We personally test every single destination before offering it to our customers. This is a time-consuming approach, but it is the only way we can vouch for what we sell. Here’s what we look for when evaluating a new driven hunt.
Organisation comes first. Clear signposting, explicit stand assignment, qualified hunt masters and competent beaters make the difference between a fluent hunt and one that grinds to a halt. Nothing kills a hunting day like poor logistics, and we’ve seen enough of it to know how little it takes for the mood to sour.
Game density must be natural. We do not believe in feeding immediately prior to the hunt — it creates an artificial picture of the population and a less satisfying experience for the hunters. We want what we see in the drive to reflect what the area genuinely supports, and to be the result of a population that is properly managed throughout the year.
Safety should be ingrained in the organiser’s practice. Clear lines of fire, short distances where needed, good overview at the stand — everything must be arranged so that hunters can concentrate on the hunt and not on the risk. When this is in place, everything else falls into place naturally.
The social aspect also counts. Good meals, warm parade areas, and an environment that caters to both the first-time hunter and the veteran are part of the package. We measure a good trip by whether customers return — and most do.
You can read more about our philosophy on this on the page about good driven hunts.
Written by
Per Georg Johansen
Guide and hunter at Venator Tours. The travel letter above is taken from the notebook.