The Czech Hunter series has 3 seasons in its original run, though the term is also used for a separate, unrelated adult web series with a different episode count. This article covers the mainstream Czech television show, a documentary-style hunting program that aired on Czech public television, and clarifies the confusion around the name.
Background: What Is Czech Hunter?
Czech Hunter (originally Český lovec in Czech) is a documentary series produced by Czech Television (ČT), the country’s public broadcaster. It premiered in 2014 and focuses on the work of the State Veterinary Administration and the Czech Hunters’ Association, following licensed hunters as they manage wildlife populations, track animal diseases, and enforce hunting regulations. The show was designed to educate the public about sustainable hunting practices and the role of hunters in ecosystem balance, particularly in regions with overpopulated deer and wild boar.
The series is often confused with a gay adult web series of the same name that began in 2010, which features a different format and has over 100 episodes. This article exclusively covers the television documentary, as it is the version most often referenced in Czech media and educational contexts.
How Many Seasons and Episodes?
The original broadcast consisted of 3 seasons, each with 6 episodes, totaling 18 episodes. The first season aired in 2014, the second in 2015, and the third in 2016. Each episode runs approximately 26 minutes, fitting the standard documentary slot on ČT2, the channel dedicated to science and culture.
After the third season, Czech Television did not renew the series, and no new episodes have been produced as of 2025. However, reruns continue to appear on ČT2 and the streaming service iVysílání, where all episodes remain available for free.
How the Show Works
Each episode follows a different hunter or hunting group during a specific season (e.g., autumn deer rut or winter boar drives). The production team embedded with hunters to capture real, unscripted footage of:
- Tracking and culling wild boar to prevent African swine fever outbreaks
- Deer population control in national parks
- Checking for chronic wasting disease and other zoonotic diseases
- Working with local farmers to reduce crop damage
The show also features interviews with veterinarians, biologists, and foresters, explaining the scientific rationale behind each hunt. It deliberately avoids showing graphic kill shots, instead focusing on the decision-making process and the aftermath, such as meat inspection and donation to local food banks.
How to Choose Which Season to Watch
Because the show is educational, you can start with any season. However, viewers often prefer:
- Season 1 – introduces the core concepts and the main cast of hunters, including the now-retired chief veterinarian.
- Season 2 – features a special two-part episode on the reintroduction of lynx in the Šumava mountains, which is a fan favorite.
- Season 3 – focuses on urban wildlife conflicts, such as wild boar roaming the outskirts of Prague, which is highly relatable to city dwellers.
If you are a first-time viewer, starting with Season 1 is recommended because it establishes the terminology and legal framework.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
The most common confusion is with the adult web series of the same name, which has led to the TV show being mistakenly flagged as inappropriate on some platforms. Additionally, some viewers expect a hunting reality show with dramatic competitions, but Czech Hunter is more of a natural history documentary. It also does not cover hunting in other countries, despite the name suggesting a global scope—the show is exclusively about the Czech Republic.
Another misconception is that the show promotes trophy hunting. In fact, the series repeatedly emphasizes that trophy hunting is illegal in the Czech Republic; all hunts are culls based on official quotas set by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Comparisons with Similar Shows
In the Czech Republic, Czech Hunter is often compared to the British series Hugh’s Wild West (2018) and the German Der Jagdbericht (The Hunting Report). Unlike these, Czech Hunter places a stronger emphasis on disease control and veterinary public health, reflecting the country’s high rate of African swine fever monitoring.
Compared to American hunting shows like MeatEater, Czech Hunter is less focused on the hunter’s personal experience and more on the ecological outcome. It also does not feature any product placements or commercial sponsors, as it is publicly funded.
Costs and Availability
All episodes are available for free on the iVysílání platform (the official streaming service of Czech Television). You do not need a subscription, but you may need to create a free account to access some features. The show has not been sold to international broadcasters, so there is no official English-subtitled version. However, fan-made subtitles exist for some episodes on streaming sites, though their accuracy varies.
If you are outside the Czech Republic, you may need a VPN to access iVysílání due to geo-blocking, though this is not officially supported.
Safety and Ethical Standards
The show is careful to highlight safety protocols, such as the use of high-seat stands, mandatory orange vests, and the rule that a hunter must identify the target before shooting. It also explains the ethical principle of the “clean kill” and the legal requirement to retrieve all shot game. The series does not show any unsafe practices, and it often includes a disclaimer that hunting should only be done by licensed individuals.
One notable episode in Season 2 demonstrates the proper way to field-dress a wild boar to avoid contamination, which is a practical safety lesson for any hunter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Czech Hunter still running?
No, the show ended after its third season in 2016. Czech Television has not announced any plans for a revival, but reruns are still aired periodically.
Where can I watch Czech Hunter with English subtitles?
There is no official English-subtitled version. Some fan-made subtitles are available on third-party sites, but they are not always complete or accurate. You can watch the original Czech episodes for free on iVysílání.
Is the adult web series also called Czech Hunter?
Yes, there is an unrelated adult web series with the same name that started in 2010. It has a different number of episodes and is not connected to the TV documentary. Be careful when searching online to avoid confusion.
Do I need a hunting license to watch the show?
No, the show is designed for general audiences and explains everything from the basics. However, it may be more enjoyable if you have some interest in wildlife or conservation.
Are there any spin-offs or specials?
No spin-offs were made, but Season 2 includes a two-part special on lynx reintroduction, which is sometimes listed as a separate documentary on streaming platforms.
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