USA vs European hunting culture

The differences in hunting culture and traditions of American and European hunters.

[@justinschmidt4692]

I have hunted in Norway with a great hunting friend there. I found it much more like hunting in the states then you would expect. Alone on the mountains stalking and glassing. Great fun. Plus Norway seems very hunter friendly. I cleared customs in 10 minutes with my firearm. The custom agent last words to me in English “good luck hunter”.

[@HeadhuntexGamer]

Must have been an amazing experience. I'm young and I really want to hunt in both America and Europe, would be great

[@zajagter2888]

That's very rare there in Europe I've heard.

[@justinschmidt4692]

It felt like they were respectful of hunting culture but not gun culture. There is a difference. Personally, l like living where you can enjoy both hunting and gun culture. As a side, I really enjoyed fling into Joeberg to hunt. That was easy too. The most trouble I ever had at an airport with a firearm was coming back to USA after a hunt. USA custom agents did not know the law. It took them 3 hours to google and read the rules of travel for a firearm.

[@dimmacommunication]

@@justinschmidt4692 You can't openly talk about guns here in Europe... it's almost like being gay in Russia LOL

[@sanderpander73]

Glad you enjoyed huting here in Norway. Im a norwegian hunter who's been several trips to Denmark to hunt all types of deer. I must admit that the way of hunting here vs. Denmark and the other western european countries is a bit different. We dont have the same number of game and the terrain also makes it a bit difficult to hunt where i live. Even though i love my country, i must admit that the danish hunt lies deep in my heart

[@johnhutcheson8869]

Weidmann's Dank. You did a good job. I served in the Berlin Brigade, held a German hunting license, had a million Deutche Mark liability insurance policy, two weeks of training, a written exam, and a shooting test. Took a Chamois on the Austrian border and a gold medal Hirsch near Hatzfeld. I had to wire home for money on the last one as the tradition was to treat EVERYONE in three towns to all the beer they could consume. In the German tradition there are an additional 10,000 words in their language **just for hunting** ....Jaeger Sprache (hunter speak). The game belongs to the land owner or the state. If you have permission to hunt you may buy your kill at the market rate (wild game is very popular in the markets). If you have a lease (Hunting reviere) you are responsible for the Abschuss Plan (game harvest plan). If you don't harvest the plan :0( the state can send a "beruff's jaeger" (professional hunter) at your expense to complete the harvest. And you are responsible for "wildshodden" (damage to the neighbors farm land by the wild hogs that live in your woods). It is a different world.

[@Benzlerfahrer]

I’m from Belgium as well, just started getting my license. I did grow up in a hunting family and everything you said in this video is exactly right. I guess our traditions can be tracked back to the feudal systems, where the rich and nobility owned every right to hunt. Where as the North American tradition probably comes from the times of the great frontiers, wich the USA is built upon. Times where self preservation was utmost important. Nice video, really enjoyed it!

[@wesleysmith9265]

This man needs more recognition

[@Matt-uz9ee]

I agree. He's one of the few hunting YTers who keep it real. Those best of the west types get tiring to watch. This guy knows his stuff.

[@paulsimmons5726]

My head nodded as you spoke. I was given my first shotgun at 10, shot on my highschool JROTC rifle team for 4 years, and have hunted for almost 45 years since then. My son and daughter were both taught firearms safety and marksmanship from early ages. And my wife was quite capable of shooting from an early age from instructions she received from her family. The big difference between the US and most of the European countries is, like you said, Americans have total exposure to firearms since they were children. My friends from Japan have always been amazed whenever I've taken them to the range to shoot guns they've only seen in movies. We simply have a gun culture. Great video, thanks! (Africa, still on the bucket list!)

[@NYPrepper]

I have Polish family, my parents are straight from Poland and my Dad's side of the family were farmers over 100 years. In Poland they have hunting clubs and in order to hunt you need to join the local club and then apply for a rifle license, without being a member of the club you couldn't get a license. The hunting clubs are very selective on who they let in also. They will also involve the entire town and make it into a big thing when they hunt each fall, like getting the local priest to say a prayer for the hunters and have a local celebration of the opening of the season. However back when my Dad was growing up those licenses and clubs never existing during communism days, farmers just had a shotgun or rifle and they would hunt any time they wanted there were no seasons or bag limits. Pheasant, boar, elk, moose, and deer are the most popular game.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Thank you for sharing your family's experiences, and some historical context of hunting in that great country.

[@kazimierzspaczynski7401]

Pozdrawiam z Texasu.

[@misiomor]

It's a little bit more complicated in Poland. The main difference between us and Europe is that game is the property of the state. The country is divided into hunting areas (several thousand of them). Each of them may be rented by a hunting club. The club enjoys a monopoly for hunting in that area and is responsible for game management. A club may rent several areas, sometimes very far apart. The members (or invitees of the club) may hunt on either state or private land (except urban or fenced) in that area. The recent Supreme Court verdict gave the landowner an opt-out. However, the club pays damages to farmers if game destroys crops - this does not apply to land opted out of the hunting area, in such case the damages are paid directly by the state (and the courts are less eager to give fair compensation). Farmers are prohibited from defending their crops or livestock - a little remnant of feudalism. After being harvested, the animal (still the property of the state) must be properly gutted and cooled, and brought to a licensed game trading enterprise, where it will be tested for parasites and the hunter may leave it and receive compensation (meat and skin will be sold to someone else if good) or pay a preferential low price and take it home, without the right to sell. This system thrived under communism, with club membership being restricted to commie "elite". The clubs were affiliated with organizations like army sub-branches, government or (centrally planned) industry directorates. The importance of the organization dictated preferential access to the best hunting areas. Some are still rented by the same clubs, although the membership became less strictly limited to the friends and families of old cadre. A new member means taking part in the damages payments.

[@AdurianJ]

In Sweden you can basically do the Hunting course in a weekend if you read the books beforehand and is a decent shot and has basic gun safety. Then you can get gun licenses for up to 6 hunting rifles. Before the 90's there was no limit on the number and before the 80's you did not need any course it was enough to prove you had access to land where you could hunt. As getting guns in Europe is a bit harder than in the USA guns with Swappable barrels and bolt heads like the Blaser R8 have become popular. Then you only need one licence but can use multiple calibres. One of the odd hunts here in Sweden is hunting roe deer with birdshot. They die from shock and you get almost no meat damage. The Tikka T3 is the most common hunting rifle in Sweden and almost everyone uses silencers. For any hunt you conduct in Sweden there has to be a search dog available to track any prey that you only injured. This in itself makes the hunt more social as you can't go out on your own unless you yourself has a dog for tracking. Gustav III the Swedish king in the late 18th century removed the hunting privilege from the nobility and allowed peasants to hunt on their own land including royal game like Moose and Roe Deer. This resulted in most species being hunted to extinction or very close to it. This led to multiple bans on hunting during the 19th century and in the year 1900 only 1500 Moose's where shot compared with today's over 80,000. In 1982 174,709 moose's where shot which was more than in the rest of the northern hemisphere combined (North America Siberia and Russia)

[@hugofriberg3445]

You forget that only around 35% pass the theoretical test first time, that hunting is seen as a responsibility and not a right/recreational activity in Sweden, and most of the training is about the fauna, not marksmanship. + search dogs are only sometimes required when hunting birds in certain situations, and when hunting bear, lynx, moose, deer, mufflon or boar

[@ngn_vetpath]

Excellent analysis sir. I am from Cyprus which is a small European Island Country and I am happy to say that we have more commons with the Americans when compared to western Europeans with wild animals belonging to the state thus the people and not to the land owners. We are also allowed to enter any private land for hunting if not fenced profited we to not inflict any damage. I hope it stays this way and we will not go the European way.

[@pystykorva7114]

I'm from Finland and hunting here is for everybody, the poor and the rich. It's developed naturally during 10000 years based on necessity. I don't like the "European" hunting which is about super rich people shooting animals for trophies, while having 30000 dollars worth of equipment. I know it's not ALL like that but in many European countries the hunting is the fun only for the rich and I don't like that. Just my 2 cents.

[@backinblack1982]

I find the idea of European/Alpine hunting to be fascinating. The high end handmade rifles, and hunting uniforms - it creates an element of an ancient tradition, and in a way those are my own ancestors. But I really appreciate my freedoms as an American, and the ability to just go hunting on my own terms. Very cool video!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

I agree on both accounts

[@bushboi]

Its really nice seeing this, me as a South African hunter, I've always wondered why Europeans and Americans hunt like they do

[@HeadhuntexGamer]

How does it work in South Africa? Is it similar to Europe or America?

[@swerwerindiewind7334]

@@HeadhuntexGamermore like the States. We(well most of us) hunt for meat only. A lot of hunting is done from the back of pick-ups which may seem like cheating.

[@GrettirAsmundsson]

Good comparison and some great points about the link between hunting and conservation, something a lot of non hunters don’t realise. BTW hunting culture in New Zealand, where I live, shares a lot of similarities to North America hunting culture.

[@berttrueman5008]

Hello Matt, Hunting and conservation go hand in hand. However, trying to educate the anti-brigade on that one would of course be a total waste of time and energy!😡😡They have their lies off to an art form!🤔🤔🤔 My plans are to hunt in North America.

[@Sam7x57]

I like to watch European hunting shows to see what it is like in Europe. One show covered a partridge hunt. To me it looked miserable, but I respect the cultural differences. I hunt to get away from people, to relax and be myself. I always hunt alone and meet the group later by the campfire. The etiquette, collective mindset, and clothing reminds me of all the stuff I dislike at work.

[@PastorDanMoore]

Back in the 80"s, I was stationed in Germany (US Army). I was a member of a few shooting clubs. I took the tests to hunt. I finally was offered a hunt about 2 months before I left. I turned it down as I was getting ready to leave. I remember being on Staff Duty one night. Instructions were for me to call someone, a US Army Colonel, who was staying in a local hotel. He was in country only two weeks and got invited to go pheasant hunting. Rank has its privileges in Germany. Sergeants (like me) often would be used as beaters until one earned the privilege of hunting over there. I hope it has changed since the 1980's but... I am glad here in the U.S. the ease it is to go hunting. I don't take it for granted when I consider the hoops one has to go through in many countries to go hunting.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

The German hunter….. I’m German as my parents are born and raised. I was born in the USA however and have been around guns since I was born. My first gun was at age 6, a Winchester single shot .22. I’m now in my 50’s and I’d challenge any “German” gun owner/hunter to my own gun and hunting knowledge. I’ve been to Germany countless times. My parents own a vacation house in the countryside of Austria (Tirol). I know Germany and Americans are far better hunters than Germans based on experience, location and game species. Plus, our 2A gives us much more firearms freedoms than my fellow krauts. Screw European hunters that think less of North American hunters. We have more choices, options, traditions, opportunities and more WEAPONS choices. Also, the “blood on the face” thing… the heart thing… stupid.

[@friedrice69]

I was thinking about this early. You broke it down perfectly. Thanks!!

[@vlad.vasilev.94]

That's a great take on the topic and I agree with you on 100%. Just to shed some light on the hunting practices in the Balkans and in particular my country - Bulgaria. So here we have the heavy influence of the German hunting world (Conseration, Tradition, Practices), but also because we were comunist for nearly 50 years - game is a public resource and hunting is not an activity reserved for "the nobility" or just a selected few! Bulgarian hunters participate in a National Union as members and the organisation itself is devided regionaly and then localy (usualy every settelment). The group hunting is a big thing ofcourse (wild boar, small game and birds, all done with smoothbore only) and actualy you need to participate for at least 2 y. to be able to get a rifle licence (once you have that licence you can also take the rifle in group event) and hunt individualy, DIY stile. Its easy to go hunt localy and its not too expesive like in Western Europe, even if you get nice trophy animals. For a foreigner though, he has to go trough an organised public or private hunting estate, and its expensive, exspecialy if you are looking for a trophy. In my opinion we have the best of both worlds!

[@vlad.vasilev.94]

Just FYI my credentials - I grew up in a hunting family in rural environment, have always been interested in hunting and game management. I went to professional lycee for forestry and hunting management, and now I work as a PH and guide in a public hunting area.

[@crwalker33]

Thank you for your efforts in producing this video. I grew up in GA and hunt regularly. Enjoy our southern hunting culture. I hunted in Austria/Hungary specifically to experience the traditional European hunting culture. I very much enjoyed it. You hot it on the head when mentioning camaraderie. The Euro hunting culture is excellent from a history-camaraderie perspective. I killed a great red stag and sika deer on stalks with a guide. Their honoring the animals with leaves in their mouths and on your hat is good stuff. While hunting a duo from Salzburg was wild hog hunting. One of them killed their first pig. We did a ritual honoring him where they recited a bunch of stuff and he had to lay over the quarry. Every experienced pig hunter (me included) had to hit him with a carved wooden staff. He kept the staff as a right of passage. Of course we were all very liquored up by that time, so it was an extremely fun bonding experience. The whole experience was one of my better hunting experience from a camaraderie standpoint. It was a good thing but I can't say it was better than solo stalking an animal over time, killing that animal and dragging it out up high ravines and processing it with my buddies. It was just different but both are excellent! Thank you for addressing this in an intelligent manner. Having said that, I'll be back to Europe soon. Hopefully to do a driven hunt!

[@robd380]

Great video and subject matter. Always wondered what all the differences were and what they thought of us.

[@moritzs.2895]

As a German hunter, another difference is that we use different techniques. In Many videos I saw recently, there were quite big shooting distances. Where as we in Germany only rarely shoot on game that’s 150m or further away.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Shooting animals at long distance is almost never required in North America, and is looked down upon by most hunters. Unfortunately, the firearm/media complex is pushing this behavior to sell new rifles, bullets, and cartridges. But I assure you, most American hunters get within 200 yards before setting up a shot.

[@brycehiigel235]

absolutely agree the new thing being long distance shooting and bow speed. My grandfather preached. Get as close as you can to the animal so you can make the cleanest shot to put the animal down and out of their misery as quick as you can.

[@Alex-gi7sm]

Waidmannsheil from Germany! Thanks for that video! Very interesting. I love the idea of being able to hunt and shoot wherever you want. ;) Sounds like the dreamland for any hunter.

[@kazimierzspaczynski7401]

There are rules of hunting also. But not so restrictive like in europe. Most important as always is safety, safety and safety.

[@adamnajera1297]

Thank you. People around the world should know the freedoms we enjoy.

[@aitornavarro6597]

I don't know about other European countries but in Spain, pigsticking on horseback is making a comeback. It's been a long hunting tradition on the peninsula that dates back to Roman times, like Fox hunting hunters ride on horseback, they carry 9-10 foot long spears to finish off the hogs. No guns.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Pig Sticking is popular in a few southern states in American, but what they do is much less formal. They take out a team of dogs; first releasing the "Bay Dogs", who track and corner the hog. When the Hog is cornered, the "Catch dogs" are released who physically subdue the hog so the hunter can finish it off with a knife (known as a pig-sticker or Arkansas toothpick).

[@aitornavarro6597]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 I had no idea there was something like that here in the States, how far back does hunting tradition date?

[@markuspusch2970]

I come from bavaria germany and you are absolutey right. A great vid that Shows the diffferences in an absolut correct way. Thank you and a great Waidmannsheil!

[@kazimierzspaczynski7401]

Viel gluck freund.

[@faksen13]

About unethical American hunters. There's a lot of KZbin videos with amercan hunters shooting kill shots far away and clearly out of their skill level. Around is friends supporting their shooting.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

this practice has become prevalent everywhere in the last 15 years. Scandinavians do it, Ausies do it, South Africans do it, and the good folks in New Zealand as well. I don't agree with it, but people all over the world are obsessed with it. I got sick of arguing with other hunters about leaning to hunt rather than use animals for long distance target practice.

[@daveaver]

Don’t be afraid to comment on their videos. I’ve done it many times with a few return comments that make me laugh. It’s not ethical, no matter your skill level. My opinion.

[@sap3055]

As a Norwegian bug game hunter im al about ethical hunting i never shoot until i get that one perfect kill shot

[@pakcanhunter]

What a great topic to discuss

[@edwardtroth8630]

I hunt Deer, stag and moose in Norway. Very fun. Hunting is widely supported in Norway as well, even with the Govt encouraging it.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

I hope to hunt in Norway in the next few years.

[@edwardtroth8630]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 it's great it isn't like hunting in the UK either, it's a proper working man's past time. With a great respect for the game, where it's perfectly acceptable for the Deer/moose to run through the gauntlet.

[@blakedavis2447]

As an American I enjoy hunting by myself more than with people

[@deaganachomarunacathasaigh4344]

Irish hunter here. Hunting is very widespread in Ireland. Many people use more bows and slings then guns. This is because guns are harder to get. The game is small to large. Most popular is the Red Deer or Fia Rua as we call them. Hunting training only applies for deer in Ireland. The way hunting is done in Ireland is through tracking and stalking. All game species in Ireland are rabbit, grey Squirrel, mink, pheasant, grouse, quail, greylag goose, shelduck, Canada goose, mallard, teal, shovelbill, ruddy, snipe, woodcock, red legged partridge, wood pigeon, muntjac, red deer, fallow deer, sika deer, fox, wild boar and feral sheep. These are legal ones. But there's people who poach all animals in Ireland like grey partridge or badger. Traditions Some still do this, its an old Irish tradition of manhood to kill a boar with a spear. Its bones would be croushed into power and mixed with goirmín (war paint) from the glaisin plant and applied to the skin as you we suppose to inherit the strength of the boar. Now boar are very rare in Ireland today but they are still potgering around. I know some spots but I will not say as I want them protected for now. Another tradition is to say a prayer after the animal is killed. This is a sign of respect to the animal. Go nglacfaí le do spiorad ag an cruthaitheoir, agus fios aige go ndearna tú freastal ar do chuspóir, gur chomhlíon tú do chinniúint. Go raibh maith agat a Thiarna as do nádúr agus créatúir dochreidte a roinnt. Deonaigh dom i gcónaí, eagna agus meas sa tóir agus coinnigh humhal orm san fhómhar. Le do thoil glacadh leis an spiorad ainmhithe. This was a Pagan celtic tradition but the first Christians had to incorporate it so it just stuck as a tradition and is one I follow. Ireland is a Hunters dream land as you are never too far from nature. Tá an nádúr a sreabhann trí gach rud

[@aussieshootandhuntadventur4973]

Sadly we will always be forgotten that we contribute to conservation much more than can be measured .far as rituals here in Australia some have there own , I put my hand on the animals head and thank it for providing !.up north the aboriginals still hunt with spears sometimes and chant round the fire

[@natebaker1000]

I have a similar ritual here in America where stroke the animals back and thank it for the meat that will feed my family and I do save the skulls but it's so that I do not forget the life that animal gave to feed my family

[@ovejohansen77]

Great video! This really made me realize the big differences between central European and northern Scandinavian hunting. You really ought to make a episode on Scandinavian hunting. Here in Norway, big game hunting is somewhat like the rest of europe, The estate owners "owns" the hunt. They either hunt themselves (often 5-10 estate owners + family/friends) or they sell "seats" in the hunting team to the highest bidder. It's easier to get to hunt, the further north you go. Small game and forrest fowl hunting on the other hand is more of a free hunt , where you pay the local landowner guild a small hunting fee , and then hunt as you may , during hunting season. The gun culture in Scandinavia is also more like in the US, but more regulated, especially on handguns. I took my general hunting licence at school , in my last year of elementary school. I can own 8 hunting rifles/shotguns, few questions asked. There is a 2 months register period when you buy a rifle or shotgun , but if you already got one of each , the gun shop or private seller can lend you the gun until your paperwork returns. And most norwegian hunt with supressed guns. If you hunt with other hunters , you are expected to have a supressor. They are seen as hearing protection , and are licence-free.

[@danijel2045]

That driven hunt culture only applies to fall/winter. During the rest of the year we also go on solitary hunts to fill up our freezers and prevent damages while still maintaining most of the culture.

[@shaneroddy8244]

Well done sir. I do think American hunters should take a few moments for a deeper appreciation of the hunt. But, we are all in this together as fellow hunters. Greetings from Oklahoma und weidmannsheil!

[@berttrueman5008]

Hello Shane, I'm writing this short message of words in response to your comment and greetings from Oklahoma. We do have different laws and of course we have no larger type quarry that our fortunate American or Canadian hunters so luckily have.😊😊 We of course have a very strong tradition of so many different kinds of field sports, i.e. Fox hunting, Ferreting for Rabbits, catching Rats and foxes with working Terriers, shooting and fishing and so much more.However, we are being constantly attacked by those buffoons of our society, namely the so-called animal lovers, Antis etc. They don't give a dam about the welfare of the fox or whatever else. They deem Fox hunting as a rich mans sport, of course, Fox hunting has many rich and very wealthy followers but by the other flip of the coin it attracts people from all walks of society.I envy our fellow Americans hunters, especially regarding the laws and certain protection of the hunters from any of the anti-brigade.Here in England the government has given them too much free reign and that's why there is all the trouble nowadays.It has been proven that once they find a certain type success with one particular sport they then move onto another field sport. Now they are constantly attacking shooting, and their attention is turned and directed to (Grouse shooting) in particular.😡😡😡😡😡😡😡 What next? In truth, they're just a small minority bunch of hoodlums with nothing whatsoever constructive within their lives. What I find utterly remarkable is, they portray themselves as animal lovers but then they wish death upon any hunting folk who doesn't agree with their deranged ideologies and certain thought processes regarding any hunting issues. One only has to read about Chris Packham and his hatred for any type hunting, it's only about him lining his filthy pockets and maintaining his gullible followers. But, I apologise for the slight rant. However, we all have to unite and to stick together, because will America find itself in the self same position in the very near future? Who knows?So for now I wish everyone an enjoyable day. Please tread careful and keep safe. Best wishes from England.

[@robertward9533]

As human beings we been hunting or raising animals forever there’s nothing deep about it you kill it you cook it you eat itYou should have a deeper appreciation for your fellow countrymen

[@jfm14]

Highly unlikely. Anti-hunting sentiment just isn't a thing in the US and Canada to the same extent. I think that's partially because it's considered more of a rural working class thing that folks here do just as much for food as for fun. Also, people are generally aware that hunting is a much more ethical way to source meat than buying from factory farms.

[@seboudog]

Excellent topic and very well presented!

[@viniciusmagnoni6492]

Great Video, you've respected both cultures and depicted the pros and cons with high levels of research 👍🏻.

[@leonardmorgan1679]

Up here in Alaska. Which is a part of America. Us native Americans have many rituals

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

It would be awesome to learn about some of your currently practiced native hunting rituals. I am in Alaska every year (wife's family lives there), and have hunted/fished with Natives several times, but have never seen any of them perform any rituals. Same with natives I have hunted with in Idaho, Montana, Arizona, and California. Just hunt, kill, butcher, and eat like me. Maybe modern times have changed things a bit.

[@leonardmorgan1679]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 we live in the interior and a lot of the culture has been lost sadly. But I've heard a lot from the elders of the old days where there was tremendous respect for all life and the land itself. Men who successfully hunted and taken down a bear had to have a great amount of respect for that animal. The head was buried facing the east. A hunters first moose that he successfully taken had to be divided by everyone. The hunter was not allowed to keep the meat or his animal. It is still like that with some of our people.but a lot of times people just have a get together dinner to celebrate the hunters success.

[@mirzaadil6955]

Great presentation..... enjoyed and learned a lot.

[@johnchristensen1209]

this is a very very good video and explanation...thankyou

[@mountainhobo]

Great summary.

[@YT-BenG]

I was born in applachian mountains, hunting is a part of life, just like you cut n split your firewood in the fall we all kill our game an we don't support any type of illegal hunting activities

[@janosolah8064]

Great content. Thank you. 👌👏🤝 Regards from Hungary.

[@robertejennings5400]

Good points about the conservation efforts of sportsmen.

[@Redevil667]

Man, if I ever wear a tie to go hunting. Seriously though, I hunted pronghorn in NM 10 years ago with a guy from Germany that was a great dude and had hunted all over the world. He taught me how easy it was to make European mounts.

[@davidstecher1171]

Great video! Totaly agree! Thanks!

[@stefanschug5490]

Great presentation! The main difference between NA and Europe though is that most of Europe has the Revier System and North America a license system. The territories, usually between 250 and 1000 ha are auctioned of to richer certified hunters or a group of hunters for about a decade (9 or 12 years) and the lease amount ( $ 1000 to $ 50 000 for some exceptional areas) has to be paid annually . The game belongs to the leaseholder and can be sold to restaurants and other consumers. There is a harvest plan for the majority of game species that has to be full-filled every year usually about 50 to 70 deer per 1000 ha. Most hunters depend on the benevolence of the leaseholders. In North America a certified hunter can usually get one or two licenses for the more common big game species and hunt on most crown land. By the way the German hunting course used to take almost a year and ended with a practical, written and oral exam testing firearms ( practical and theoretical as well as minimum shooting scores on moving and immobile targets to pass), wildlife biology, hunting legalities, nature conservation, hunting tradition, animal diseases and hunting dog training. Usually about 40% of the participants fail during their first attempt and you can only fail twice. Not to mention the expenses for the course which used to be around $ 1000 (45 years ago when I took it) and are currently around Euro 5000 and you do not get a brake if you fail the first time. Also if you wish to participate in driven hunts for wild bore you annually have to prove your ability to hit moving targets with a minimum score like in Sweden for driven moose hunts.

[@josephfischer3644]

European Union is horrible for hunting, because of the extreme anti-gun, anti-hunter laws. I did my hunter license for 4 years ago, but I couldn't go hunting. I have a french and a german hunting license. Now I am thinking about flying and staying in the USA in order to start hunting. I hate that we have such a big lack of freedom in the european union.

[@Fecbar]

Not true for Scandinavia

[@lovacporodjenju4363]

With your license you can hunt wherever you want in Europe. It is not so difficult, you can go as a hunter guest in almost every country in Europe. Maybe you must pay for some adventures, but a lot of Americans must pay also..

[@samnathan1677]

Even here in a fairly densely populated northern mass town during hunting season their always is good game land and you’ll hear a shot or two a day

[@littlewoody5539]

This video is A+ 👍

[@jimwatts4901]

I'm just getting into reloading and I wish I knew more on that subject , but ill learn , I have the same model 416 at home , I love the bolt and looks of this rifle , it handles really well !

[@brianwinters5434]

The irrational fear of firearms is alive and well in Nj.

[@scottcrowder7035]

Good video

[@aitornavarro6597]

I second the point about Europeans being better at shooting driven game and moving targets. Driven hunts is the norm in almost all of Europe.

[@ulysses8859]

Speaking of game control I can remember in the early sixties my uncle would hunt the A zone he would always bring back a nice size deer. One year he harvested a buck but before he took it from the A zone the game wardens asked if they could take the jaw portion of the buck to which he complied they needed it for a study they were conducting at the time. By the way I agree with you on all your points on hunting in America and the way we need to stay true to our rights as Americans. I am a American first and foremost. Great video Desert Dog!!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

They were using the jaw to age the deer. Even back then, A-zone was suffering from the genetic anomaly known as the "pacific forkie". Basically, hunters were only harvesting deer larger than a 2x2, so being a 2x2 became a favorable genetic trait (because only 2x2's were getting old enough to mate). Today, most of the bucks in southern A-zone will never be anything greater than a 2x2, or "pacific forkie". This is actually one small example of poor game management.

[@ulysses8859]

Desert Dog Outdoors Very interesting thanks for that info.

[@Benzlerfahrer]

Crazy how fast animals genetically adapt

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

@@Benzlerfahrer People too; I am convinced that mostly stupid people are breeding and passing on their genes.

[@ASimao71]

Simply... SUPERB! You nailed it! Thank you, Sir, for sharing such informative presentation.

[@missourimike5150]

Excellent video! You summed up my beliefs 110 percent!!!!!

[@JaySims]

This is a quality video- very educational! Thank you!

[@dimmacommunication]

Italian here : I have a testimony about guns: I always wanted to try guns but anything related to it is very complicated , super expensive and almost " shady " here. And it's not even the most extreme state about gun laws... My granddad used to own rifles but he got rid of them cause taxes were too high on them. You need a license just to own a rifle. And the cultural thing about european hunting is true,even calibers used.

[@Landon-no8ez]

Great video definitely explained better then most people

[@chrisalheit3205]

Here in SA first time hunters get the blood in the face and a slice of fresh raw liver.

[@petrotmyrcz308]

Interesting it was. Thanks as always for the great content.

[@raysmyth8596]

You have obviously hunted in mainland Europe where the local traditions (Iberian, Scandinavian, French, German etc.,) are valued and maintained as a source of pride and continuity with previous generations. As you rightly point out Europe is a far from homogenous place. In Ireland we have almost no rituals around stalking/hunting as the general populace were excluded from such activities. Our stalking & shooting culture is more free range but with much greater restrictions on the ownership/possession of firearms (for obvious historical reasons) and strict licencing rules for deer stalking. I do think that in both jurisdictions there is a sense respect and an appreciation for the fair pursuit of the game we pursue. Unfortunately such is not the case across the world.

[@deaganachomarunacathasaigh4344]

We do have traditions. I keep many. But not many know them. Glad you commented on Ireland though as we are the most active hunting country in Europe but no one knows that

[@mamakind99]

Eating the raw heart of your first wild boar used to be a tradition in Germany until the early 20th century, when it was stopped due to trichinella risks, so I wouldn't be surprised if german settlers from earlier brought over the tradition. I had to eat a raw onion as a replacement when I shot my first boar.

[@ctandsonsoutdoors7180]

Awesome video How about various hunting cultures within the US

[@theabstract100]

Good comparison, though I need to add a few things as a german hunter: The traditions are part of the hunting, but just a few are more interested in rituals than in hunting itself. In daily hunting the traditons arent that big of a deal, just in driven hunts. And you mentioned, that hunting mainly happens in groups. But that is wrong. Just in autumn and winter there are driven hunts with lots of traditions, everything else is hunting alone. Its probably like 90% hunting alone and 10% driven hunts. The hunters in germany have to preserve a healthy population of animals and needs to care for all animals (not just the ones you hunt). Each year hunters in germany build walls of branches and plant bushes as long as the chinese great wall to save birds and other small animals. And since german hunters care for their hunting areal for 9 or 12 years (depending on the type), their efforts help themselfes. They also pay for damage on crops due to too high animal counts or to less care for that. So they basecally manage the whole area, rather than just to shoot an animal and leave. The hunting license is also not just about traditions and guns, its mainly about biology of all types of animals, diseases, plants, ways to improve the habitat, knowing all animals in depth, law and meat regulations. Its called grünes Abitur which means something like green high school diploma (High school diploma with high SAT = Abitur), because its difficult to achieve.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Makes me extremely glad to live and hunt in North America, where such draconian measures are not needed or wanted.

[@b01tact10n]

Those are great points! Very good video!My culture 1st big kill like Moose is given away to Elders in my town. Taking close ethical shots on Big game is also part of my culture😁

[@williamshao1985]

Very educational, thank you.

[@battru8302]

I am in awe of American freedoms and hunting culture.

[@patric1302]

In Germany, we also have lot of Hunters who hunt alone not only on drivenhunts, and most hunters who hunt for the trophy aren't from the younger generation. Most young hunters hunt for the adventure, to service the enviroment and for meat, and the traditions connect all german speaking hunters from Austria and Switzerland and Germany, and ofcourse the focus is diffrent from region to region. And in our huntingschools we learn a lot about nature, the different trees, animals you cant hunt, how the ecosystem works, animal diseases, to decide if the shot is "Waidgerecht", that means if the shot will kill instantly or not. If a german hunter isnt at least 90% sure that his shot will kill immediatly, he wont shoot. We also learn things about agriculture.

[@erikkarlsson6808]

Oh hunting in sweden is not like you perceive european hunting.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Sweden and Norway don't count! Hoping to hunt Norway in a couple of years.

[@dennismeehan6359]

Please enlighten us sir 🤠!

[@paoemantega8793]

Very good. Keep up the good work sir.

[@kazimierzspaczynski7401]

In europe no long distance hunting because of how close are cities or villages. Up to 200 meters. It is to expensive for regular man to get in to shooting. It looks like government is sucking the money.

[@alexanderrodriguezmba2370]

Thank you for such a cool video!! We Americans are very lucky in so many ways!

[@joaquimalmeida2323]

a real lesson on the hunting culture of the old and new world.

[@kazimierzspaczynski7401]

It is hard to talk about euro hunting because so many different countries all with its own staf.

[@colepriceguitar1153]

It’s not easy to go hunting in America, especially if your not in the west. There’s almost no public land east of west Texas and it’s all about leasing land or going with an outfitter or being friends with a property owner.

[@dentaldepot]

German hunter here. Great video. There are differences in both cultures. Hunting is ok. Owning an Ar15 and using it to control fox and predator population is more than a point of discussion. It works great. For boars and Red stags i use a trusty .308 win Tikka

[@GD-zj2dl]

Excellent video! Greetings from Europe, I prefer the US and Canadian way of hunting, more individual.

[@HeadhuntexGamer]

Wow your video was very rich both in quality and content. I'm not a hunter yet because in my country it's illegal (Brazil) but love learning more about it!

[@deaganachomarunacathasaigh4344]

Really? I know a Brazilian here in Ireland who used to hunt monkeys and capybara

[@HeadhuntexGamer]

@@deaganachomarunacathasaigh4344 I believe he is probably from a small city or lived in a farm, it is illegal to hunt monkeys and capybaras. Up to one year in jail if you're caught doing that.

[@deaganachomarunacathasaigh4344]

@@HeadhuntexGamer Oh fuck. He failed to mention that😬😂 He also said in his village the children used to find anacondas with a full belly and poke them with sticks to get it to chase them. His village also used to catch and eat alot of Arapaima

[@HeadhuntexGamer]

@@deaganachomarunacathasaigh4344 Sounds like he lived in the Amazon region or something, different world from the coast big cities. I don't blame those people from hunting monkeys or capybaras, they usually do so to eat it.

[@deaganachomarunacathasaigh4344]

@@HeadhuntexGamer Yes he was from the Amazon Basin. He has some insane stories. I really want to go to Brazil, Suriname and Nicaragua for fishing. Targets being Arapaima, Pirihiba, Tarpon, Anjumara and Payara

[@glennandersen4748]

I live in norway its in between us and eu we have lot of free land and no strict roules for hunting

[@paulsummer2506]

Great video, DD.

[@paulharding1621]

Just catching up on this video, I’m a deer stalker in England, privileged to be allowed to stalk deer on private land. Stalking training is not mandatory but firearms ownership is controlled as I’m sure you are aware. I’m nearly sixty two years old and was introduced to shooting by my father as a young boy. Thanks for your broad perspective on hunting traditions etc.

[@Fux9999]

Greetings from Germany! Good information on your channel, thanks! Weidmannsheil! (Never thought I would hear that on an american channel).

[@CoinShow]

Great video!

[@soundman2604]

this is what makes America great, everyone for the most part can do what they want within the law of course. Good no bullshit approach. Stay free!

[@MillerJW100]

I would say American hunters in Pennsylvania are good at running shots, we do a lot of drive hunts here.

[@alexisgallegos5086]

Este vídeo es genial,saludos desde Acapulco ❤️.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

gracias por ver mis videos

[@perrypappous7617]

DD, I was born in Greece but left at age 13 so missed some of the ritualistic training. Most Greeks are bird hunters anyway. I was lucky enough to shoot an air rifle and a “Flobert” ( bolt action garden gun) while in Greece. I agree 100% on your right v. Privilege distinction. Let’s keep fighting for our rights. Perry Pappous, SoCal.

[@BrandonViani]

Most Americans don’t have an irrational fear of firearms 🇺🇸 - AMEN!

[@tayloralbrecht8362]

I’m looking for a field shirt just like that your wearing. What brand is it?

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Redhead. Either the Castmaster or 3 Springs. Only $10 at Bass Pro Shops right now.

[@tayloralbrecht8362]

Desert Dog Outdoors thank you!

[@wyomtnhippie]

Native Americans actually saved the organs for the pregnant women and younger children as they are the most mineral driven organs

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Yes, but no native tribe used the immediate consumption of organ meat as a hunting rutual or rite-of-passage (like many modern American hunters falsely believe the tradition came from).

[@YellowHammer26]

Great presentation. I live in Alabama and honestly can't remember a time when I wasn't hunting. I received my first rifle and was taught how to use it at a very young age.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Same here. My father has old black and white pictures of me shooting when I was 5.

[@kamilklein2880]

Excellent video Sir, on a very interesting topic! I fully agree with the contents. Best regards and "Waidmannsheil"! Kamil (German hunter)

[@cleaner6666]

Waidmannsheil 😂😂👍👍 Absolutely correct. Greatings from Germany

[@zajagter2888]

Here in South Africa when we shoot our first antelope we usually eat a raw chunk of the liver or the testicle

[@richardhegedus3740]

I think here in erupe, we have to have strict rules about who can and who cannot hunt. Since the continent and most countries are highly populated. People have to be able to judge if it's safe to take the shot or not. Also because of the being that you mention, we dont take any game. We havet to judge it's age, it's size and an approximate trophy score before taking a shot. If you don't learn about it it's impossible to do.

[@falba1492]

As a child, I would visit family in Spain, where there were large unpopulated areas. I learned to shoot and hunt with a caplock shotgun at about the age of ten or 11. The traditions were amazing, but it was mostly a rich mans sport. My great uncle owned large track of land, and would actually shoot at poachers. Spain in the good old days of Franco lol.

[@UndeadZombie22]

Not a surprise that someone with that backstory would say "Spain in the good old days of Franco" 🤢

[@falba1492]

@@UndeadZombie22 - Yeah, Spain has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. Only Greece is higher in the EU. Over 50% unemployment for the youth. Franco brought Spain kicking and screaming out of the 19th Century, and brought peace and prosperity to a very divided country. Yes it was brutal, but both sides were equally to blame. Compare Spain to Eastern Europe or to Cuba at the time, and Spain was a paradise my friend. Viva España 🇪🇸

[@waffleMAN-ml8so]

@@falba1492 based

[@uptown_rider8078]

@@UndeadZombie22 He saved Spain from communism

[@ingvarkristjansson766]

Amen 👍

[@bjcoveney5306]

Perfectly said

[@HabeasJ]

3:43 this dude knows he looks badass

[@BrandonViani]

🇺🇸

[@gennerobootz6490]

Was 11 when i started shooting my dads 3006