1O MISTAKES AMERICAN HUNTERS MAKE IN EUROPE

Americans make up a majority of most European outfitters’ client base. It can be as high as 95% depending on their marketing strategy. This being the case, most faux pas are forgiven by the outfitter. Add to this that we’re the most generous tippers in the world and you’re probably not going to get corrected about anything unless it’s a safety issue. Add to this that despite some amateur world travelers’ opinions otherwise, most people I’ve dealt with are fond of Americans and what we bring to the global situation. Obviously, I would never apologize for being an American abroad but I’m genuinely embarrassed for the people that feel so compelled. There’s no reason for it.
‍

Even with the above being true, when we work to understand the cultures and values of the people we hunt with we show respect. Every friendship is enhanced with respect. People will be warmer to you and the experience will be richer for all. Here are some mistakes I’ve seen and even some I’ve made. Maybe this will help your next European hunting trip be even more amazing.

‍
1) MAKING ASSUMPTIONS 

European game management is different from ours. Trophy scoring and the fees are remarkably specific and licenses can be very specific. Over there, game is a crop…harvested primarily by age class. To European hunters, antler or horn size is usually not as important as age. When preparing for your hunt have in-depth conversations about the trophies you hope to harvest and the costs specific to the species and size which are measured in grams and millimeters. Prices can skyrocket when moving from silver to gold medal particularly with red stag, fallow deer and brown bear. A good example is brown bear trophy fees in Romania going from $20K to $40k between silver and gold. Know what your goal is and make sure your outfitter communicates this to your guide if they aren’t the same person. 

2) OVERPACKING 

European hotels and cars are small relative to those in the USA. Get organized early but wait to pack until you have the latest weather conditions for your destination. If you overpack it gets awkward in the car and you’ll be tripping over your luggage the whole time. 

3) YAPPING 

If you plan to attend a driven hunt, it is a social event. Plan to sit and eat with your fellow hunters at the midday meal. But most importantly, plan to respect the solemnity of the tableau. It will occur in the evening and is interesting to watch but it is a solemn event. So observe quietly. Also, don’t step over the carcasses. 

4) BOOKING BAD 

Choosing the wrong airline. American Airlines, Delta, Iberia and Lufthansa tend to be friendly to hunters. Try not to fly through New York or London. Or make your life easy and use a service like Travel with Guns.

5) LEARNING ZERO WORDS

If you’re hunting a country with Germanic tradition, expect to hear “Weidmannsheil!” frequently. You’re being wished success. Now the reply is a little tricky. If it is a fellow hunter then you reply with the same, “Weidmannsheil!”. If it is a greeting from a non-hunter then reply, “Guten Tag”. If you’re a successful hunter, you can reply, “Waidmannsdank” which is a hunter’s thank you. Attempt any of these and you’ll be doing better than staring blankly. Sometimes when you travel internationally frequently this can get tricky under pressure. I recall answering “si” on Petersen’s Hunting TV when asked a question by a guide in Romania. In my defense, I was in the scope trying to get shot on a chamois without falling to my death on a snowy cliff.

6) GETTING LOST CULTURALLY 

Various hunting countries and regions can be pretty specific in their hunting traditions. If you’re unsure ask before you apply something you saw in Bavaria while hunting in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain. You laugh but “Weidmannsheil!” has been hailed in just such a place by someone who should have known better.

‍

7) STAYING CLASSY

Generally speaking, American hunting was an avocation of the working class pioneer and then by working class people generally. Also, generally speaking, European hunting was a sport of the elite. We hunt farms and public land and they hunt estates and hunting clubs. Anticipate dressing for dinner and meals taking much longer and occurring later than in an American hunting camp. Pack for it and plan for it. It is a nice part of the experience so relax and enjoy it. Also, you’ll feel silly sitting down to a 5 course meal in a sweaty camo t-shirt. Want to take your game up a notch and come home with a great souvenir? Ask your guide to take you shopping before leaving the city and help you buy an appropriate outfit.

8) JOKES

The funniest jokes are a little naughty and require a common cultural context. It gets awkward quickly when a lead balloon is launched at the table. I suggest listening more and talking less; especially when it comes to humor. Connybear was the master of the lead Hindenburg but even he learned eventually.

9) SMOKING

Don’t underestimate the physical abilities of guides with a cigarette in their mouth. Their bodies are accustomed to it. If you have a chain smoking guide just go with it. He’ll play the wind and probably out hike you.

10) NOT DRINKING

Unless you really have struggles with alcohol, plan to enjoy wonderful wines. Americans tend to be teetotalers compared to much of Europe and they miss out on much of the culinary experience when the decline the wine. In former Soviet states anticipate a proffer of vodka at any hour and accept it. Things get awkward quickly if you don’t.