Passion in the Wild: A HIKHunter’s Hunting Ethos

My name is Bert Zrnec, I’m 24 years old and I come from Slovenia. I work with reclaimed wood — primarily old oak from traditional Slovenian hayracks — which we transform into modern furniture. In a way, this job reflects my relationship with nature: restoring value to something that already exists, respecting tradition while thinking about the future. 

I’ve been connected to hunting for as long as I can remember. As a little boy, my grandfather often took me into the forest, slowly and patiently introducing me to all the layers of hunting over the years. My very first contact with hunting probably came even earlier — through hunting dogs. My grandfather was a passionate dog handler, always keeping at least three dogs at a time, and he also served as the president of the Slovenian Hunting Cynology Association. By the time I was five, I was already taking part in the work actions organized by our hunting club — maintaining hunting facilities, mowing grass, trimming trees. At first I was mostly observing, but over time I started contributing more actively and eventually joined the hunts myself. When I began studying for my hunting license, I came to truly understand what it means to be a hunter — all the responsibilities we carry toward nature, wildlife, and our community. That’s when I knew, without a doubt, that this is something I want to dedicate my life to. 

I’ve now been actively hunting for eight years. My favorite type of hunt is stalking roe deer. It’s a demanding form of hunting that requires patience, careful observation, and a sense for the right moment. It’s unpredictable and doesn’t forgive mistakes — and that’s exactly why I love it. Every roe deer is different, every track a puzzle, and every decision carries weight. 

For me, food is a big part of hunting. I’m a strong believer in using every part of the animal. Too many hunters take down game but don’t truly value it. I constantly explore new recipes, learning how to cook wild game and proudly serve it to my friends. I want to show them how incredible wild meat can taste, and help break down the prejudice people sometimes have against it. Wild game is not something exotic or primitive — it’s clean, natural, and incredibly flavorful. 

Nature means everything to me. After a long day in the workshop, there’s nothing more valuable than time spent in the forest. That’s where I clear my mind, breathe fresh air, and find peace. Hunting isn’t a hobby for me — it’s a way of life. Sometimes I don’t even need a rifle — just being there, watching the animals, listening to the silence, and feeling the forest breathe is enough. 

A big part of my motivation for hunting also comes from the community. Hunting is not just a personal experience — it’s about connection, storytelling, and shared memories. After a successful hunt, sitting around a fire with friends, sharing stories, opening a bottle of wine, grilling wild sausage — those are moments that can’t be replaced. That’s one of the reasons I joined the ranks of hunters. 

Spring is my favorite season. That’s when nature begins to awaken — and I do, too. Throughout April, I observe the roe deer, study their movements and habits. And then May 1st comes — the official opening of the hunting season. That feeling, when you step into the forest with your rifle after a long break, your heart pounding with every sound — it’s something you can’t explain. You have to feel it. 

Advanced technology has become an essential part of modern hunting. Thermal imaging devices like HIKMICRO allow me to detect roe deer at dusk or just before dawn — moments when visibility is low and I might otherwise miss them. These devices pick up heat signatures, even through dense brush and total darkness, giving me a major advantage. During those critical twilight hours, thermal imaging helps me identify whether the animal is in the open, how it moves, and most importantly — whether it’s the right moment for an ethical shot. 

Ethics are extremely important to me in hunting. I always aim to harvest a mature animal and avoid disrupting family structures. Taking the wrong roe deer can disturb the balance of the entire population. That’s why I plan every hunt with great care, spending time observing and understanding the ecosystem. I want my impact on nature to be as positive as possible — to work with it, not recklessly against it. 

My passion for hunting runs deep. It’s part of who I am, part of my daily life, and part of my purpose. With advanced tools like HIKMICRO, I can hunt more mindfully, ethically, and effectively. But hunting is not just about the harvest — it’s about connecting with nature, respecting wildlife, understanding the rhythm of the forest, and preserving a tradition that has lived in Slovenia for centuries. 

If you share this dedication to responsible and thoughtful hunting, I invite you to become part of the HIKHunter family — a connected family of hunters who value modern technology, respect nature, and live the true meaning of hunting ethics. Share your passion, share your hunting knowledge — together with HIKMICRO.