Brown bear

Where we hunt

Slovenia, Croatia

Hunting season

Spring / Autumn

Best hunting time

September - October

Hunting method

High seat over bait

About the species

Track the elusive brown bear in the heart of Slovenia’s untouched wilderness. Hunting in one of Europe’s premier bear habitats offers not only a thrilling challenge, but also a rare chance to immerse yourself in wild, authentic nature. Dense forests, steep ridges, and hidden clearings create the perfect backdrop for an adventure where patience, silence, and instinct decide the outcome.

Key facts

Latin name: Ursus arctos
Trophy scoring: Measured under the CIC system
Weight range: 100–350 kg in spring, up to 400+ kg in autumn
Habitat: Forested hills and mountain valleys
Behavior: Mostly active at dusk and during the night
Legal status: CITES regulated – hunting requires valid permits

The hunt

The hunt takes place in southern Slovenia, where brown bears roam freely across vast, forested territories. We use high-seat ambushes near baiting areas or natural forest paths, many of which are highly comfortable and some are equipped with beds for resting during long waits. Hunts begin in the late afternoon and continue into the early morning hours – about 80% of the activity happens at night, so thermal scopes or night vision are essential. Shooting distances are typically within 100 meters, and the minimum legal caliber is 7mm. Each hunt is guided by an experienced local hunter who knows the terrain and wildlife behavior in detail. Best hunting seasons are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when bears are the most active. All hunts are conducted legally under strict CITES regulations, with a deep commitment to ethical hunting and conservation.

Lodging & meals

Hunters stay in a fully equipped hunting lodge located at the forest’s edge. From here, we head straight into the hunting grounds, minimizing transfers and maximizing time in the field. Upon request, we can arrange lodging in a nearby guesthouse. Mornings start with a hearty shared breakfast, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. Dinner is typically in the form of packed meals or snacks, as we head out to the hunting grounds in the afternoon and continue late into the night.

What else you can hunt

Our main focus is on harvesting a brown bear in the desired weight category. Additionally, it is possible to hunt wild boar and other predators. Bear hunts can be combined with chamois hunting if time allows and we move to the Triglav National Park area.

Review

Gaurav Y.

It was my first time hunting a bear and what better place to do it than in the Slovenian mountains. The evening high seat, which felt more like a small lodge, was silent and full of tension. But when the bear finally appeared, everything slowed down. I focused, took a deep breath, and made a clean shot.
It was a powerful moment and then relief, as the bear went down within 30 meters. Huge thanks to the GT Hunting team for another perfect trip, excellent service, and an unforgettable experience.