I know that this is an African hunting forum, but I also heard that a lot of people talking about hunting in Europe. My question is what is it like? I’m also interested in this as well.
What do you want to know?
Each country is specific.
But, as a client, you will get a guide, and do the hunting.
European specialty is driven boar hunt, but in some countries they hunt other species this way.
Driven boar hunts can be done in high fence, or free range. So do not jump immediately on it, it does not have to be as "wild boar fever" show on you tube.
(I was on many driven boar free range hunts where I never fired a shot, organized by local clubs. If I need to make the averages, it is 60 hunters during the hunt split in drive and stand, with 4-6 boars shot)
High volume boar hunting can be organized, but from what I understand it is organized for large groups of hunters, and single hunter can hardly get in. You must have a compact group.
Bird shooting is also popular. There are some high volume shoots from peg, or rough shooting walking after the bird dogs.
One difference from US hunting is that rifle hunting is usually allowed 2 hours after sunset (unlike USA where hunting is till sunset). So wide front lens scopes are preferred for late hunting in blind.
Exceptionally, some species are hunted in dark hours (like boars, in most cases)
There are estate hunts (high fence) and free range hunts.
Large predators are under strict EU regulations, and bear or wolf can be hunted only in few countries.
Suppressors are not allowed everywhere, for this you must check local regulations. Same as muzzle loaders or bow hunting. With minor national differences, gun laws per country are very similar, basically regulated through EU firearm directive, but there are still differences, like in the case of suppressors.
In most countries there is strict dress code for hunters. Generally: no blue jeans, or military camo for hunters.
My favorite hunts are roe deer in spring, and phaesant hunt in winter.
However, hunting red deer in rut at fall, is special experience as well.
Prices:
European hunts are charged as per complicated CIC score system. Not to go into too much detail, in my opinion trophy just below the bronze is the best buy. And trophy is still representative.
When you reach silver, or gold medal, prices go sky high, exponentially. I personally never shot anything in any CIC medal. This is if you hunt on a budget. Ask the outfitter when arranging the hunt, just below CIC bronze medal. (FYG: golden red deer, will cost in the level of full inclusive African plains game safari)
Now, for more details, you must be more specific.
