European Wild Boar Identification

[skydiver386]

I've had the desire to go on a European hunt for wild boar, but my better half @tinktink12 doesn't think this is something she would be successful at. She finds the "Wild Boar Fever" videos extremely exciting, but thinks identifying them and then shooting a Boar under these time constraints to much pressure.

The first problem is proper target identification. Frischlinge, Uberlaufer, etc. and Keiler vs Bache. Is there a photo chart that European hunters use to help a young or beginning hunter properly identify sex and age classes? It seems very few hunts would NOT require proper identification in order to avoid taking the wrong size or sex, especially on a driven hunt.

The second issue is running targets. Here in the United States, shooting Cinema's are practically unheard of, and outdoor ranges with moving targets for rifles don't exist. I have seen indoor video shooting archery ranges, but they are archery backstops only. The videos are also of fairly slow moving targets, as any experienced archer would not shoot at a running animal under most circumstances.

I fully realize that most hunters in Europe have a moving target shooting facility within a few hours drive of their home, so they naturally assume we have such things in North America. We do not.

Are there shooting schools in Europe that an American could being their rifle to, attend a day or two of professional instruction, then move on to a hunting area?

I can say without being immodest, that shooting running targets would be a challenge, but well within my experience and abilities. Tina would really like some practice before trying such a hunt, but here in the U.S., we really have no idea how to go about arranging a hunt like this.

I'll be talking to FN Hunting and others at the SCI show in Nashville again this year, but would really like input from members first.

Any help from members that have experience in this type of shooting would be greatly appreciated.

 

[WAB]

H&H has a shooting cinema at their London range. Well worth a visit.

 

[farmer_john]

I've had the desire to go on a European hunt for wild boar, but my better half @tinktink12 doesn't think this is something she would be successful at. She finds the "Wild Boar Fever" videos extremely exciting, but thinks identifying them and then shooting a Boar under these time constraints to much pressure.

The first problem is proper target identification. Frischlinge, Uberlaufer, etc. and Keiler vs Bache. Is there a photo chart that European hunters use to help a young or beginning hunter properly identify sex and age classes? It seems very few hunts would NOT require proper identification in order to avoid taking the wrong size or sex, especially on a driven hunt.

The second issue is running targets. Here in the United States, shooting Cinema's are practically unheard of, and outdoor ranges with moving targets for rifles don't exist. I have seen indoor video shooting archery ranges, but they are archery backstops only. The videos are also of fairly slow moving targets, as any experienced archer would not shoot at a running animal under most circumstances.

I fully realize that most hunters in Europe have a moving target shooting facility within a few hours drive of their home, so they naturally assume we have such things in North America. We do not.

Are there shooting schools in Europe that an American could being their rifle to, attend a day or two of professional instruction, then move on to a hunting area?

I can say without being immodest, that shooting running targets would be a challenge, but well within my experience and abilities. Tina would really like some practice before trying such a hunt, but here in the U.S., we really have no idea how to go about arranging a hunt like this.

I'll be talking to FN Hunting and others at the SCI show in Nashville again this year, but would really like input from members first.

Any help from members that have experience in this type of shooting would be greatly appreciated.

Do you have your own place to shoot or are you limited to existing ranges

 

[skydiver386]

Do you have your own place to shoot or are you limited to existing ranges

I do have my own place in Florida, but to shoot moving Boar type targets would take some doing. A proper backstop for center-fire rifles at least 20 meters wide would have to be constructed before even thinking about a track with moving targets.

 

[farmer_john]

I do have my own place in Florida, but to shoot moving Boar type targets would take some doing. A proper backstop for center-fire rifles at least 20 meters wide would have to be constructed before even thinking about a track with moving targets.

I dont know what your setups like but you can make a setup pretty easy and you dont need 20 meters of backstop. Unless your wanting to make something super big

 

[skydiver386]

This is what I've seen pictures of in Europe for live fire practice for driven hunts.

A long backstop, shooting stand of some type, a Boar target moving along a track of some type, etc.

It would be possible to build one on my property, but wouldn't be cheap. It would also occupy at least a few acres of what I hope to be food plots and hunting stands.

I've tried to track down one of the old GAMO air rifle moving target systems, but they only show up occasionally and usually not in good condition.

 

[DieJager]

First if you want the numbers of boars that you see in Wild Boar Fever you're going to be shocked at the prices. Do not be surprised if you'll pay multiple thousands of euro for the three days of more.

Those are the most prime areas you can find and the price shows. Budget areas most of that time means a few boars per drive. Sometimes you'll see nothing. Hopefully @Muskox can chime in. As a American living in Germany he can tell it better than me.


You'll need to show , in Germany, a schiessnachweis, that is recent. This a a shooting proficiency test. There are loads of shooting cinemas throughout Germany and neighboring countries. A famous one is in Ulm near Frankfurt, it also has a 300 meter shooting lane.

I would take a day or two to get familiar. Only with the proficiency test you'll be allowed on the hunt.

Even in countries who do not ask this of you I would still practice first. Nothing sucks more than having a few chances and blowing them.

GAIM has a virtual hunting simulator where you can train at home. It cost in the US if I Google it around 600 bucks. I still would advise to do a real practice session but this can help you practice stateside.

Regarding identification, that is something you'll need to learn. I am no expert myself. I've got lots of hunting buddies who go regularly on a driven hunt. Myself I have not yet been on a driven boar hunt. So that is the caveat. Hopefully more experienced hunters can chime in on this subject.

 

[375Fox]

Are you only interested doing a driven hunt? Hunting over bait is equally common. Stalking fields in dark is also common option. I took this one on a spring roe deer hunt in Sweden 132 kgs. You often see a lot of pigs early in the spring.

 

[Flbt]

I do have my own place in Florida, but to shoot moving Boar type targets would take some doing. A proper backstop for center-fire rifles at least 20 meters wide would have to be constructed before even thinking about a track with moving targets.

Hey it will not be as good as a hog target
And I think you could mount a hog target on a rc car instead of track and that would be cheaper.
Also you could put helium balloons on a long sting.


But try running rabbits with a 22 rifle.
Seriously thats how dad and the uncles tought all of the kids to shoot running game.
Back when dog hunting was popular.

Do any of the hog hunting places near you offer dog run hog hunts vs catch dog hunting?
Get some time on them if so

 

[skydiver386]

Marius @HUNTROMANIA has some huge Boar there, and I'd like to hunt a really big Keiler with him in the future.

Other than that I'm more interested in a driven hunt from a stand. I've already looked at the cost, and I'm comfortable with it, even if I don't get a lot of shooting. Much of it will be the excitement and tradition of a European group hunt, as compared to one or two friends as we do it here or in Africa.

 

[UpNorthMI]

I sent you a PM, I practice in the UK, we have great options for a couple of ranges with proper running boar range set up (non projection). I hunt Croatia every year for driven boar, maybe we will have openings this year, we shoot what we see, no identification required, this is excellent entry into the sport and not too expensive.

 

[375Fox]

Other than that I'm more interested in a driven hunt from a stand. I've already looked at the cost, and I'm comfortable with it, even if I don't get a lot of shooting. Much of it will be the excitement and tradition of a European group hunt, as compared to one or two friends as we do it here or in Africa.

I’m glad I did a driven hunt once but once was enough for me. I much prefer stalking vs the large driven hunt. It’s too much killing, but serves its management purpose. My outfitter arranged for one of his guides to stand with me to help identify animals better for my first driven hunt. The quota was unlimited pigs regardless of size on that hunt though. Some are selective, some aren’t.

 

[Muskox]

As an American not affiliated and currently stationed in Germany, Germany is going to be bloody tough. We actually have to graduate from the German hunting course and be properly licensed to do this.

A non-affiliated American might be able to get in on a driven hunt, but you will have to pass a shooting test at a shooting cinema or running boar.

I did two driven hunts this year. I did a couple last year. I have done them in previous years as well.

The only pigs you are not allowed to to shoot generally are Bache, or the leading female mother pig. Shooting a leading sow infers a up charge of about 500-1000 Euros or 650-1200 Dollars. Often big boars can incur a similar price fee here in Germany.

You try to look for the paint brush (penis brush) on single pigs, so as not to make a mistake. Or you pick the smaller sized pigs out of a herd when they cross in front of you.

I shot a single uberlaufer in November at Hohenfels as part of a drive. My drive hunt in January, the only pig I could have shot at was the leading sow. She was the only one that offered a shot and I practiced decorum and killed nothing.

The hunts Franz is on that have single person bags of 4-15 pieces of game a day are about 2000 Euros for two days. That is in Germany.

In most of Eastern Europe if you want the same experience Franz is getting someplace like Hungary or Slovakia or Turkey that price will go up. On some of those places big tuskers are charged at a premium. Often 5000 Euros for individual pigs in the 25-30 cm of tooth range.

Franz is a prince hunting on private land his family owns, that has exceptionally good game management. We don't have princes in Germany anymore, and their titles are their own. Not real titles like the English, Norwegians and Dutch have.

In 2025 I hunted the huge military base Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr. Both have Franz level game management, and I had multiple shots throughout the day. Mostly at red deer, but they had that kind of wildlife.

I have also hunted state forest areas in Rheinland Pfalz, Hessen, and Nord Rhein Westphalia. By comparison these sucked.

I went on 3 driven hunts in these kinds of areas before I fired a shot.

The reasons:
1. Can't shoot, no backstop. This is an absolute must, as there are too many dogs, and people in the forest to ensure safety.
2. Can't shoot only see the mama and the baby must die first. This is an absolute on deer. I believe the rule is called Hahn and Rue.
3. Can't shoot because the animal is an orange painted no shooting area.
4. Can't shoot because of the damn dog behind the animal.
5. Can't shoot because I can't differentiate the Bache
6. Can't shoot because one of the dog handlers or beaters is behind the animal.

Freischling is a striped pig, probably born in the past 5-6 months.

Uberlaufer is his older brother to 80-130 pounds or a year old.

Keiler is an adult male pig. It can mean a super old big boar, or just a 2 year old with teeth. You can tell because they have the body outline that big boars have. Or the paintbrush.

Bache is mama, Miss Piggy. She is never shot during the driven hunt. Unless you are in an area that has okayed it and they will tell you. She should not have any freischling with her, and if she is a wet sow, you are probably still paying.

High volume driven hunts are best in Turkey, and on the $3600 price point Eastern European hunts. you need to know the regulations of the hunt backwards and front and you need to have practice in the shooting cinema. The running boar thing is ok, but you get so many actual experiences in the shooting cinema it is invaluable.

This year I only went once. It is a pain in the ass from where I live, so I just went the one time.

Jonas Jagdriesen in Austria is my go to agent for lots of hunts in Europe. He has found me quite a few good places to go. He has driven hunts in Turkey, Spain, Germany and other places.

K and K Premium Jagd Kai and Willy I use regularly. They are expensive, you need to book a private land Furth (prince) hunt. Not a state forest hunt.

Kahle Jagdriesen is the biggest agent in Germany, they have a lot of hunts in Eastern Europe. Also expensive.

Diana DK is another agent, they are based in Denmark.

there were mouflon on this driven hunt. A friend sent me this. Sadly my hunt in this same area got cancelled because of snow.

This was the biggest wild boar I have ever seen in my life. He was at a zoo in Ranua Finland. He probably weighs 550 pounds, his teeth are probably in the 25-30cm range.

My uberlaufer from last year.

My driven set up R8 success with a Zeiss 1.8-14x50 in 10,3x68 RWS.

In a tower blind, you kind of need a rest because you can not stand up. I shot with that Armageddon gear bag on my rifle for a red deer hind and a spiker.

Taxidermy is going to be a challenge. If that is something you are concerned with you might consider WTA. WTA has an agent here in Austria. He's an American. Lives here, and knows the lay of the land.

You are going to pay a lot for a Franz type hunt, but you can probably do a regular driven hunt for under $1000, maybe you will have a good result. This is 1 or 2 days.

$1800 Euros for two days should be better.

$3000 Euros for a few days in Eastern Europe should be amazing.

Spanish monterias are more expensive, maybe $3000 is the start price and 10,000 is probably the top for 2 or 3 days of drives.

 

[Muskox]

Marius @HUNTROMANIA has some huge Boar there, and I'd like to hunt a really big Keiler with him in the future.

Other than that I'm more interested in a driven hunt from a stand. I've already looked at the cost, and I'm comfortable with it, even if I don't get a lot of shooting. Much of it will be the excitement and tradition of a European group hunt, as compared to one or two friends as we do it here or in Africa.

Talk to the places I posted above about one of their group hunts in Eastern Europe for wild boar, stags and fallow or mouflon.

I have really enjoyed being the only American on mixed group hunts I have been on in Hungary, Germany and Austria.

Big wild boar is tough anywhere in Europe with swchweinapest.

 

[UKHunter]

A lot of the wild boar fever hunts are behind fences with stocked wild boar, or premium areas which will cost many many thousands.

Many people go on ‘typical’ driven hunts for 3 days and may not get a shot. Average maybe an animal per person per day but you will have many blank days and then get lucky. That will be a mix of boar and deer.

I have been fortunate to be invited to a few driven hunts. If you accept it more for the experience, culture, team work, then you will enjoy yourself. However, I would not go expecting to have burning hot barrels like you see in wild boar fever or any guarantees of even shooting a boar.

 

[MontanaPat]

Really interested in following this thread, I too have been wanting to do a driven hunt in Europe for some time. WTA had a 3 day driven hunt in Croatia that was scheduled to go on this past week, I looked closely at doing it but just couldn't make the dates work with other travel I already had planned. They said the do one of these geared toward US hunters every couple of years. Price was not too bad at around $3k total for the hunt.

I'm doing a wild board hunt and fallow deer with Marius at HuntRomania this coming fall the last week of October in Romania.

I bought one of the GAIM systems at DSC in 2024 when they were demoing them at the show. It is really a lot of fun to use. I like doing the driven boar and driven stag hunt scenarios and think they give you pretty decent practice on shots at running game but doesn't help with identification. There are some after market sellers making and selling 3D printed bolt attachments so you can get practice and feel for running the bolt following shots on moving game to give a better simulation. I haven't bought pone yet but looking at them.

Hope we can meet for a short bit at SCI in a couple of weeks and compare notes. I definitely plan to do a driven hunt sometime in the next 2-3 years

@skydiver386 Feel free to reach out to me via PM if you want to connect sometime at SCI. I will be there from Tuesday evening until Sat Am, also plan to attend the AH dinner on Friday night

Pat

 

[Nyati]

I have competed at the Olympic Running Boar Event during many years, you use a .22LR at 50 meters, starting at port arms.

It does teach you how to shoot at running animals.

However, I have given up monterias in Spain, the decent ones, pigs only, start at 3.000€.

Mixed ones, where you shoot pigs, mouflons and deer, start at 6.000€

Cheaper ones are not worth the effort, as the chances of shooting anything are slim.

 

[skydiver386]

Really interested in following this thread, I too have been wanting to do a driven hunt in Europe for some time. WTA had a 3 day driven hunt in Croatia that was scheduled to go on this past week, I looked closely at doing it but just couldn't make the dates work with other travel I already had planned. They said the do one of these geared toward US hunters every couple of years. Price was not too bad at around $3k total for the hunt.

I'm doing a wild board hunt and fallow deer with Marius at HuntRomania this coming fall the last week of October in Romania.

I bought one of the GAIM systems at DSC in 2024 when they were demoing them at the show. It is really a lot of fun to use. I like doing the driven boar and driven stag hunt scenarios and think they give you pretty decent practice on shots at running game but doesn't help with identification. There are some after market sellers making and selling 3D printed bolt attachments so you can get practice and feel for running the bolt following shots on moving game to give a better simulation. I haven't bought pone yet but looking at them.

Hope we can meet for a short bit at SCI in a couple of weeks and compare notes. I definitely plan to do a driven hunt sometime in the next 2-3 years

@skydiver386 Feel free to reach out to me via PM if you want to connect sometime at SCI. I will be there from Tuesday evening until Sat Am, also plan to attend the AH dinner on Friday night

Pat

I'll definitely see you Friday evening at the AH Dinner. Tina and I will be the ones handing out Africa Hunting hats.

 

[HUNTROMANIA]

Wild boar driven hunt is the most popular hunting in Europe. In this kind of hunting you don’t go for a trophy. Is a hunt to regulate the wild boar population. Yes, by chance you can get a nice male or whatever. Even from the stand is not easy to see the difference between them. Sexual dimorphism on wild boars is not easy to be seen. If someone want to hunt a trophy boar (Keiler) this must be over bait and in most of the time during the night. Or by chance stalking in to the fields.
Best time is winter until April.

 

[HUNTROMANIA]

Shooting moving targets like wild boars or bears in driven hunt requires years of experience, training and proper equipment ( gun and scope or red dot). Apart from that safety rules are extremely important! You are surrounded by other hunters, beaters, dogs etc.
In some of my driven hunts we had in total more than 70 peoples involved.