Has anyone done any hunting in Russia? I was talking to a business associate. He was telling me he goes hunting in Russia every year. Not just the Kamchatka Peninsula but in North central Russia also. It makes sense but this guy seems to talk a better game than he walks. He has told me some "crapola" before so I'm not sure if he is on the level or not.

From what I�ve picked up here and there hunting in Russia is a logistics nightmare. Russia just does not have the infrastructure to support much tourism in their boondocks. Few roads, not exactly a thriving tourist industry and so forth. That plus the economic and social problems plaguing the country right now make getting to the hunting grounds an adventure in itself.

There must be something holding everybody up, �cause it would seem like a cash starved, natural resource rich country like Russia could be a hunter�s dream. Again, I�m going by bits and pieces of knowledge, but isn�t most of interior Russia kind of like Canada? At least the northern half of Russia. Siberia, despite it�s reputation for cold winters, is a huge forested expanse full of game.

For a dedicated sportsman willing to hunt like it used to be � language barriers, poorly paid public servants controlling your destiny, unreliable and/or unpredictable transportation, true wilderness outposts and the likelihood that everybody you need to help you will be drunk half the time � I�m sure it is an adventure to tell your grandkids about.

I hear they have really great ice cream, though.

Wow, Jim,

You made it sound even MORE appealing! LOL! It would be an adventure! Anyone know if there's interest in starting a venture there? I for one would be willing to hunt on the wild side. At least I'd have ice cream! (And no wife watching how big my servings were!). Sign me up! Anyone doing hunt packages?

Just don't go anywhere near the Chechens!

Tombo21,

A friend of mine went to Russia to hunt bear. He was promised a great hunt, but came back very disappointed, without even seeing a bear!

He said he could not get anything done without greasing a few palms. He won't go there again!

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saeed@ emirates.net.ae

www.accuratereloading.com

I work with Russ Smith and we have some great Bear Hunts at $9,500.00 and everyone gets a bear in a day or two...We have ventured elsewhere in the country with good results and last year they killed a Moose in the 80" spread catagory, now thats BIG and some of the elk will scare you to death.....

We have not had any such hiccups as described, but we work with some very smart businessmen and promoters in Russia. Its been good.

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

I have been to Russia several times on business. The ice cream is the best and so is the caviar. In fact all the food in Russia is great. Something about the air allows you to drink a whole bottle of vodka and remain coherent - even walking and talking.

I went fishing on a wilderness lake and had a wonderful time.

The people are very friendly and helpful but do not move at a pace we consider fast enough. And social and economic problems do exist. Hiring a translator is a must when you leave the major cities.

Takes Ray's advice and hire a good outfitter and I am sure you will have a good time.

BigB

My secret is out!

Hunting the former Soviet Union is probably the best hunt for the money I can think of. I have the advantage that it can be taken in conjuction with a visit to my inlaws. I haven't hunted in Russia, and would be very cautious about doing so. Things there change very quickly and I would only hunt with people I knew and trusted. I hunt (for free) in a former republic where my wife was a minor celebrity. Since I am there anyway the only expense and bother is the tranport of the firearms from here to there it is a dream co true. I wish I could put you gentleman in touch with a good guide service, but there are only a couple in the whole country and I have never used them, hunting instead with my wifes relatives. I don't usually hunt trophies, but the last time I was there I saw the biggest Russian wolf the people there had ever seen. I know what I will be after next time.

DOC