International Hunting, Fishing Fair Opens in Budapest

The 32nd Fishing, Hunting and Arms International Exhibition (FeHoVa) opened at the Hungexpo fair grounds in Budapest on Thursday. The fair, which boasts 200 exhibitors from thirteen countries, runs through Sunday.

At the opening ceremony, Minister of Agriculture István Nagy said that during the 2024/25 hunting season, 328,000 large game animals and 559,000 hares and pheasants were harvested in 1,451 hunting areas and 72,800 trophies were judged. Of these, roe deer antlers accounted for 56%, followed by red deer antlers with 31%.

Despite the difficulties, the financial balance sheet for game management was excellent, with the sector closing with a profit of HUF 3 billion. The introduction of the regional game management system and the application of the national trophy assessment system contribute greatly to the effectiveness of quantitative regulation and the preservation of quality, he noted.

According to the minister, the new provisions enable more practical and predictable game management and hunting activities, which promote biodiversity protection, habitat conservation, quality regulation and sustainable, professional management.

Philipp Harmer, President of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), spoke appreciatively about hunting opportunities in Hungary. He emphasized that Hungary is one of the best hunting destinations in Europe due to its diversity of animal species and its understanding of hunting. He also pointed out that the hunting industry is in decline in England, and that only five animal species can be hunted in the Netherlands.

Gábor Ganczer, CEO of Hungexpo, spoke about how FeHoVa has been a meeting point for nature lovers, hunters and forestry professionals for more than thirty years, for whom the heritage they can pass on is important.