On tonight's episode of Realtree Global Hunting we see if rugby heroes Craig Newby and Tom
Croft can make the grade as they embark on their very first hunting trip to the beautiful
Czech Republic.
On the outskirts of Prague in the Czech Republic lays one of Team Wild's very favourite hunting
destinations....
Dobris.
Owned by Count Leonhard Colloredo-Mansfeld and managed by his Jaeger Meister, Milan -- this
is one of the most beautiful estates weve been invited to.
In this beautiful forest there's an abundance of game ranging from troublesome wild boar
to a selection of deer species.
All feed happily on the vast food sources provided by the forest.
However, numbers needs to be kept to manageable levels for the harsh Czech winter.
Leonhard, Milan and Cervus UK's Owen Beardsmore invite friends and associates to enjoy driven
hunting in these woods at the beginning of each winter t help keep numbers in check.
Milan has a very good idea of what numbers of each species of animal there are in these
woods, and those that are becoming over populated be come fair game.
Those with twindling numbers are not.
All in all the experience is a fantastic mix of good hunting and good people.
However, it's not Team Wild that have been invited along this time!
Instead we are tagging along with two rugby heroes to see how they fair in the cold Czech
forest.
Craig Newby is a former Leicester and All Blacks hero born and raised with hunting in
his blood.
Tom Croft is a Leicester, England and British Lions legend.
But, can he or his egg chasing pal Craig make the grade with a rifle?
Shooting moving game can be tough and the hunter needs to have not only quick reactions,
but a keen eye for identification.
It's the evening in Prague and people are enjoying the brisk winter air in the city's
famous squares.
At base camp, the Botel Admiral, the hunters have gathered for the welcoming evening.
Craig and Tom are primed and ready for the day ahead.
Count Leonhard outlines the rules and regulations for the hunt and safety is paramount.
Everyone is made aware of the etiquette for the hunt and what is fair
game.
Leonhard enjoys a joke at
the expense of Owen after his little mox up last year!
Once the welcome speech and instructions are done, it's time to pick pegs.
Then, it's early to bed!
The next morning and everyone gathers ready for the day ahead.
Milan blows the traditional hunting horn and the hunters, beaters and their gracious hosts
give respect to the game.
Craig Newby heads out into the forest on the tractor and finds his seat.
He gets locked and loaded, then he's ready to go!As always the day starts quietly and
it's a case of waiting patiently.
You can hear a pin drop in the forest right now and the action seems a long way off.
However, out of nowhere 2 red hinds come bounding over the horizon and passed Craig's seat.
He fires through the trees and the lead hind is clearly hurt.
However, Craig isn't confident in his shot.
As shots ring out in the distance there's game on the move.
A wild boar emerges through the trees and looks right at Craig.
But, he isn't hanging around.
Craig fires once, but ,misses.
He fires again and the boar is clearly hurt.
He fires once more and stops the pig in it's tracks.
As the beaters come walking passed they give Craig the thumbs up.
They find his wild boar
and pull it to the edge of the track for collection.
With the drive finished Craig heads down the track to claim his wild boar.
That's one more problematic porker roaming these woods causing damage.
Craig is joined by his neighbor and the pair of them look for his red hind.
Craig follows the blood trail leaving markers on branches so that the beaters can follow
the trail, should he not find it himself.
There's plenty of blood and it isnt long before Craig finds his deer.
He tags it quickly and then examines his quarry.
Our very own Ian Harford then arrives on the scene to partake in the local tradition with
Craig.
Craig receives his first Czech leaf as part of the local tradition and heads back to road
with his red hind.
Then Mr Harford takes Craig through the tradition again for his wild boar.
With only the morning drive under his belt, Craig's had a great experience.
He's even congratulated by Leonhard.
Everyone enjoys lunch and warm around the fire as they prepare for the afternoon drive.
With a good morning under his own belt Tom Croft is out this afternoon
and finds his seat in the forest.
Tom waits patiently and it isn't long before there's a group of wild bpar heading his way.
He takes a shot at one of the later boar in the group and its hurt.
He turns and takes another shot at a running wild boar, then gives it a second to make
sure....
And it goes down.
The first boar is still moving as it comes by his seat so Tom gives it another shot and
it drops just over the horizon.
With the drive finished Tom heads out of his seat to find his boar.
His first boar isn't too far away.
He tags its ear and then takes a look for the second.
That too hasn't gotten far and is down.
He tags the second and drags it out to the track.
2 more problem pigs taken off
the estate.
Tom heads back to base camp to recount the days actions with Craig and swap stories.
As the beaters gather all the fallen game into the tableau the sun begins to fade and
the banter begins.
These hunts are all about gathering with friends both old and new to celebrate the game, partake
in shooting sports and to enjoy the great outdoors.
That's another management job completed in the beautiful Czech forests of Dobris, but
the day isnt done for the boys.
Craig takes a traditional spanking from the other hunters.
And then it's Tom's turn.
Once again the Czech Republic provides an experience of a lifetime.