Bulgaria is appreciated by woodcock hunters for its vast, sparsely populated forests, an ideal habitat for the woodcock. It is an immersive experience in close contact with wild nature, in a country where natural areas are large and population density is low.
The country is divided into eight hunting regions and has over a hundred huts and hunting lodges offering accommodation to hunters. Besides woodcock, foreign hunters come for red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, mouflon and wild boar (group hunting is very popular), as well as feathered game such as turtle dove and partridge.
On Wildoora you will find a woodcock hunting package organised by a local tour operator, in the winter months: days in the forest, with the climate of a country with four clearly different seasons.
As an EU country and, since 2026, a euro-area member, organisation is simple; the formalities mainly concern hunting licence, firearms and dogs, which the agency helps you prepare.
The published package covers the winter months, from mid-December to the end of February. The Bulgarian hunting calendar is set each year by ministerial order and for migratory species, including woodcock, it provides an opening already in August; some rules may limit the days of hunting. The local calendar can change from year to year: the agency confirms the dates.
Bulgaria is part of the European Union, so a valid ID card or passport is enough to enter. To hunt, however, a few more documents are needed.
For hunters from an EU country with a valid European Firearms Pass, operators say the rifle or shotgun and ammunition can be brought without further requirements; non-EU hunters must instead apply for an import permit, which takes a long time. Details should in any case be agreed in advance with the agency.
We found no reliable sources on cartridge limits: before departing, ask the agency how many you may bring and which ammunition is allowed. In Bulgaria smoothbore or rifled guns are allowed, with semi-automatics limited to a maximum of two cartridges in the magazine. If you do not want to deal with the paperwork, many agencies offer gun rental.
Bulgaria is also an EU country, so the European pet rules apply to bring in your dog: a microchip, a European pet passport completed by an authorised vet and a valid rabies vaccination, with immunity counted from 21 days after the primary vaccination. The owner must travel with the dog and no more than five animals may be brought.
Some local operators provide well-trained dogs, so ask the agency whether you can leave your own at home. In any case, check with your vet that passport and vaccinations are in order for the return to Italy too.
The country is divided into eight hunting regions and has vast, sparsely inhabited forest areas, from mountain ranges to lowland woods. One example is the Rossitsa area in the central Balkan Range, known for wild boar. Accommodation is often in huts or hunting lodges.
For foreign hunters typical quarry includes red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, mouflon, wild boar and, in some cases, chamois and capercaillie; brown bear and chamois are protected and can be hunted only under certain conditions. Feathered game includes woodcock, snipe, quail, turtle dove and wood pigeon. According to the Bulgarian public broadcaster, small game is hunted on set days (weekends and public holidays) and migratory game from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset; the calendar is reviewed every year.
To bring game or trophies to Italy, the health and customs rules in force at the time of your return apply and can change: contact the agency before booking, because it handles the paperwork.
Some operators include collecting and shipping trophies; for species such as wolf and golden jackal CITES procedures apply, with separate costs.
The main airports are Sofia and Varna, with daily flights from most European capitals; transfers from the airport to the hunting area are usually arranged by the agency. Since 1 January 2026 the currency is the euro.
The climate is temperate continental with four clearly different seasons, and it is cold in the forest in mid-winter. The law forbids drinking alcohol before and during the hunt and requires warning clothing: checks can take place.
It depends on the species and on the local hunting calendar. In the published packages the period is from mid-December to the end of February; the agency confirms the exact days when it replies to your request.
As an EU country, a valid ID document is enough. A valid hunting licence is also required: the agency explains what to prepare.
Yes, with the required transport documents (including the European Firearms Pass). Ask the agency for the up-to-date instructions and whether rental is available.
Choose the package and send your booking request. There is no online payment: the agency contacts you directly to confirm dates, details and conditions.
For hunters from an EU country: the European Firearms Pass, your firearms licence and a valid hunting licence. Operators say no other paperwork is needed, but agree the details with the agency before departing.
Yes: since 1 January 2026 Bulgaria has adopted the euro in place of the lev, so there is no need to change currency.
No. Bulgarian law forbids drinking alcohol before and during the hunt, and highly visible clothing is required; checks can take place.
By plane: Sofia and Varna have daily flights from most European capitals. The agency usually arranges the transfer from the airport to the hunting area.
Red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, mouflon and wild boar (group hunting is very popular), as well as feathered game such as quail, turtle dove and wood pigeon. Brown bear and chamois are protected and can be hunted only under certain conditions.