One of the oldest hunting associations in Serbia and Vojvodina is undoubtedly the Novi Bečej Hunting Association, founded on October 1, 1885. Proof of this can be found in the adopted Statute (a copy of which still exists), confirmed at the founding Assembly held in Novi Bečej on that very date.
Reflecting on the jubilee of the Novi Bečej Hunting Association, formerly known as the Novi Bečej Hunting Society, and originally established simply as the Novi Bečej Hunting Association, the first thought that comes to mind is that we, as hunters, are not only engaged in hunting as an economic activity, but also as a hobby — for socializing, meeting people, exploring habitats where game lives, and maintaining the ecological conditions necessary for breeding and protecting wildlife. In this sense, our mission is ecological and protective in every way.
Today, there is significant pressure from certain organizations that perceive us as “killers.” Yet, this term has nothing in common with our true purpose. Our main efforts are devoted to breeding, protecting, and improving game populations, with hunting ranking only fourth in importance. Proof of this lies in the fact that our Association has been engaged in pheasant breeding for almost 60 years, hare breeding for more than five decades, and has even captured partridges to save them from severe winter losses (which can reach over 80%). These birds were overwintered and then released back into the wild in spring — a practice started half a century ago.
Our hunters’ protective role is further confirmed by the fact that the Association has been entrusted with managing a Special Nature Reserve for more than a decade, a responsibility we carry with great pride.
A striking example of hunters as conservationists is reflected in the state of roe deer populations. After World War II, there were barely a few dozen roe deer in the hunting grounds. The first official report in 1952 recorded only 50 individuals, rising to 300 by 1957. Today, there are more than 3,500. Such recovery is due to hunters acting as breeders and guardians of wildlife. The same efforts have multiplied pheasant numbers by several hundred times, while hare populations have been preserved. To achieve this, land was purchased and shelterbelts (remizes) were planted to create safe habitats and ensure peaceful reproduction.
In order to explain more precisely what hunters do: in Vojvodina, there are around 25,000 hunters. For about 10 months of the year, they are actively engaged in fulfilling tasks such as winter feeding of game, planting annual and perennial shelterbelts, building feeding and watering facilities, installing windmills to provide water during dry summers, and managing pheasant breeding and release programs. Only during roughly two months of the year is hunting actually practiced.
For example, the “Winter Feeding of Game” action takes place every year, even in the harshest conditions — deep snow, storms, rain, or mud. For hunters, helping wildlife during its most critical time of year is paramount. In a single year, Novi Bečej hunters distribute over 4.5 wagonloads of feed, including about 3 wagonloads of corn, with the rest consisting of broken grain, dry alfalfa, and other feed. Additionally, salt is placed in designated areas throughout the year for roe deer.
During the winter, hunters also organize predator control in accordance with management plans, keeping predator numbers at sustainable levels to protect game populations. This is followed by annual wildlife counts, in which all members participate, providing data for realistic management strategies.
In spring and summer, hunters release and care for young pheasants and other birds, while also monitoring roe deer populations to assess age, sex structure, and identify trophy-worthy animals for hunting tourism. In dry summers, water is brought into the fields and watering points are built. During floods, which have become more frequent in the last decade, hunters rescue wildlife with boats, saving animals from rising waters.
The “main” hunting season usually takes place in November and December, focusing on hare and pheasant. Hunting of large game, especially roe deer, is limited and involves fewer hunters.
Such a long and significant jubilee is rare. Out of about 400 hunting associations in Vojvodina, only around ten have reached this age. Before Novi Bečej (1885), the following were founded: Petrovaradin (1873), Bela Crkva (1874), Pančevo (1882), Novi Sad (1883), Ostojićevo (1883), Senta (1884), and Kikinda (1885). This means Novi Bečej shares 7th–8th place with Kikinda among the oldest associations in the region.
At the time, these associations were established under the Hungarian Hunting Law of 1872, which set a minimum hunting ground area of only 100 cadastral acres. The law introduced closed seasons for the first time, as well as hunting permits valid for three years.
In 1875, further legislation regulated hunting permits, introduced hunting taxes, and required licenses and fees for carrying hunting weapons. A new Hunting Law of 1883 (Articles 20 and 23) refined the system, emphasizing modern management practices. Hunting rights were leased by towns and municipalities under regulated conditions.
The aim of publishing this book — which some call a monograph — is to preserve the history of more than a century of hunting in our region, the legacy left by our predecessors, and the rich wildlife and facilities they passed on to us. It is our duty to continue this tradition and leave a worthy heritage to future generations, so that they too will remember us with respect, for the benefit of all hunting and nature conservation.
President of the Hunting Association Novi Bečej
Milomir “Mika” Nikolić
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