Macedonia (North Macedonia) is one of the destinations most appreciated by European hunters for turtle dove hunting: broad plains, farmland and hilly woodland offer ideal conditions for this quarry.
Industry sources describe a country off the mass-tourism track, with large hunting territories and sunflower fields sown in stages and left unharvested: in summer they are the magnet for turtle doves and wood pigeons. You mostly hunt from a stand at first light and late in the day, when flight is busiest, and on some outings on the move, following the flights.
Beyond the summer migrants, the country is known among pointing-dog enthusiasts for quail late in the summer and, later in the season, for grey and rock partridge on the hills and mountains. In the wooded areas inland woodcock also pass through in autumn.
On Wildoora you will find a turtle dove package organised by a local agency, with accommodation and hunting days already planned.
The published package covers early August to early September, the turtle dove window. Industry sources say organised stays over sunflowers start in early August; quail hunting with dogs continues in September, while partridge and rock partridge are generally hunted from October to the end of the year and the woodcock passage falls between mid-October and mid-November. The local calendar can change from year to year: the agency confirms the dates.
North Macedonia is not in the European Union: you need a document valid for travel abroad (check up-to-date entry requirements before departing) and a valid hunting licence, together with your firearms licence if you travel with a gun. The local hunting permit is normally handled by the organiser: in the published package it is included.
According to Macedonian customs, bringing weapons and ammunition into the country is allowed only with a special permit or authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior, including hunting and shooting weapons. The published package includes the invitation letter for guns, which serves exactly this procedure.
One industry source reports that Macedonian police ask for the European Firearms Pass and do not accept the temporary export permit alone (which is still advisable to carry). The guns listed on the pass must have serial numbers identical to those on the gun. Alternatively you can rent a gun at the hunting site, which avoids much of the paperwork.
We found no reliable sources on how many cartridges a foreign hunter may bring into North Macedonia, so we give no limits. Ammunition must in any case be declared with the gun and falls under the same Ministry of the Interior authorisation.
Ask the agency how many cartridges you may bring and which suit turtle doves and wood pigeons, and always declare them at the border.
For dogs going to a non-EU country industry sources list the pet passport. On late-summer stays people bring their own pointing dog for quail, whereas for turtle doves and pigeons from a stand it is not always needed: ask the agency how your package is organised.
In summer the dry heat and dust make life harder for dogs: hunting takes place in the cooler hours with long breaks. For the return to Italy, check with your local vet authority or official vet the rules in force for dogs coming from North Macedonia: we found no source confirming whether the country is among those for which a rabies vaccination is enough.
Industry sources describe plains, farmland, wooded hills and large sunflower fields grown specifically to attract turtle doves and wood pigeons; the grounds for quail and partridge lie among hills, steppe and fields around villages, with one area reported around the town of Prilep. National tourism material also lists Mavrovo, Pelister and Jakupica among the mountain areas, while plains such as Pelagonia and the Vardar valley offer more open habitat.
Season and species depend on the calendar: turtle dove and wood pigeon in summer, quail with dogs in late summer, partridge and rock partridge from October, woodcock in autumn and, late in the year, wild boar. You hunt with a local guide who knows the area.
The published package includes the shooting and ownership of the game; the agency arranges its preservation for the trip. To bring birds into Italy, however, EU health and customs rules apply, and they are strict on meat from non-EU countries for personal use: ask the agency, before booking, what you can take home and with which documents.
For trophies, the sources consulted say they may be taken out of the country, but the State may have the right to buy the best-quality trophies; for further formalities ask the agency.
Industry sources mention flying to Skopje, the capital, or taking the ferry from Ancona or Bari to Igoumenitsa in Greece followed by about three hours by road to the Macedonian border, where a representative can handle the transfer. Accommodation is normally in a hotel on full board.
In August and September it is hot and dry, with dust that bothers dogs; temperatures are milder from October.
It depends on the species and on the local hunting calendar. In the published packages the period is from early August to early September; the agency confirms the exact days when it replies to your request.
You need a document valid for travel abroad (North Macedonia is not in the European Union). 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.
In the published package, turtle dove. Industry sources also mention wood pigeon and quail in summer, grey and rock partridge from October, woodcock in autumn and wild boar late in the year. Brown bear and lynx are protected.
Normally from a stand at the edge of sunflower fields, at dawn and late afternoon when the flight is busiest; on some outings you hunt on the move following the flights. The agency explains how the day is organised.
Yes: Macedonian customs allow weapons and ammunition only with a Ministry of the Interior permit. That is why the package includes the invitation letter for guns; also bring the European Firearms Pass, which the local police ask for.
In August and September the heat can be intense and dry: outings are concentrated at dawn and late afternoon. Bring light clothing, a hat and water.
By air to Skopje, or by ferry from Ancona or Bari to Igoumenitsa (Greece) and then about three hours by road to the border, according to industry sources. Travel is not included in the published package.