MACEDONIA - BALKAN CHAMOIS HUNT

The season for Balkan Chamois hunting in Macedonia is open from August to the end of December, with the rut occurring in November. Anytime before the snow (making the high Alpine areas unreachable) is an excellent time to hunt. Mid-Sept. to early-Dec. would be the most popular window for hunting in Macedonia.

-Additional Balkan Chamois: Can often be taken at flat rate pricing, should extra permits be available.
-Red Deer: May be available, permit depending, best combined during the September roar.
-Wild Boar: Can be taken as targets of opportunity anytime.

Balkan Chamois hunting in Macedonia comes standard at 3 full days. Greet your guide outside the lodge each morning and drive part of the way up the mountain. At this point, begin hiking, enroute to strategic glassing areas where Balkan Chamois are known to frequent. Some slopes can be steep, but this hunt can usually be tailored to meet most hunters’ needs in terms of physical requirements. In this region Balkan Chamois are very plentiful, and the terrain varied. Hunts are spot and stalk with typical shooting ranges inside of 300 yards, ideally inside of 150 yards. The local guides are experienced at judging these Chamois, properly identifying mature trophy-class animals.

We encourage clients to not travel with personal firearms, especially if wishing to do any tourism while in Europe before or after Balkan Chamois hunting in Macedonia. Each local guide has a proven quality rifle always available for clients to rent, as well as ammunition at 50 euros per day, for the duration of the hunt. Rifles are usually bolt or slide action, with popular calibers being 6.5mm, .308, and similar. Nearly all international clients rent rifles rather than bring their own.

Archery hunting in Macedonia is not legal.

Situated in the Balkan region between the Adriatic and Aegean seas, Macedonia is a small landlocked country that shares borders with Greece, Albania, Serbia, and Bulgaria. The Suva-Planina Mountains are home for these Chamois, and they are as beautiful as they are rugged. Descend into the tree line, and enter the mixed forests of Poplar and Ash, as well as endemic stands of Macedonian Oak and Pine. The region is rich in flora as well as fauna, with other species such as Eurasian Jays, Otters, Brown Bears, Balkan Lynx, Wolves, Golden Jackals, Red Stag, and Wild Boars residing here.

Macedonia has four distinct seasons. Balkan Chamois are hunted in the fall with the hunting season spanning from August to the end of December. Early season conditions while hunting in Macedonia are generally green and warm, but temperatures do cool down overnight and during the mornings - especially at higher elevations. During the midseason November rut, light dustings of snow can be expected, again only in higher elevations. Late season December hunts can be cool to slightly below freezing overnight, with a thin blanket of snow and occasional fog.

Stay in a historic old stone manor, nestled in a small valley directly in the mountainous hunting area. Balkan Chamois can be hunted along the various rugged slopes around the lodge, usually only a 5-15-minute drive to a trailhead, with some additional hiking. Enjoy spacious common areas, separate private bedrooms, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor fire pit with verandas overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains. The guides stay in a separate building next door, and so are always nearby or available if needed. The lodge’s personal abattoir is also onsite, so hunters can be a part of the complete process and enjoy some fresh Chamois medallions in camp!

Enjoy three hearty, traditional meals each day while hunting in Macedonia, all with fresh and local ingredients. Breakfast consists of a typical European spread: fried eggs, thick cured bacon, pork wieners, sliced tomatoes, local cheese, toast, coffee, tea, or freshly-squeezed fruit juices. Lunches are usually sandwiches made from fresh breads, local cheeses, smoked or cured meats, as well as local orchard fruits. Most dinners start with soup. Main courses range from fresh lamb chops, whole grilled fish, or local game meat such as Wild Boar stews, grilled Red stag or Chamois medallions, served with a side of potatoes or rice and salads. Emphasis is also placed on local, handmade desserts. Popular items being various cakes, dessert crepes, mousse, and custards, accompanied with fresh fruit.

Destination City: Hunters are asked to arrive at the International Airport in Skopje, Macedonia, where they will be greeted by the outfitter or his staff and shuttled to the lodge in the mountains. The areas for Balkan Chamois hunting in Macedonia are roughly a 2-3 hour drive southwest of the airport.

Travel Suggestions: Skopje is best reached through various European airlines, with best connections typically occurring either in Vienna, Austria, or Istanbul, Turkey.

After successfully hunting in Macedonia, Balkan Chamois trophies are generally left with the outfitter for international clients. After the season, the outfitter will deliver all the trophies with select taxidermists who can either do the complete work, or prep, permit, and crate trophies for shipping. They will coordinate with European shipping agents. General turnaround time to delivery is approximately 8 months.

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