks for any help.

Wolves is a no-no in all EEC countries. If you still want to shoot one go east of the carpathians to hunt wolfies. I know and I hear from time-to-time Wolves are being shot in many places unofficially. But that is locals and they know where to shovel...And shout up ..lol.

Thanks everyone, it gives me a lot to look at.

If you want to legally hunt Wolf then Bulgaria is a good place, that allows cities.
Macedonia was always the best place but seems to have shut down a bit and think you cannot export the wolf anymore, but don’t quote me on that.

If you're going to hunt Romania or Hungary (especially anywhere in areas remote from the cities), bring sharpened stakes of oak, cut to about 1.5 foot in length. Also bring a garlic braided necklace or two. Vamps are rampant still in these parts.

The garlic won't kill them but the smell dissuades them from ripping into your neck in favor of someone else's.

A stake driven hard into the heart will kill them, but you have to be a bit practiced at it, like hitting a moving deer with your hunting rifle.

If you doubt your skill or testicular fortitude at doing the 'stake thing,' be sure to buy the locals a few drinks first before asking how they do it. It's a courtesy.

Anyone who knows the rules for taking a rifle to Estonia?

quote:

Originally posted by Nordic2:
Anyone who knows the rules for taking a rifle to Estonia?

We always just drive in....
I have walked off the ferry with the gunbag on my back.
I never flew in.

Officially I think you need to declare them (not sure if that is with the police or the customs) upon entry.
If you have the EU firearms pass (Europeiskt skjutvapenpass), it's a breeze.
Bought ammo on Finnish gun licence + ID last year, no EU document needed.

BTW always when traveling with guns to Finland they just arrive on the luggage carousel. You pick up your gunbag and walk out. Nobody asks anything. Ever.
(Occasionally, they change the rules and the guns may arrive at a separate collection point. You get your gun with the bag tag. Again, no documents needed or asked.)
You need to licensed to possess a firearm in your domestic country in order to possess one in Finland. Alternatively, you need to be under constant supervision by someone who has a local firearms license. But, again, nobody will check.

- Lars/Finland

How it works from US let’s say to Czech Republic?
I usually use friends gun but can’t travel with it in car from house to tree stand
So it would be nice if I could bring my own or somehow be able to legally use one without being escorted all the time.

Thanks Lars.

Czech rep. we had a european firearms passport the Czech airport police checked them carefully no problems in other ways. My friend walked through the airport security check with camo pants covered by fallow deer blood and got "randomly" selected for a closer search still no problem. The Swedish airport personel didn`t check them in any way at all.


In Czech rep. to borrow a weapon on your own you/the owner have to get it aproved by the police.