ROMANIA: Gizmo's Romanian Hunting Adventure

After all of this we we crossed over the Carpathians and out of Transylvania into the north side of the mountains. Here we visited a fortress that had been originally been built in the 1100's. Construction of the castle continued until the 1500's and it was used up until the 1700's when it lost it's strategic significance. Interestingly this was one of the fortresses that was sacked and conquered by Vlad Temipsh.
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The keep
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View from the top
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I couldn't imagine the task of having to take this fortress. Once you scale the hill to get there the sheer natural defense the fortress provides is astonishing. The firing positions from any given place inside is incredible. Even after months of siege it would still be quite the formidable task. Makes one wonder how Ol' Vlad accomplished it.
 
O.k. Gizmo did you do all the sight seeing with Horia? How many days did you sight see and how many did you hunt?
 
We then left and went to Singishora (sp??????). This is home to the last occupied citadel in Europe and life here continues as it has since the 1100's. It also happens to be home to Vlad Tempish's birth house.
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Citadel Wall interior
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The church at the top of the citadel. It's 388 stairs to the top to get here.
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O.k. Gizmo did you do all the sight seeing with Horia? How many days did you sight see and how many did you hunt?
Yes Horia was our tour guide for the entire trip and did a wonderful job. He translated everything for us when there wasn't an English translation and took us to some incredible restaurants.He certainly knows a lot about his country and is very passionate about Romania. I really enjoyed our trip and his company. Still more to come......
 
Wow Gizmo you and the wife had a grand trip!
 
He certainly does have a lot of pride of country. There wasn't anything he couldn't answer me with my curiosity of the country while we traveled. I am going to have to talk to him about the sight seeing addition.

Thanks again for all you have shared.
 
We stayed here that night and drove back to Bucharest the next morning. This would be our last day in Romania and we spent it touring Bucharest and shopping. It was a wonderful trip and I highly recommend Horia Spandu. I hope ya'll have enjoyed this report and I'm sorry it took me so long to finish it. Here are some pics of Bucharest. The parlament building. Its the largest gov't building in Europe
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Part of old Bucharest
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We happened to walk upon a photo shoot
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A Romanian Brother in Blue
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Horia, Mrs. Gizmo, and I taking a break for a cold beer.
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Of interesting note we came upon this bridge in the countryside that had been built by the Germans in WWI. Three months before we arrived the city had received a letter from the German company that had built it saying the warranty had expired and the bridge should be considered no longer safe. As a result it was being tore down and the new bridge was completed in three months. Sad that a piece of history was being lost though it certainly had lived well past it's time.
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Good stuff, beautiful places! Thanks for the updates
 
The more I read and see the closer I get to booking something over in Eastern Europe!
 
The more I read and see the closer I get to booking something over in Eastern Europe!
Give Horia a call, you'll be glad you did.
 
Already have Erik!
 
Hell Erik, I'm going just for the girl in the photo shoot! Lol
Awesome report buddy!
Cheers
Cody
 
Hell Erik, I'm going just for the girl in the photo shoot! Lol
Awesome report buddy!
Cheers
Cody
Bro Romania has the highest concentration of beautiful women I have ever seen. There is a unbelievably beautiful woman just about under every rock.
 
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.
 
Good questions. I look forward to the reply. Gizmo is on here quite a bit and probably will answer within a few days.
 
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!
 
Thanks Erik. I have spoke to you in the past about this trip and still hope to make it happen within the next two years.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer the questions.
Randy
 
Thanks Erik. I have spoke to you in the past about this trip and still hope to make it happen within the next two years.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer the questions.
Randy
Anytime brother.
 

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Badboymelvin wrote on BlueFlyer's profile.
Hey mate,
How are you?
Have really enjoyed reading your thread on the 416WSM... really good stuff!
Hey, I noticed that you were at the SSAA Eagle Park range... where about in Australia are you?
Just asking because l'm based in Geelong and l frequent Eagle Park a bit too.
Next time your down, let me know if you want to catch up and say hi (y)
Take care bud
Russ
Hyde Hunter wrote on MissingAfrica's profile.
may I suggest Intaba Safaris in the East Cape by Port Elizabeth, Eugene is a great guy, 2 of us will be there April 6th to April 14th. he does cull hunts(that's what I am doing) and if you go to his web site he is and offering daily fees of 200.00 and good cull prices. Thanks Jim
Everyone always thinks about the worst thing that can happen, maybe ask yourself what's the best outcome that could happen?
Very inquisitive warthogs
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Big areas means BIG ELAND BULLS!!
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