This sounds like it could be a great hunt, but I have a lot of questions. Gizmo and Southwind (and perhaps others who hunted there) might share some of your experiences. You can answer here as it may be of interest to others, or feel free to PM me if you prefer.
1. How difficult was it to get your firearm(s) in and out of country? Any special permits required from the EU or just from Romania? Did you use an expediter service or just walk it through yourself?
2. What “trophies” were you allowed to keep? I figure that you get the head or skull mount, but how about meat? It sure would be nice to cook some fresh steaks or backstraps after the hunt. The reason I ask is that when I hunted Germany many years ago, hunters were only guaranteed the heart, liver, and kidney. All the other meat was property of the State. Sometimes hunters had the option of purchasing some of the meat from the State, but it was not allowed on any of the hunts on which I participated. Not sure what the rules are in Romania.
3. Any problems or challenges getting your skull mount prepared and shipped back to the US? What sort of cost should I expect?
4. What was the predominant type of hunting – stands, spot & stalk, still-hunt, etc?
5. What was the typical range to target? Just curious if one of the heavier calibers would work or if I need one of the smaller flat-shooting, long-range numbers.
6. What was the custom regarding tipping (of guides, cooks, etc)? Some parts of Europe which I’ve visited frown on the practice altogether.
7. If you were to bring a small gift for the hunting staff or your host, what would be appropriate? What would they appreciate that they don’t have available in their country?
8. What clothing requirements for the hunt? Again, when I hunted Germany collared shirts, neckties, and loden wool were de rigeur. Camouflage anything was considered uncouth and greatly frowned upon (in some circles your hunting invitation might be withdrawn).
9. What do you wish that you had done differently?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Ok also feel free to PM me or you may call me, my contact info is in my sponsor banner. I will try and address each question as best as I can.
1. I didn't take my rifles on this one. I used Horia's rifles which were more than adequate and shot very well. I was told getting you rifles into Romania is extremely easy and one only needs to fill out the paperwork at the airport for your permit. Horia would be the better person to ask on this and I'd be glad to give you his contact info.
2. You get to keep all trophy parts, both of my Roe deer were shoulder mounted and as a matter of fact should be shipped to me completed next week. As far as meat is concerned the meat was given to them as we are not able to bring it back to the states with us. I'm sure if you wanted to eat some of it while there they would accommodate you.
3. No problems thus far but they havent been shipped yet. Even though I am a taxidermist I had them mounted there as I wanted the old world european feel to them. I've received pictures of them completed and they looked exactly as I figured they would. As far as taxidermy is concerned European taxidermists are mediocre but..... they provide a completely different look and feel which is what I was after.
4. We spent the entire hunt spot and stalking but thats what I had requested. They can provide any type of hunting style you prefer. Game densities were tremendous and were on all sorts of game the entire time. Romania is a wonderful hunt and I will certainly go back.
5. Ranges will be in the 100-200 yard range. I'd suggest to really practice shooting off hand and or bring some sticks.
6. You certainly need to tip your outfitter and hunting guide. These guys work their butts off.
7. Cash is always king but if you wanted to bring something in addition to a tip I would suggest asking the outfitter what they need. Romania is an old world country but it's not in the stone age either.
8. I rarely wear camo hunting anyway so that was never an issue. They aren't overly picky nor do they make an issue of what you wear. Traditional Romanian hunting gear would be in the line of khaki trousers, mud boots, a shirt, hat, and vest. I wore a pair of 511 tan pants, a hat, and a T-shirt.
9. Next time I will bring more allergy medication and some bug spray. I have severe outdoor allergies and Romania is quite possibly the most fertile place in the universe. All of the flowers, grasses, and trees were about to be the death of me. Fortunately Horia had some antihistamine that I took in addition to my normal regiment and that kept me out of the hospital. When hunting their mosquitos are no joke, again Horia saved the day and got me some bug spray. I do wish we'd had more time but that is pretty much true for any great vacation. Unfortunately one cant stay on vacation for ever.
All in all I highly recommend going and I highly recommend hunting with Horia and Unforgettable Hunting. Wonderful people, wonderful hunting, and an absolutely stunningly beautiful wonderful country. I will be back!