Types of Hunting

We recognize three types of hunting.

Still hunt - hunter is waiting for game at a certain place close to fields, meadows and everywhere where game use to come and graze. Hunter needs to be well hidden but at the same time he has to have a good overview. Very important part is the direction of wind - blowing direction from the expected place of game arrival. During strong wind it is useless to wait for game - it is hidden in sheds and does not go out. Often hunter visits waiting place in the morning or evening, when game is the most active. Wild boar can be also shot during moon nights at its natural feeding places. This type of hunt is most common for all types of deer, wild boar but also grouse at lek, goose during spring and fall migration, wild rabbits, foxes and badgers at their dens. Advantage of this type of hunt is good conditions for aiming. Disadvantage can be disturbance and change of grazing place if the still hunt is often carried out at the same place.

Deerstalking - hunter is trying to search for game, with utilization of good wind. Hunter needs to be good and swift shooter. All movements have to be quiet. The most successful is this method while drizzling, after storm or strong rain, in the morning and evening when game use to be active. The approach to the game is the most difficult - it is necessary to find good spot for shooting, enough close to ensure sure shoot. To improve this method, hunters use to build a net of trails in the hunting ground by removing of branches to ensure noiseless movement.

Tracking - by using tracker dogs to search for sheds of small game, especially wild rabbits. Dogs search for game in bushy terrain and chase it toward hunter. This method is however mostly used during collective hunts.

Luring - hunter is using different callers to lure game. This method is the most successful during deer rut by simulating of female voice, or simulating of pray voice during hunting of predators. It is also possible to simulate voice of calf to lure fawns. 

This type of hunting is most often used for small game, but also for fawns and calves of deer game, young wild boar, foxes.  For each hunt hunting leader is determinated, as well as main hunters and leader of beaters. Perfect preparation is an important presumption of each hunt. Suitable are painted plans (maps) of hunt with marked direction of movement, standpoint of each hunter and storing place of shoot game. Hunting dogs are often used for chasing game. Dogs suppose to find wounded or dead game.

Driven hunt In this exciting form of hunting you work with others, supported by beaters and dogs. You can expect to see a diverse range of different game, driven towards you at a run as you stand and wait. You have to be constantly on the alert and fully equipped to take a quick shot at fast-moving game.
The principle is basically based on movement of both hunters and beaters. Hunters and beater walk in one line together the same direction. Hunters can shoot backwards and frontwards. The line of hunters and beaters must be still aligned to ensure safe shooting. The movement of line should be up the wind. Sometimes there are used side hunters who walk in front of the line on the sides, so called "wings". They can shoot only game running out of the hunting area. In dense forest there can be used another type of driven hunt - beaters walk in one line and hunters walk on both sides of these lines. They can shoot only outwards.

Den hunt - used for fox hunting. Hunting dog of dachshund or terrier breed is launched to the den. Ejected foxes are shot.

Ferret hunt - similar type like a den hunt. Instead of dog it is used ferret, which eject rabbits out of den.

Falconry - one of the oldest types of hunt with help of birds of prey. Most commont birds used are goshawk, sparrowhawk and other according to the Slovak legislation. Falconry has become again popular and respectable type of hunt. Among others falconers support rescue programs of birds of prey and yearly release many young birds to the nature.