| Game
Breeding Stations

State game breeding station “Roussalka”
The hunting grounds of “Roussalka” are situated about 200 km from
the capital Sofia, on the northern slopes of the central Balkan range
and at the foot of its highest peak Botev. Stretching over nearly
13,000 ha of very rugged terrains lie centuries-old beech forests.
The tranquility and the virgin nature of the area combine to protect
the naturals habitats of brown bear, red deer, wild boar and roe deer.
The trophies available for brown bear vary from 350 to 450 CIC points,
trophies for red deer vary in weight from 7 to 9 kg, wild boar tusks
are from 18 to 23 cm in length and roe deer trophies are within the
range 300 to 400g. The best trophies gained to date are: bear: - 475
CIC points, red deer with trophy weight of about 12 kg, roe deer with
weight of 420g and wild boar with tusks length of about 25cm.
State game breeding station “Nessebar”
It is situated on he most eastern slopes of the Balkan range – Eminska
Stara planina and covers a hunting area of about 35,568 ha.
The station is about 400 km from capital Sofia and the nearest airports
are in Bourgas (40km) and Varna (80km). The climate is temperate continental
with Black sea influence. Typical of the region are the smooth ridges
with altitude of about 450m and sleep gullies, which offer relative
difficult hunting routes.
The primary game species are: red deer, fallow deer, roe deer and
wild boar. Among the best trophies gained in the station are: red
deer – 247,68 points and wild boar – 128,60 points
Nessebar provides a hunting lodge – “Gorska Baraka” (6 rooms and an
apartment), and hunting shelters – “Koru cheshma” and “Kozluka”. The
administrative building in Nessebar offers 8 rooms and 2 apartments.
State game breeding station “Chepino”
It is located on “Chehlyovo” country in the western part of the Rhodope
mountain, 25 km from the mountainous and spa resort Velingrad and
about 300 km from Sofia. It occupies an area of 34,481 ha of typical
mountain relief with an attitude between 800 to 2200 m. The natural
forest stands consist of Austrian and Scots pine, fir, spruce, beech
and aspen.
The attractive nature and modern accommodation facilities offer wonderful
opportunity for hunting and fishing tourism. The main game species
are: red deer, roe deer, capercaillie, wild goat and wild boar. The
best trophies gained in the region of the Station are for red deer,
with a trophy weight – 11,1 kg, wild boar, with a tusk length – 24,5
cm and wild goat with 110 points.
“Chepino” provides an excellent hunting lodge in the “Kara tepe” country.
State game breeding station “Chekeritsa”
The hunting station is located in the midst of the “Chekritsa” wood
stretching over the plain fields of Plovdiv. It lies over about 22
km from the city of Plovdiv to the northeast and 150 km from the capital
Sofia near “Trakya” highway. The hunting area about 2,100 ha is bordered
n the western side by the lower streams of the Stryama River. The
terrain is level and the altitude varies from 150 to 170 m. The station
maintains mainly small game.
The average temperature, which is over 10o C for almost 220 days in
the year, provides favorable development for the game resource and
guarantees survival of the young animals. Due to its typical features,
the region is natural breeding-place for the pheasant as well as for
partridge, woodpigeon, quail, and turtledove. Roe deer an hare are
the most widely available game.
The average roe deer trophy characteristics are about 350 g and 197
trophies have been collected over a period of 10 years. The Station
record is 570 g. The annual shooting of about 25 deer is possible,
10 of which – selectively.
“Chekeritsa” has 2 hunting lodges. The residence offer an apartment,
3 double rooms with their own bathrooms, a dinning hall with fireplace
and a kitchen. There are 4 double rooms in the other hunting lodge.
State game breeding station “Sesslav”
It is situated about 350 km from Sofia, in the northeastern part of
Bulgaria and covers an area 6,107 ha. The nearest airport is in the
city of Varna – 170 km from the Station. On a plane to hilly landscape
the deciduous forests differentiated into 2 large complexes are dominating.
The main game species include red deer, wild boar, wolf, jackal, fox
and wildcat. The annual shooting is 14 red deer with an average weight
0f 9 to 10 kg, 10 deer with an average weight of 350 to 400 g and
about 5 wild boars with an average tusk length of 18 to 20 cm.
The biggest trophies obtained in the region of the Station are red
deer with a weight of 14 kg, for roe deer – 580 g, and for a wild
boar – 32 cm.
The Station host 2 hunting lodges – “Sesslav” offering an apartment
and 4 double rooms and “Elen” providing an apartment, a double room
and a 2 single rooms.
State game breeding station “Izvora”
The hunting area covers 9,370 ha occupying part of the west Rhodope
Mountain and the gorge of Devinska River. The relief is alpine and
very rugged with an altitude from 800 to 1,800 m. Mixed forests dominated
the local scenery with a prevalence of coniferous stands. The Station
is situated 200 km from Sofia airport and 100 km from Plovdiv airport.
“Izvora” offers a large variety of game species. Particularly attractive
is the hunting of a very rare low mountain wild goat, the optimum
population stock of which is about 200 animals. Mouflon, capercaillie,
wild boar, roe deer, and red deer, also inhabit the Station territory.
Hunting of predatory species includes mainly fox, wolf, beech marten
and wildcat.
The best trophies obtained in “Izvora” are: wild goat – 115.80 points,
wild boar – 113,46 points, mouflon – 198,25 point, red deer – 201,66
points and roe deer – 108,57 points.
State game breeding station “Midzhur”
It covers an area of 19,500 ha on the slopes of west Balkan range
and the Danube valley. Only 3 hours and about 170 km from Sofia it
can be reached through the Petrohan pass or by Hemus highway.
The terrain is varying, mainly mountainous with its highest point
Midzhur peak (2,168 m) and lowest point (86 m) in the Bozhuritsa country
located in the Danube valley. The climate is temperate continental.
Red deer, fallow deer, wild boar, wolf, fox and wildcat are the main
game species here. The caprecaillie inhabits the buffer zone of the
“Chupren” biosphere reserve, which is within the Game Breeding Station.
State game breeding station “Kormisosh”
It occupies part of the Prespanski region of the West Rhodope mountains
with a total area of 41,930 ha. “Kormisosh” is the place where the
world record for wild boar trophy – 158,20 points has been obtained!
The station is just 50 km from Kroumovo airport, in the suburbs of
Plovdiv and 210 km from Sofia airport. There is a helicopter platform
near the hunting residence “Karamush”
The landscape is typically alpine, very rugged with great altitudinal
differences. The highest point is Prespa peak (2,001 m) and the lowest
point (380 m) is where Chepelarska river runs into Slivov dol river.
Typical wildlife game species are: red deer, fallow deer, roe deer,
wild boar, mouflon, wild goat, capercaillie and bear. The Station
offers good facilities for the hunting of predators – wolf, fox, and
beech marten.
In addition to the to the wild boar world record, the collection of
hunting trophies also includes: red deer – 3 silver and 3 bronze medals;
wild boar – 7 gold, a silver and 5 bronze medals; wild goat – a silver
and bronze medals and bear – a gold and a silver medal.
State game breeding station “Tervel”
The station maintains a total of 14,801 ha of forests and is situated
in the middle part of the Dobrudga and Varna plateaus, about 500 km
from Sofia airport and 100 km frm Varna airport. The relief is plain
to hilly, with deep dry gullies. The forests are mainly of Turkey
oak and Black locust. The lowest point is in the “Suha reka” country-
80 m and the highest is in the “Kjostata” country – 250 m.
The main representatives of the big game species are red deer, fallow
deer, roe deer, wild boar and mouflon. Hare, pheasant and partridge
represent small game species. The most widely spread predators are
jackal, fox, wildcat, beech marten etc. At the world exhibition EXPO,
which was held in 1981 in Plovdiv, the Game breeding Station “Tervel”
presented 163 trophies, 17 of which won gold medals.
State game breeding station “Topolovgrad”
The Station maintains some 25,300 ha of forest areas in the hilly
Sakar Mountain and along the Tundzha river – valley. It is about 300
km from Sofia airport and 140 km from Sarafovo airport in the suburbs
of Bourgas. The terrain is already accessible which is a precondition
for the development of organized hunting tourism.
The natural climatic conditions are favorable for deer and wild boar.
Red deer has been introduced into the Sakar Mountainfrom the elite
breeding stations “Sherba” and “Palamara” and is established as a
genebank for this species in the whole region. There is a considerable
stock of almost all representatives of the daily raptor bird – species,
which are subject to photo hunting. The jackal and the fox are widely
spread within the Station and are the most typical predator representatives.
State game breeding station “Sherba”
It is situated on the northern slopes of the East Balkan range with
an area of 13,500 ha. The relief is mountainous. Deciduous forests
dominate the scenery. The station is just 75 km from Varna airport.
The main game species within the game breeding station are: red deer,
fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar and mouflon. “Sherba” offers trophies
of red deer – over 9 kg, mouflon – over 70 cm and wild boar – over
18 cm. Hunting for snipe, pheasant and other species is also permitted.
Hunting targets among the predators are: jackal, fox and wildcat.
The game within the territory the Station has excellent trophy characteristics.
Proof of this is the fact that the trophies gained here, have won
gold medals according to the international Point System: Red deer
– 239,77 points, wild boar – 141,15 points and mouflon – 217,00 points.
State game breeding station “Preslav”
It is situated in the Northeastern part of Bulgaria on the slopes
of the Preslavsko-Dragoevska Mountain – a spur of the eastern part
of Balkan range – the longest mountain range in the country. The area
is about 18,700 ha. The neares airport is in Varna – 120 km. The distance
from the capital Sofia is about 370km. The main forest massif is located
to the north of the town of Veliki Presslav where the directorate
of the Station is established. The second largest massif stretches
of the southern slopes of the Shumensko plateau. The other areas are
dispersed among the cultivate agriculture lands to the “Ticha” dam
lake.
Red deer, roe deer, wild boar, fox, jackal and wildcat are the most
typical representatives of the wildlife inhabiting the territory of
the Station. Among the finest trophies gained here is one for red
deer with a weight of antlers of 12.340 kg and 236 points.
State game breeding station “Balchik”
It is situated in the southern part of Dobrudzha plain with an average
altitude of about 150m. It borders the Republic Roamnia to the north
and the Black Sea to the east. The proximity to the Black Sea results
in a mild climate and the snow cover rarely lasts more than 5-6 days.
The total area of The Game Breeding Station “Balchik” is 132,041 ha
and the big game breeding reserve covers an area of 7,495 ha. They
are located in the Batova river-valley, very close to the Black seaside
resort “Albena”.
The common game species are: red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, wild
boar and mouflon. The heaviest red deer trophy (19.100 kg) has been
recorded in the region “Balchik”. Mouflon with a horn length of 82
to 84 cm and wild boar has been evaluated as 148.3 points.
State game breeding station “Vitoshko – Studena”
It is situated on the southwestern slopes of the Vitosha Mountain
which are undulating at lower altitudes but with a distinctive sub
alpine character I the upper reaches. The vast plateaus are typical
of the Station as well. The Vitosha flora is richer in diversity that
that of many European mountains. The natural deciduous forests include
beech, Turkey oak, sessile oak, hornbeam, birch, lime, poplar, wild
cherry, and others. The common coniferous species are Scots and Austrian
pine and at higher altitudes – spruces, white fit and mountain pine.
The varied vegetation, favorable climate and hydrographic richness
combine to provide exceptional wildlife diversity. The station territory
is inhabited by red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, mouflon, wild boar,
yak, hare, bear, wolf, fox, beech marten, wildcat, badger and other.
Red deer and wild boar populations are quite high.
Five rivers flowing through the territory of the Station have been
stocked with Balkan trout in their upper streams. The rainbow trout
is common for the middle and lower streams. The nearby Studena dam
lake has been intensively stocked with carp, goldfish and chub. Mountain
barbell and trout can be found in the river outflows.
State game breeding station “Karakuz”
It is situated in the Danube valley – in the hilly South Dobrudzha
region and on the northern slopes of low mountain massif. The Game
Breeding Station “Karakuz” is 450 km from the capital Sofia and 130
km from Varna airport. The hunting area is 19,388 ha. A vast low hilly
plain with a northern aspect occupies most of territory. The forests
from complexes and massifs separated by cultivated lands. Turkey oak
and lime are the dominant trees species, which determine the natural
vegetation.
The most important hunting species include: red deer, roe deer, wild
boar, hare, jackal, fox, wildcat, geese, ducks, pheasants, pigeons,
and quails. “Karakuz” has gained acclaim at national and international
level for red deer, roe deer, and wildcat trophies. The world red
deer trophy record of 273.6 points was recorded here in 1988.
Game breeding station “Borovo”
It is situated on the southern slopes of Batashka Mountain under the
Batashki snezhnik peak with significant altitudinal variation ranging
from 500 m near “Antoivanovtsi” dam lake to 2,082 m of Batashki snezhnik
peak. It is located 150 km from Sofia airport, 70 km from Plovdiv
city and 50 km from the town of Pazardzhik.
The diversity of the landscape and the flora, the relative isolation
away from main traffic routes together with good protection ensure
the game richness in the locality. Red deer, roe deer, wild boar and
wild goat as well as bear, wolf, fox, wildcat, foumart and other inhabit
the area. Cepercaillie, partridge, quail, woodpigeon and hazel grouse,
are among the most vivid representatives of the bird kingdom. Rainbow
and Balkan trout, carp and barbell are some of the most widely available
fish species.
The large game has good trophy characteristics. The best red deer
trophy is 220.63 points Its possible to shoot a red deer with a trophy
weigh from 7 up to 9 kg. The finest roe deer trophy gained so far
is 277g and trophies of 200-250 g are common.
The wild goat trophy record is 110.48 points and there are possibilities
to shoot 90 to 110 point trophies. Wild boar tusks are on average
18 to 22 cm, with the best trophy 24,03 cm. The best bear trophy is
432.10 points. Some 5 to 7 wolves and 15 to 25 foxes are shot annually.
State game breeding station “Rakitovo”
State game breeding station “Rakitovo” is situated in the West Rhodopes,
on the northern mountainside of the “Syutka” massifand the southern
slopes of the “Karkaria” and “Alabak” ridges and covers an area of
about 20,000 ha. It is 95 km from Krumovo airport near plovdiv and
about 133 km from Sofia airport. The landscape is typically Rhodopean
– terrain with varying slopes, dense forests, consisting coniferous
species – fir, Scots and Austrian pine, spruce, as well as deciduous
stands of beech, oak, maple, hornbeam, lime, sycamore and birch. The
altitude varies from 2,186 m on Syutka peak, which is the highest
point, to 500 m at the Tsepina railway station.
The game in the region is numerous and various – red deer, roe deer;
wild bar; capercaillie, wolf, fox, and bear. Among the best records
shot in the area of Rakitovo are trophies for red deer with a weight
of 10.300 kg and wild boar with barbell and tusk length of 25,7 cm.
In the numerous mountain rivers there is trout and barbell and the
high-mountain dam lake “Batak” teems with catfish, carp, perch-pike
and goldfish. An additional challenge for fishermen is the winter
fishing on ice.
State game breeding station “Zhenda”
It is named after Rodopean village Zhenda and is situated 259 km from
the capitak Sofia and less than 100 km from Krumovo airport near Plovdiv.
The total area is 16,118 ha. The landscape is typical for the low
mountains, crossed by numerous gullies. The ridges are smooth, the
slopes very steep and rocky. The altitude varies from 400 to 1,100
m.
Red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, mouflon and wild boar are the main
representatives of the wildlife within the territory of “Zhenda”.
Every year 10 to 15 mature trophy animals of the different big game
species are shot here. Between 14 – 15 animals – mainly mouflon, wild
boar and follow deer are used for resettlement in other region in
the country.Some 6 gold medals have been awarded to mouflon trophies
obtained within silver medals as well as the two bronze medals for
red deer and follow deer complete the collection of the best hunting
achievements.
State game breeding station “Dikchan”
Game breeding station “Dikchan” is situated on the slopes of the “Dabrash
massif” in the Southwest Rhodopes diving the Mesta river-valley and
Dospat dam lake. The managing directorate is located in Satovcha village,
which is about 240 km from the capital Sofia. The relief is mountainous
to hilly – mountainous and the altitude varies from 450 to 1,750 m.
The territory of “Dikchan” falls into continental-Mediterranean climatic
region. The main coniferous tree species are Austrian and Scots pine,
spruce and fir. Birch and oak are the most common of the deciduous
stands.
The southern geographical aspect of the region, the mild Mediterranean
climate and the nearness of “Dospat” dam lake are ideal preconditions
for optimum growth of the main game species: red deer, follow deer,
mouflon, wild boar, roe deer and capercaillie – all with excellent
trophy characteristics. Two bases for intensive breeding and use a
wild boar and mouflon have been established.
Red deer trophies have been awarded gold medal, silver and bronze
medals and a wolf trophy – gold medal. Trophies of wildcat and mouflon
have been awarded bronze medals while wild boar has received and silver
medals.
State game breeding station “Ropotamo”
Situated 45 km of Bourgas in the recesses of the low hilly Strandzha
Mountain, it bears the name of the Ropotamo river. The river divides
an area of about 20,000 ha into equals parts. Proximity to the Black
Sea provides a mild and humid climate with relatively warms winters
– the average temperature rarely falling bellow 0o C.
Red deer, fallow deer, wild boar, roe deer, and mouflon are the main
game species. Typical for the local roe deer is the great body weight
of up to 350 kg and its solid dark antlers, covered with numerous
just. A record game breeding station “Ropotamo” is for red deer trophy
evaluated as 250 CIC points. Among the most attractive hunting opportunities
is wild boar with a weigh approaching, 250 to 300 kg and tusk length
from 28 to 30 cm. Predator species include wolf, fox and jackal.
The eastern black sea migratory highway “Via Pontica” passes over
the territory of “Ropotamo”. This explains the presence of various
wild duck and geese and particularly woodcock, which is a favorite
of many foreign tourists visiting the region during the autumn and
winter months.
State game breeding station “Palamar”
In the middle of the northeastern part of Bulgaria, just 130 km from
Varna airport and 430 km from Sofia airport located one of the oldest
and most traditional hunting areas “Palamara”. It as established in
1932 by King Boris III as “ a royal hunting ground” and for more than
seventy years it has stood the test of time and strengthened its position
as one of the elite game breeding stations. Since its establishment,
“Palamara” has been used as a general base for breeding and resettlement
of red deer in the country. Nowadays the main activities of the station
are game breeding and organized hunting tourism.
The area of the station is about 4,865 ha, the relief is hilly to
plain and the altitude is less then 350m. Typical for the region are
the deciduous and mixed forests, checkered with numerous game fields
and surrounded by fertile agriculture areas. This rich and varied
nutrition base permits the maintenance of a considerable stock of
big game within a relatively small area.
Due to highly professional selective hunting practices, trophies of
red deer range from 6 to 12 kg, wild boar from 14 to 25 cm and roe
deer from 250 to 450 g are obtained annually. “Palamara” provides
selective hunting for red deer – stags, hinds and calves, driven hunting
of wild boar and hunting of predators – jackal, fox and wildcat.
State game breeding station “Razlog”
Game breeding station “Razlog” is situated in the southeastern part
of Rila Mountain and the northwestern part of the magnificent Pirin
Mountain, where those two places combine into beautiful “Predela”
country and in a part of the West Rhodopes.
The distance from the capital Sofia is 150 km and the totl area og
the Station is about 13,690 ha. The relief is distinctively mountainous
varying from alpine to hilly mountainous. The coniferous tree species
– Scots and Austrian pine, spruce and fir are prevailent. Beech is
the most common deciduous tree species.
Wild boar, red deer, roe deer, cappercailie, and mouflon are the main
game species. In addition, the Capra idex has adapted successfully
to the local conditions.
The game breeding station is starting point to one of the most beautiful
biosphere reserve “Bayovi Dupki – Dzindzheritsa”.
State game breeding station “Vitinya”
It is located in the western part of the Balkan range, among the magnificent
beech forests and mixed deciduous and coniferous stands. It is just
40 km northeast of Sofia. The main line of communications between
northern and southern parts of Bulgaria – “Hemus” highway passes through
the territory of the station. The relief is distinctively mountainous
and is a complex system of ridges and gullies in different directions.
The numerous steep slopes account for the significant differences
in altitude. The highest point is under Murgash peack (1600 m) and
the lowest point is nearby Berbesh dam – 500 m. Despite its small
area, the diversity of game is relatively large. Red deer is the main
species, followed by roe deer, wild boar and yak. “Vitinya” has three
fenced with a total area of 501 ha for intensive breeding and use
mouflon, red deer and yak.
The game breeding station provides hunting of red deer, wild boar,
roe deer, yak, wolf, fox and wildcat as well as pheasant, rock partridge,
partridge and woodpigeon. The fishing includes rainbow trout, carp
and grass carp. In addition here are guided tours and horseback riding
to tempt the guests at “Vitinya”
State game breeding station “Kotel”
State game breeding station “Kotel” is situated in the most western
part of the East Balkan range, 150 km from Bourgas airport, 220 km
from Varna airport and 370 km from the airport of Sofia. The landscape
has a mountainous character with the forest are located on steep inclined
terrain varying in altitude from 250 to 1,128 m. The broad-leaved
forest stands comprised of beech, Turkey oak and Italian Oak dominate
the coniferous forests of Scots and Austrian pine, spruce etc.
Red deer, wild boar, roe deer, hare, fox, wolf, wildcat and beech
marten are among the main wild habitants in the region of “Kotel”.
The Game breeding station provides hunting of red deer, roe deer and
wild boar with reasonable trophy characteristics. The red deer trophies
vary from 7 to 9 kg, those from roe deer from 350 to 450 g and tusk
length of the wild boar from 20 to 23 cm.
State game breeding station “Dounav”
It is located in the eastern part of Danube river valley. The landscape
is hilly to flat and altitude varies from 344 m in the uplands near
Tzerovets village t the modest 15 m on the islands along Danube River.
State game breeding station “Dounav” is about 327 km from Sofia airport
and 200 km from Bourgas airport.
The main game species which inhabit the region include: red deer,
roe deer, wild boar, hare, pheasant, and partridge, wolf, jackal and
fox. The good climate conditions and excellent nutrition base favor
the forming of high trophy qualities within the big game population.
Among the best trophies collected here are those for red deer – 500
g and of a wild boar – over 220 CIC points.
State game breeding station “Beglika”
It is named after the Beglika country located in the central part
of West Rhodopes. Typical of the region are smooth ridges with summits
of an altitude less than 2,00 m as well as succulent meadows lending
uniqueness and a tranquillizing charm to the mountain. The highest
point is Syutka peak ( 2,186 m) and the lowest point ( 1,527 m) is
at “Golyam Beglik” dam lake. Centuries - old spruce forests surround
the territory of the station which is situated 150 km from the capital
Sofia and just 80 km from the nearest airport in the city of Plovdiv.
Red deer, roe deer, wild boar, hare, squirrel, wolf, fox, wildcat,
and beech marten are the main species of wildlife. The bird kingdom
is rich too – the main species include the cappercailie, woodpigeons
and hawks, falcons, thrushes, black storks and others.
Red deer trophies in the region of “Beglika” have been awarded 4 gold
ad 4 silver medals. In addition, 2 wild boar trophies of 102.85 and
101.35 CIC points respectively, as well as roe deer trophy awarded
109.35 points complete collection of the best hunting achievements.
State game breeding station “Osogovo”
It is named after Osogovo Mountain, at the foot of which is situated
the town of Kyustendil. The station is just 90 km from the capital
Sofia and the nearest airport. Its total area is about 16,812 ha and
the relief is very rugged. The terrain in the upper parts of the mountain
is slightly inclined and is steep and precipitous in some places below
the streams. The altitude varies from 2,251 m at Ruen peak to 590
m at the lowest point in the town of Kyustendil. The climate is typically
mountainous.
The forests are comprised mainly of beech and Scots pine, inhabited
by wild boar, roe deer, hare, wolf, wildcat, pine marten, beech marten
weasel and otter. Woodpigeon, partridge, rock partridge, quail, golden
eagle, several falcon varieties, eagle owl and others represent the
bird kingdom. The main hunting opportunities with within the Game
breeding station “Osogovo” are wild boar, roe deer, wildcat, wolf,
fox, quail, partridge. The roe deer trophies reach up to 350g and
those of wild boar up t length of 18 to 22 cm.
Game state breeding station “Mazlat”
Game breeding station “Mazalt” is situated on the southern slope of
the most beautiful part of the Balkan range, near Kazanlak and the
famous rose valley. It is about 220 km from Sofia airport and 200
km from the airport nearby Bourgas city. The altitude varies from
1,450 m at the highest point – Bouhla peak to 550 m at its lowest
point. The beech forests dominate the scenery while in the lower parts
oak stands mixed wit coniferous species are prevalent.
In the alpine part of the station the main hunting opportunities are
red deer, roe deer, wild boar, bear and wolf. Small game areas offer
an opportunity for the hunting of pheasant, rock partridge, hare and
migratory game species. The station has a breeding farm for pheasant
and Chukar (Alectoris chukar).
State game breeding station “Rhodopy”
It is situated on part of the Central Rhodopes slopes, about 20 km
from the high mountain town of Batak. The distance from the station
to Sofia airport is about 175 km and to the nearest airport close
to the city of Plovdiv – 80 km. The total ares of “Rhodopy” is about
7.720 ha, the relief is mountainous and the altitude variae from 1,200
to 2,000 m.
The natural forests are composed of high-stem stands consisting mainly
of Scots pine and spruce mixed with fir, Macedonian pine, beech and
aspen. Bilberry and cranberry are widely distributed within the station.
The game diversity is large too and includes red deer, roe deer, wild
boar, wild goat, capercaillie, bear, wolf, fox, wildcat, pine marten
and beech marten. The predominating trophies are for red deer, with
a weigh of 8 – 10 kg, roe deer – 300 – 400 g and wild boar with tusk
length of 22-24 cm. A wild goat trophy awarded a gold medal and 110.18
points is among the best hunting achievements. Wild boar trophies
gained in the region and awarded silver medals complete the trophy
collection.
State game breeding station “Shiroka Polyana”
Game Breeding Station “Shiroka Polyana” is situated in the western
part of one of the most exciting mountains in Bulgaria – the west
Rhodopes, about 100 km from the nearest airport in the suburbs of
the city of Plovdiv and 190 km away from Sofia airport. Its area is
about 11,444 ha and except for “Dupkata” (“The hole”) reserve covering
an area of about 456 ha, the territory of the Station is a state hunting
region. The relief is distinctively mountainous and the altitude varies
from 1,790 m at the highest point to 1,000 m at the lowest point.
Scots pine and spruce are the main tree species but fir, beech, aspen,
sessile oak, Macedonian pine, alder and birch also present.
The territory of the station occupies the whole catchment area of
the rivers Longurlijska and Katrandzhi dere and a large part of the
catchment basin of the Devinska River. These rivers and the dam lakes
built here – “Shiroka Polyana”, “Gergana”, “Dzhenevra” and “Levski”
offer excellent opportunities for fishing and relaxation. A typical
feature of the region is the late spring, short and fresh summer mild
autumn, followed by cold and long winters with heavy snow cover.
The main game species present in “Shirok Polyana” are red deer, roe
deer, capercaillie, wild boar, wild goat, brown bear, fox and hare.
State game breeding station “Gramatikovo”
Game breeding station Gramatikovo is located in the recesses of Strandzha
Mouuntain, among magnificent oak and beech forests, only 95 km from
the nearest airport nearby the city of Bourgas and about 550 km from
Sofia airport. Its territory is hilly t mountainous with low smooth
ridges separated by deep gullies. The highest point (487 m) in the
region is the peak in the “Telchrnika” country and the lowest point
(45 m) is nearby the picturesque Veleka River.
Red deer, Roe deer, wild boar, as well as wolf, jackal, fox and wildcat
are the most typical representatives of the wildlife within the area
of the Station. Trophies obtained here have been awarded 2 silver
and 2 bronze medals. A gold medal was awarded to a wild boar trophy
evaluated to 129.80 CIC points.
Hunting of woodcock has been carried out successfully in recent years.
State game breeding station “Rossitsa”
Game breeding station “Rositsa” is situated about 220 km from the
capital Sofia, on the northern slopes of the Balkan range which are
covered with centuries – old beech forests and succulent mountainous
meadows, cut by valleys and gullies. Its total area is about 17,000
ha and the relief is distinctively mountainous to alpine. The altitude
varies from 30m to 1,850 m.
The care provided for the stags, wild boars, roe deer and bears has
been turned into tradition. The wolves, permanent companions to the
ungulates, show that truly wild nature is still alive in that marvelous
nook in Bulgaria. The magic of the Balkan, large stocks of big game,
combined with a cosy exciting hunting but also for recreation in this
virgin nature.
State game breeding station “Aramliets”
The station is situated at the roof of Sredna Gora mountain, just
35 km from the capital Sofia and covers an area of 13,500 ha. The
relief is low mountainous and the altitude varies from 400 to 1,150m.
The deciduous forests, composed mainly of beech, oak hornbeam dominate.
Red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar, and mouflon are the main
big game species within the territory of the station. Quail, partridge,
and pheasant are the most typical of the small-feathered game.
State game breeding station “Tundzha”
Game breeding station “Tundzha” extends over an area of 22,263 ha,
in the Tundzha hilly region, about 400 km from the capital Sofia and
only an hour from the nearest airport close to the city of Bourgas.
The bigger part of territory is mainly plain to hill covered with
forests of Austrian pine on the Balkan range spurs and Turkey oak,
Italian oak and pubescent oak on the smooth ridges of Strandzha mountain.
The highest point is Gradishte peak (600 m) and the lowest point is
only 105 m high.
The Bulgarian native species Tulipa splendes can be found only within
the territory of the station and among its forests is one of the few
habitats of the herb Leucojum phenomena are the centuries-old trees
:Chakal kavak” – a poplar with a height of about 27 m and a circumference
of 5,50 m and tree seven-century old oaks. Nature is relatively well
preserved due to the presence of the reserves “Gorna topchiya”, spreading
over longos forest resembling a jungle and “Koriya” covered by ash
and elm forests, which were established on the territory of the Station.
Game breeding station “Tundzha” provides exciting hunting of follow
deer, roe deer, wild boar, jackal and fox. The pheasant is the most
interesting winged game. There are excellent opportunities for fishing.
State game breeding station “Bolyarka”
The headquarters of the Station are located in the Old Bulgarian capital
_ Veliko Tyrnovo, which is situated about 224 km from the present
capital Sofia.The region occupies the northern slopes of the Teteven
country parts of the Balkan range and its foothills. The relief is
diverse – in the southern parts it is mountainous, but with undulating
shapes without any steeps slopes. The remainder is hilly with no extreme
heights but with small plateaus. Among the tree species are beech
hornbeam, Turkey oak, Italian oak, and sessile oak. The highest point
is 850 m and the lowest is just 50 m above the sea level.
The main game species on the territory of the station are red deer,
roe deer and wild boar. Red deer specimens have been shot with a trophy
weigh of 13,5 kg and 222 CIC points. The national red deer record
set on the territory of the station is for 825 g and 189,4 CIC points.
The tusks length of some wild boar specimen reach up to 25 cm. Small
game species as well as feathered game can also be encountered. There
are woodpigeon, turtledove, and quail. Of the predators the most common
are the wolf, jackal, fox, wildcat and beech marten.
State game breeding station “Alabak”
State game breeding station is situated about 130 km from the capital
Sofia and the nearest airport. Its territory covers the northwestern
part of the west Rhodopes surrounded by the Velishko ridge and the
rivers Ablanitza, Bistritza and Grancharitza.
The significant differences in the altitude define the microclimatic
features. The vegetation in the region of the station is mixed – massifs
of Scots and Austrian pine, of fir, and beech dominate. Such diverse
environment is natural habitat for valuable animal species subject
to hunting such as a dream for every hunter. Among the predators the
most common is the wolf, while among birds – the capperciele.
State game breeding station “Cherny Lom”
To a large number of places in Europe the elite hunting in Bulgaria
has its synonym – “Cherny Lom”. It is one of those places time has
no influence upon, where clients can be assured that their trip will
give them a real excitement, joy and the desired trophy from a real
hunting experience.
In the plain to hilly northeastern part of the country, about 300
km from the capital Sofia and about 200 km from Varna airport, is
the unique state game breeding station “Cherny Lom”. Its total area
is about 130,00 ha, of which 26,00 ha are forests. This unique complex
of nature sights, combined with a professional and skillful management,
create all the necessary conditions for the development of red deer,
roe deer, wild boar and fallow deer populations with excellent trophy
qualities.
The symbol of “Cherny Lom” is the red deer. Elite trophies of red
deer are shot each year and tradition shows that more than half of
them are awarded with gold medals and there is simply, no trophies
without medals. Among the records of the station is a red deer with
a weight of 17,340 kg. In the addition to the hunting of other game
species, successful hunting of predators is carried out. There are
fox, jackal and wildcat. One of the “trade marks” of Cherny Lom is
wolves hunting.
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