Zlatibor Wolf Hunt | Tourist Calendar of Serbia

Zlatibor Wolf Hunt is part of the hunting-tourist event called the Serbian Hunters' Assembly. This event gathers several hundred hunters and curious visitors each winter in Zlatibor, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the hunt.

The Serbian Hunters' Assembly is one of the oldest events in Zlatibor, organized every February since 1982. The event involves not only hunters from Serbia but also from other countries such as Denmark, Hungary, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Germany, and others.

The three-day event is organized by the Zlatibor Hunters Association from Čajetina, which has around 450 members. It is dedicated to all hunting enthusiasts and includes competitions in various hunting disciplines, education, as well as the preparation of hunting meals.

Hunters compete in shooting moving wolf targets, stationary roe deer targets, clay pigeons, shooting with a special rifle at a moving circular target, fox hunting with hound dogs, and also wolf hunting by drive. The competition for preparing the best hunting goulash is also indispensable. Additionally, scientific gatherings, exhibitions of hunting trophies, accompanying events, all accompanied by tasting Zlatibor products and the traditional sound of the trumpet, are organized.

The wolf hunt attracts the most attention, but not every hunter dares to participate in it. Experienced hunters consider catching a wolf to be an exceptional achievement. As explained by those who have tried it, the wolf is even more cunning than the fox. It is wise, has good hearing, a keen sense of smell, and can detect any scent from a great distance.

Since the event usually takes place at the end of February, when Zlatibor is mostly covered in snow, weather conditions can sometimes pose difficulties for hunting. Adverse weather and snowdrifts are particularly advantageous for wolves, who often remain uncaught despite the participation of hundreds of hunters in the search.

Serbia is one of the rare countries where the number of wolves has increased in recent years, estimated at around 1,000 individuals. Wolves can be found in all hilly and mountainous areas, especially in Western Serbia and Kosovo and Metohija.

Zlatibor has six hunting grounds. However, these animals often cross borders, trespass on properties, and cause problems for households, primarily by attacking sheep flocks. Additionally, due to the excessive number of wolves, roe deer are also endangered.

Unlike the rest of the world, where this species is endangered and efforts are made to increase their numbers, wolf hunting is allowed in Serbia but under control. Due to the damage wolves inflict on households and other wildlife, culling is possible, but only a specific number is allowed annually.

This year's Zlatibor Wolf Hunt will take place from 24th to 26th February. More information can be obtained through mass media and local news outlets.