BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

Hunting in the Czech Republic is Steeped in History, Tradition, and Plum Brandy

- Ryan Cleckner

On a recent hunting trip to Czech Republic, I was satisfyingly overwhelmed with culture, hunting, food, and drink. More than once in only a few days, I caught myself thinking that I couldn’t possibly have one more bite of food, one more drink, or hunt one more animal. And yet, I dug down deep and marched on.

I kept hunting, I kept trying new food, and at the end of the day, I refused to turn down the local wines and liquors offered to me either in celebration of the day’s hunt or as a toast for good fortune on the hunt to come. I’m no quitter.

Upon my return, I knew that I wanted to share my experiences from this wonderful, hospitable country and its rich traditions of the chase, in the hope that my fellow Americans might find their way to Europe and partake also. Hunting spans every culture and border, and serves to unite broad swathes of humanity from all kinds of backgrounds.

As I thought about the rich history, the new friends made, and the once-in-a-lifetime hunting experiences, I realized that one thing tied the whole trip together. This one topic alone could cover how I met and got to know new people, explain much of the culture, and be the purpose for, and results of, our hunts. Food.

Specifically, wild-game meals, Czech Republic style.

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