Snipe hunting

View 22 hunts View all hunts

22 hunting trips from 4 outfitters starting from $1,481

22 hunts
$1,481 starting from
4 countries
1742mi to the nearest trip

Where to hunt Snipe

Snipe is a denizen of swamps, marshes, and wetlands all over the Northern Hemisphere, in both Europe, Asia and America. American and common (European) snipe are considered different species, but are close enough to each other for all practical purposes. However, in Europe the common snipe commands a greater respect as a game species, and most offers are concentrated there.

Price distribution

Snipe hunting offers start at about $250 a hunter a day, and considering that you typically get the services of a guide with a dog or dogs (especially the effort that goes into breeding a good bird dog), this is quite a good value. With catering and accommodation, and including a trip to a more distant destination, the price can go to $500-600 a hunter a day.

$1k
$5k
$9k
$13k
$17k
View all hunts

When to hunt Snipe?

Snipe hunting season usually starts in the mid-summer, after the young birds take to wing. Local snipe hunting continues until the marshes and swamps freeze over, and birds migrate south. The best hunts for snipe are after migratory or wintering birds, the latter sometimes continuing well into winter.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Hunting methods All hunting methods (5)

In America, snipes are either hunted along with other migratory shorebirds, from blinds with decoys and calls, or are walked up without dogs. In Europe the hunters consider the common snipe worthy to be hunted over pointers and setters. Common snipe is often found on wet meadows that adjoin wetlands, where hunters with pointing dogs can have quite a day finding it. This is a classic hunt that is often described in old books.

Why hunt Snipe?

According to etymological dictionaries, the world “sniper” originated from the name of the bird. In the late XVIII century snipe was recognized as the most challenging game bird for a shot, and the best shots, who could kill them repeatedly, were called “snipers”. When a snipe rises, the first stages of its flight are a sort of an anti-raptor maneuver with the bird zig-zagging at top speed. With a flintlock shotgun, combining unpredictable ignition and short range, hitting a zig-zagging bird was really quite a challenge. Modern shotguns make the trick somewhat easier, but bringing down these birds repeatedly is a sign of a really high-class shot. Last but not the least, snipe is a delicacy that was highly valued by European haut cuisine back in the days when it wasn’t socially inappropriate to serve game.

6 Hunters x 5 Days Spring Bird Hunt

6 Hunters x 5 Days Spring Bird Hunt

Russia
Snipe, Barnacle Goose, Bean goose, Blackcock, Brent Goose...
Trip duration: 5 days
Season: 15 Apr 2023 - 20 Jun 2023
Price from
$15,002
for 5 days, 6 hunters
3 Hunters x 5 Days Spring Bird Hunt

3 Hunters x 5 Days Spring Bird Hunt

Russia
Snipe, Barnacle Goose, Bean goose, Blackcock, Brent Goose...
Trip duration: 5 days
Season: 15 Apr 2023 - 20 Jun 2023
Price from
$9,784
for 5 days, 3 hunters
Full Small Game Package

Full Small Game Package

Ireland
Snipe, Woodcock
Trip duration: 5 days
Season: 1 Dec 2023 - 31 Jan 2024
Package price
$2,772
for 5 days, 1 hunter
Snipe

Interested in this animal? Create a subscription to get offers right to your inbox