Braving the -10 degree frost to step into the wilderness
It was a frosty morning in the middle of January in 2024, when I left for the Carpathian mountains, in the central area of Romania, for an unforgettable but long-awaited experience - wild boar hunting. With the thermometers dropping to -10 degrees, my thermal gear was essential, gear to the acre I was careful when I bought every top, pant, etc: thermal tights, thermal body top, thermal hoodie and a robust hunting winter jacket, all dedicated to hunting. For the hands, I chose two pairs of gloves - one thermal, with phosphorescent yellow fingers, for warmth, and one without fingertips, perfect for handling the weapon, dark green, but which also have a cover over the fingers when needed.
In tune with nature, but visible for safety
On my head I wore a thick hat with a lining on the inside that retained the heat inside, of a phosphorescent red, and on my body, a vest in shades of bright red-orange, to be easily noticed by my fellow hunters. This is a golden rule in boar hunting - be visible for safety, especially when boar chases are organized. On the feet, thermal boots and thick socks, all ready for the harsh, dark green temperatures.
The first adventure was the road and the ascent up the mountain to the hunting area with a modified Jeep
The adventure began with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, modified for off-road, with winter tires but with large studs, which do not trap you in big snow or mud. After we met with our colleagues and completed the necessary formalities, we started for the mountain, at an altitude of 1400-1500 meters. The hunters who had hunting dogs stayed below, ready to direct the boars towards us. Today they were gonacs.
Waiting in the wilderness with patience and deep silence
Once we arrived at the area where each hunter sat down in turn, waiting for the game to come out, there was absolute silence, only the sounds of nature echoing around: the forest, the stream from the property, the gentle breeze of the wind. At one point, a curious fawn approached me, quite close, giving me a moment of grace before disappearing into the woods. We waited there, in the same place, within a radius of 50 m, for about three hours, but the boars did not appear on our route.
Change of plans and unexpected success
We moved to another slope, and I took up a position on a hilltop with a wide view of the valley on both sides. Although the wild boars did not show, I had the opportunity to see deer and foxes. Having a permit for foxes as well, I managed to shoot one, thus helping to protect the local fauna.
The adrenaline continues on the way back - A wonderful end to the day
The hunting day ended around 15:00 local time, when there was not much left and the sun was beginning to disappear, but with sun and somewhat milder temperatures, of -2 degrees. My gear kept me warm, proving essential on this adventure. The descent also included a moment of solidarity, helping a hiker with a car less prepared for the harsh winter conditions and off road that was stuck in the snow.
The story continues
This experience was just one of many that I will live in the wilderness of the Carpathian Mountains. I'm already planning my next outing, ready for new adventures and surprises that nature has in store for me.
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Wild boar hunting is not only a sporting activity, but also a deep connection with nature, a lesson in patience and respect for the wild. Every moment spent in these places increases the appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world in which we live, especially a wild Romania, little known by most or not at all by even more. I look forward to sharing the next adventure with you!
Next, I leave you a short video with the superb area where I was waiting for the game.