Nature, Hunting, Fishing is a traditional exhibition that gathers the lovers of hunting and fishing in Bulgaria. The latest edition of the forum has started these days in Plovdiv. During this year’s spring edition there are some 40 participants in the exhibition.

Visitors can stop at the stands of the most popular hunting farms in Bulgaria and get acquainted with the conditions and prices. Producers of equipment, fishing rods, rifles and others also attract interest.

However, the forum that takes place under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture has been getting smaller over the years. The chief secretary of the Union of Hunters and Fishermen in Bulgaria Vasil Vasilev says legal hunters are 130,000 people, while fishermen are twice as many. This is a big target group for producers of equipment but at the same time activity in the sector has been declining. The reason according to producers is the low purchasing ability of Bulgarians and the shrinking market. The crisis has been having a negative effect on the hunting business, too, which used to bring solid incomes to the state in the past. Despite the fact the number of foreign hunters in Bulgaria has been declining, this country continues to be an attractive hunting destination. This is due not only because of the great game diversity, but also because some species like the brown bear or the wild goat are rare in Europe. The trophy qualities of game in Bulgaria are also good and until the beginning of the 90s, this country won a great number of trophy awards.

“I hope Bulgaria would take its rightful place among the world trophy hunting destinations. The big game here has very good genetic traits that ensure great trophies with high grades according to international standards. There are great hunting opportunities in Bulgaria. The state-owned hunting farms are 25 but there are also hunting areas managed by local hunting groups that offer great game. In the past, the most coveted trophies were deer and wild boar. But hunters who arrive from Greece, Italy and Spain now prefer migratory birds - quails, doves, etc. Hunters are also interested in predators and especially the wolf, as in most other parts of Europe wolf hunting is not allowed.”

Unlike Bulgarian and foreign hunters who have a number of opportunities for hunting, anglers are definitely disadvantaged. It turns out that places where they can legally use their rods in Bulgaria are few. We learn more from Vasil Vasilev:

"This happens because of various regulation problems, as for the eight consecutive years the state has refused to provide large water reservoirs to associations of recreational anglers who are to invest in stocking and to ensure good fish resources and the availability of trophy fish. On the other hand the security of water reservoirs, provided by the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture is not at all effective. Ruthless poaching and commercial fishing is carried out. Efforts are required to bring order to the sector," Vasil Vasilev says in conclusion.

English: Alexander Markov

Photos: BTA and archive