theHunter: Call of the Wild - Salzwiesen Park is a simulation game focused on hunting small game and waterfowl in a compact wetland environment. Released as a map addition for PC players, it places emphasis on realistic tracking and shooting within reed beds and summer polder areas of Schleswig-Holstein near the northern Germany and Denmark border. The setting delivers high animal density in a smaller space compared to larger reserves, allowing hunters to encounter species adapted to flooded terrain without extensive travel.
Gameplay
Core mechanics revolve around navigating wetlands on foot while scanning for birds and mammals. Players select from shotguns or other weapons suited to close-range targets, then move through dense vegetation to locate animals. The environment includes open polder sections and reed beds that influence visibility and approach angles. A dedicated clay shooting range provides stationary targets for practice, with options for solo sessions or competitive rounds against others. The new GOPI 10G GRAND over-under shotgun integrates directly into these activities, offering versatility for both range work and field use on small targets.
Animal behavior follows patterns typical of waterfowl and small game, requiring attention to movement, calls, and positioning. The map supports repeated visits because of its contained layout, which concentrates encounters without diluting the challenge of precise shots in varied terrain.
Game Modes
Standard hunting sessions form the primary activity, where players explore the park at their own pace to pursue the listed species. The clay shooting range operates as a distinct mode, supporting individual training or head-to-head matches on clay and skeet targets. No additional named modes appear beyond these core options, keeping focus on the compact reserve's hunting loop and range practice.
Species and Equipment
Fifteen species populate the park, split between birds and small mammals. Birds include Gadwall, Ferruginous Duck, Black Grouse, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Mallard, Eurasian Teal, Tufted Duck, Golden Eye, Eurasian Wigeon, Bean Goose, and Greylag Goose. Small game consists of Red Fox, European Rabbit, Common Raccoon, and Raccoon Dog. The GOPI 10G GRAND shotgun serves as the highlighted new weapon, optimized for these targets and range use.
Is It Worth Playing?
This map suits players who prefer focused small-game and waterfowl hunts in a contained setting rather than expansive open-world exploration. Its design emphasizes quick access to diverse species and the new range feature for skill refinement. Availability on PC aligns with the simulation genre's typical audience, and the compact scale reduces downtime between encounters. Those drawn to realistic weapon handling and wetland navigation will find consistent value in repeated sessions, while the addition of two new bird species expands variety within the existing framework.
