Fox hunting begins on 1 January and ends on 31 December.
In the heart of Europe, the fox reigns as a true master, using its adaptability to occupy almost every habitat. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, this cunning wild animal is present across all types of territory, from mountain heights to broad lowland plains.
Its coat appears in three distinctive colour variations, each with a character of its own:
First is the so-called Polish form, with fur ranging from light yellow to reddish yellow and turning grey on the belly. The white tip of its tail shines like a star.
Next comes the dark, charcoal-coloured form, with a back filled with fiery reddish strands that deepen into red tones towards the belly. Its tail is black and mysterious like the night.
Finally, there is the cross fox form, a dark-grey wild beauty with a back almost as black as night. Its tail crown is equally mysterious and black.
Despite its beauty, the fox is more than an attractive figure in the landscape. It is a skilful hunter that feeds on small rodents, wild birds and their young, as well as dead game. Its role in the ecosystem is complex: it acts as a scavenger, but it may also transmit dangerous diseases such as rabies.
Its courtship season begins in February, when its calls echo through the forests. During this period, the normally cautious fox becomes more vulnerable. Hunters then follow it attentively and wait for an opportunity. Fox hunting is not only a sport but also a matter of strategy. Snow and moonlight make observation easier, while calls have become an indispensable aid in this game of pursuit and evasion.
At times, fox hunting becomes a collective adventure, with terriers and hounds working alongside the hunters. Equipped with rifles and shotguns, the hunters face the challenge and search for the ideal place from which to wait in ambush.
Winter nights are reserved for the most persistent. By spending hours waiting in silence, hunters create the stories that later become their legends. For them, a trophy consisting of the fox’s skull and pelt becomes more than quarry: it becomes a symbol of endurance and skill.
Hunting dates and methods are provided for information only. Final dates, permits and conditions are confirmed in accordance with the regulations in force and the rules of the relevant hunting ground.
