In Hungary, small game species are primarily native to lowland regions, particularly the Great Hungarian Plain (Alföld). Both the Small Plain (the area between Győr and Vienna) located near the western border and the Great Plain east of the Danube are traditional habitats for small game. In these areas, while the main big game species is the roe deer, the most common small game species include the pheasant and the European brown hare, with the grey partridge now appearing only sporadically in a few hunting areas. Wild ducks and geese are mainly found near larger bodies of water. The wild goose population migrates to Hungary from the northern tundra in winter, with their main migratory route passing through the eastern region of the country (Hortobágy Lakes) and a significant population also winters on the Old Lake (Öreg tó) of Tata.
Unfortunately, in recent decades, the intensification of agricultural production processes and the increased use of chemicals have reduced the natural population of small game, so many hunting areas are forced to establish pheasant and wild duck breeding colonies. Pheasants and wild ducks raised on these breeding farms are usually released into the hunting area in July or August at the age of 8 weeks, so by the start of the hunting season on 1 October, they are already strong flyers and suitable for sport hunting.
Pheasant
Pheasant is not native to Hungary, the species was brought to Europe by the Romans, it was the main dish on festive tables. Ancient records mention that a shipwright earned 15 denarii per day while a pheasant could cost 30–40 denarii on the market, showing it was already a highly prized bird. The species gained a foothold in Europe, the first Hungarian written record of pheasant hunting dates back to the time of Władysław V at the very end of the 15th century.
The importance of pheasant hunting increased significantly with the development of cartridge firearms, replacing muzzle-loaders. In the second half of the 19th century, hunting weapons operating with a recoil-loading cartridge were developed in English small-scale workshops, thus opening up the possibility of hunting small game for quality entertainment. The success of hunting small game is determined by the bag size.
It was during this period that artificial pheasant breeding and rearing began, a practice that continues to this day.
Pheasant Hunting Methods:
During a search hunt some hunters walk in line with the beaters and dog handlers, while a few others position themselves ahead of the line at 30–40 metre intervals on the flanks. There are usually some stationary hunters as well. Expected bag: Ranges from 50 to 250 birds, depending on the number of hunters and their prior arrangements.
In a driven pheasant hunt, all hunters are stationary only beaters and dogs participate in the drive. The expected bag for this form of hunting can be between 200-1500 pieces.
The exact location and style of pheasant hunting is tailored to the needs of individual guests or guest groups.
Pheasant Hunting Season:
From 1 October until 28 February
Record Bag:
Lenes in1986, 8974 pheasant cocks were harvested with the participation of 14 hunters, this hunt was organized by my father.
European Brown Hare
The largest population lives in the eastern regions of the Great Plain. The classic method of hunting is the U-shaped drive, in which a larger group of hunters forms a U-shape and drives through agricultural fields. After a while, the hares in the drive try to return to their original resting places, so it can be hunted very effectively.
The location and method of the hunt depend on the number of guest hunters and the targeted area.
Hunting Season:
From 1 October until 31 December.
European Rabbit
Its distribution is very fragmented and it can be hunted all year round.
Wild Goose
A large number of geese spend the winter in Hungary, their most significant migration route runs through the eastern region of the Great Plain, Lake Tata also serves as a wintering site for a significant goose population and the central region of the country, around Fülöpszállás and Jakabszállás, hosts sizeable flocks during the winter months.
Morning and evening flights, especially when fog is present, offer exhilarating experiences for guest hunters.
Hunting Season:
from 1 October until 31 January.
Wild Duck
Wild duck can be hunted during evening and morning flights, especially near larger water surfaces.
Many game farmers raise ducks and in these hunting areas guest hunters can achieve larger bags.
Hunting Season:
From 1 October until 31 January.