More than a century ago, the protected forests surrounding what is now Bukovel were among Eastern Europe’s most prestigious hunting destinations. The woodlands around Yaremche, Mykulychyn, Tatariv, Polianytsia and Vorokhta drew members of Europe’s distinguished aristocratic families, including lords, counts and princes from renowned dynasties.
One interesting detail concerns the name Vorokhta itself. According to one theory, it comes from Sanskrit and means “a place inhabited by wild boars”.
The Carpathians over India: trophies fit for royalty
One of the most prominent figures associated with these hunting grounds was Prince Johann III of Liechtenstein, who owned the estates. Despite having undertaken three expeditions to Africa and two to India, he spoke of the Carpathians with particular enthusiasm:
“I value the magnificent stag hunt in the Carpathians highly than tiger safari in India.”
The prince’s Swiss chalet-style palace near Tatariv became a centre of aristocratic life. Inside was an exceptional collection of trophies, including one that became something of a legend: a massive set of stag antlers weighing 14 kilograms, taken by an English lord during a hunt on the slopes of Mt. Kostrytsia.
Hunting traditions and relations with local communities
The autumn hunting season began in September, when the deer rut was at its peak. Aristocratic visitors traditionally kept antlers as trophies, while the hides went to the prince. The meat was distributed among local Hutsuls who had helped organising the hunts.
Deer and wild boar were not the only highly desirable game in these forests. Bears were also hunted, while spring brought visitors eager to witness the remarkable courtship displays of capercaillies. Among them was Karl Franz Joseph Habsburg, the future Emperor of Austria-Hungary, who travelled to Mykulychyn in 1912 specifically for this experience.
Looking after the forest
The Carpathian forests were a major source of state revenue, making their careful management an important priority. During winter, wild animals were provided with salt and hay. Areas rich in berry-producing plants were protected, poaching was punished severely, and predator populations were regulated in an effort to preserve the distinctive ecosystem of the Carpathians.
Based on materials by Svitlana Flys, “Under the Golden Stag: How European Princes, Counts, Lords and Third Reich Leaders Hunted in the Hutsulschyna”.