Hi guys, I thought I would post this and see what suggestions any of you had..
I certainly don't want to go all the way over there and suddenly realize I don't have "XYZ" with me..

Let's hear from you guys who have gone before us to hunt the Asian mountains.. What is a MUST HAVE for these hunts that should be in the pack?

Since there will be alot of russian spoken I suggest the russ-english phrase book by lonelyplanet.com. It's about $10 and pocket sized. It shows the phrase in english then phoneticly prononced in russian. Since you'll mangle that then it's written in russian so they can read what you wanted to say.
Heck I'll even loan you mine if you send it back before winter comes again.

It'll be well worth the effort.

Okay my friend, here you go. I have compiled a list of items I take and took on my hunt to Kyrgyzstan. It is pretty complete. Be prepared to shoot 500 yds and maybe more but, 500 should be adequate.

EQUIPMENT LIST – RUSSIA/Kyrgyzstan - November

Excluding rifle/case, keep at, or under 68 pounds ! (ck what Business Class allows – try to take only one large rolling duffle if possible)

Equipment:
 Camo day pack (use as carry-on)
 Small “foamy” pad to sit on while glassing(I make mine from a Thermarest- approx 12”x16”
 Rifle & 40 rounds
 Recommend weather tight “Bikini” scope cover + spare.
 GPS (each day set your way points)
 10x42 Binnoc’s (Good quality)
 Spare 10x42 Binnoc’s (good quality for guide)
 Good Range Finder (2 extra set/batteries)
 Wind meter (Anamometer) http://www.weatherinstruments....ndheldanemometer.cfm

 Spotting Scope & tri-pod (good 60x)
 Murray leather belt cartridge carrier
 2 cardura ammo packs
 2 AA Mag Lites
 3 walkie-talkies & AA batteries (& zip-lock bags)
 2 knives (for guides)
 Therma Rest air mattress
 Hearing Aids & batteries (6) & 4 foam plugs (E A R electronic earplugs)
 Rifle sling & Harris(suggested) bi-pod (11-25”)
 Rifle hard case (double rifle size)(insist they take all way to base camp)
 Rifle soft case
 Targets
 Sun glasses & strap
 Extra scope (already sighted in for rifle, i.e., same scope, etc.)(saves taking backup rifle)
 Sleeping Bag (good “0” or below rated in case you spike camp out)
 Camera
 2 heavy gauge plastic bags
 Decent collapsible walking stick

Clothes: (no cotton for hunting)
 Traveling clothes – no change so wear darker colors. Wear Berber windblock jacket.
 Raingear (no need in Nov in Kygyz)
 Windblock vest - olive
 2 Thermax underwear camo tops; 1 Henley (med wt.) & 1 zip T-neck (polar wt.)
 Heavy wt Thermax top to sleep in.
 1 Thermax underwear camo bottoms (polar wt.)
 1 thin silk bottom long johns to sleep in (legs get sticky)
 Good broke-in gortex hiking boots (new coat of beeswax)(400 gr thinsulate preferred for Nov/Kygyz) or good pair of Schnee’s pacs (Hunter II’s), or Kenetrek pacs. I prefer the Mendel 400 thins boots for added ankle support.
 2 pair good hiking socks (wear 3rd traveling)
 Snow gaiters (snow cammo) – from Kenetrek
 One pair Thermax underwear for travel & 3 pair extra
 travel/camp tennis shoes – high top (extra pair socks to wear back)
 Microtex camo jeans
 Northern Outfitters jacket/pants(or good insulated gortex camo hooded jacket/pants/or bib style pants)
 Good 1½“ leather belt (for travel & hunt)
 Camo baseball cap
 Camo ‘bomber style’ insulated flap cap (Columbia)
 Neck gaiter ( Prairie Wings)
 Camo fleece ear covers
 Hvy wt Microloft/Primaloft camo gloves (gortex)//med wt gortex camo gloves
 Leather palm camo baseball style shooting gloves
 Cotton handkerchief
 Fleece head/neck cover for sleeping in cold
 Snow camo (outer whites & snow stock’g cap)

Toiletries:
 Baby wipes (2 packs)
 Nalgene pee bottle (collapsible)
 Bug juice (extra for guides)(95% & 40% deet)(not needed in snow)
 Sun screen (small tub)
 Hand lotion (non-scent)
 Lip balm
 Neosporin (small tube)
 Washcloth & small towel
 Small container of anti-bacterial soap (2-3 oz.)
 Small container of hair shampoo (2-3 oz.)
 Pre-cut moleskin for possible hot spots/blisters
 Electric shaver with 1 week charge capacity (take Russian conversion wall plug & charge last night B4 camp)
 Fingernail clippers, tweezers & other possible necessary toiletries.

Other:
 Passport, Visa, Gun permit, Custom form #4457, copy of CITES import permit
 Color copy of passport/visas/permits/#4457(keep in separate) I place in zip lock under foam padding. When in camp I keep passport/return tix/all valuables/$$$ in locked gun case.
 2 extra passport photos (2”x2”)
 Meds (Diamox, Cipro, Imodium, Antibiotic, etc.,)
 Extra XL duffle bag for horns/cape – if you plan on bringing home w/you
 Oversize stirrups- if horses used & saddle pad (need to be able to get boots out of stirrup quick if horse falls. Their stirrups are usually small & tight around hunting boots – I consider this a must. I get them at http://www.cabelas.com/product...TEGORY_SEQ_104482980

 http://www.horseloverz.com/Rom...Black-pr-589178.html

I leave stirrups/pad in camp

 Horn bag for saddle (if horses used nice to have some storage place you can get to while riding those long hrs) Cabela’s has.
 Luggage nametags & plastic ties for trophies (bus card on one side & ship instructions on other side – laminate.)
 Gun clean’g kit (compact for .30 or your caliber only)
 Bose headset & player
 Reading books
 Insulated coffee mug w/top (not real big)
 Instant Folgers coffee bags (about 15-20)
 Gatorade powder/Nalgene water bottle
 Energy/Choc bars, instant oatmeal, etc. (place in zip loc bags)
 Guides like hard candy/snacks.
 $$$

Pack in hard rifle case for airline travel
Other notes:
Insist on plenty of bottle water (non-gas) to be taken to camp for your use

Do not take original CITES permit. Take copy only (both sides). Original must be given to your import broker at time they deal w/USF&W.

I assume you have been notified by Profi-Hunt that you are on the Kyrgyz gov list for of their export permits.

Have your travel agent check ahead with airline and get a confirmation re your rifle (serial #) will be checked on plane & all way thru (you take copy of this confirmation with you to airport to avoid potential problems, also in Europe.


Best of Luck. Take additonal cash as you will need to pay $100 here $50 there, etc. If you can lay over a few days, you may be able to secure the necessary export permits and take the cape and horns with you otherwise you will have to ship.

Lowa Sheep Hunter GTX: http://www.lowaboots.com/catal...2&Category=12&Type=M

Or

Scarpa Omega: http://www.scarpa.co.uk/Produc...uct.asp?ProductId=45

Or

Koflach Degree which is being reintroduced after being bought my Scarpa.

Thermarest Neoair: http://cascadedesigns.com/ther...light/neoair/product

Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 0 degree bag: http://www.mountainhardwear.co...19_L,default,pd.html

Or

Integral Design Primaloft Bags: http://www.integraldesigns.com...&mainproducttypeid=5

Rangefinder Leica CRF 1600: http://us.leica-camera.com/spo...angemaster/crf_1600/

Leica Ultravid HD 10x42s: http://us.leica-camera.com/spo...lars/ultravid_42_hd/ or Swaro ELs

Geovid HDs a rangefinding binno. About same money as the Ultravids: http://us.leica-camera.com/spo...inoculars/geovid_42/

Leica Televid 65mm straight with 25-50 zoom eye piece: http://us.leica-camera.com/spo...opes/apo-televid_65/ or Swaros

Kowa TSN 663 or 664 for a mid price quality spotting scope: http://www.kowa-usa.com/kowane.../spottingscopes.html

Good light weight mountain hunting pants. I love the old Syncro pant. This is a new pant from Mountain Hardwear: http://www.mammut.ch/en/produc...acier+Pants+Men.html

Tops: http://www.sporthill.com/produ...TypeID=2450&gender=m or http://www.sporthill.com/produ...TypeID=2850&gender=m

Base Layers: http://www.minus33.com/catalog...ight-boxer-brief/702 and http://www.minus33.com/catalog...1-4-length-zip/714CG and http://www.minus33.com/catalog...weight-bottoms/706FG

Warm outer shell. The Brooks Range coat and pant: http://www.barneyssports.com/


Rain gear top and bottom. I have this and it's the best: http://www.sitkagear.com/produ...s/stormfront-jacket/ and http://www.sitkagear.com/produ...nts/stormfront-pant/. Here's a less spendy alternative: http://www.mountainhardwear.co...2930,default,pd.html and http://www.mountainhardwear.co...3510,default,pd.html

You'll need a day pack of some kind. I've ordered and will soon try out: http://www.granitegearstore.co...ze-AC-60-P222C7.aspx It's supper light, with lots of volume, and a great padded/ventilated suspension system.

Outdoor Research Gaiters: http://www.outdoorresearch.com...tion_crocodiles.html

Darn Tough Socks: http://darntough.com/hike-trek-1405.html

Mammut head lamps: http://www.mammut.ch/en/produc...4222147B395303B18763

Hats & Gloves: http://www.outdoorresearch.com...e/Headwear/All.html, http://www.outdoorresearch.com...e/Handwear/All.html or http://www.sporthill.com/prodl...ecat=ACCESS&gender=m

GPS
Satellite phone
Water bladder
Meds for avoiding altitude sickness and antibiotics
A good skinning knife
Perhaps a few Mountain Houses just in case
Parachute cord
Electrical tape
First aid kit
Space Blanket
Knife sharpening gear
Gifts for guides and staff
Flashlight
Batteries
Personal hygene and toiletries
Dental floss to tie the tounge in place for pics
Baby wipes for "baths" and to wipe blood off the animal for pics
Blister kit
A quality camera
Extra batteries
Extra batteries
Extra batteries
Extra batteries
Extra batteries
Extra batteries

This isn't all inclusive and I'm sure I'm forgetting things, but it's a start.

Brett

Scottyboy: Looks like you will have to get a second job to acquire all of this gear! Brett has some good suggestions. The truth is you can probably get by with what you have but, we can never have too many toys. Have a great Hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by RELBAT:
Brett has some good suggestions.

It took me a second to catch on! If you don't mind me saying RELBAT you seem a little backwards! Nice to see you on here! You'll have to post a picture of your ram!

Brett

Thanks guys.. I am 99% set on the gear.. may buy a new part of softshell pants. Other than that, I am set with that part of the packing.

I was mostly looking for a packing list so I do forget anything!

thanks for the help!

What ever you do get pants made out of schoeller fabric!

Brett

You might bring a small water filter along. You will almost certainly be drinking river/stream water, and one can never be too safe. When hunting with AR's silkibex in Kyrgyzstan in 2004, I took a filter with me and used it. silkibex lives there and drinks the water straight from the streams with no ill effects, but I wasn't looking for the chance to prove him wrong.

quote:

Originally posted by sandyhunter:
You might bring a small water filter along. You will almost certainly be drinking river/stream water, and one can never be too safe. When hunting with AR's silkibex in Kyrgyzstan in 2004, I took a filter with me and used it. silkibex lives there and drinks the water straight from the streams with no ill effects, but I wasn't looking for the chance to prove him wrong.

Good tip!
I've talked MANY MANY times with Jason about this hunt. He's a stand up guy for sure and a big reason for me doing this hunt.
How was your hunt?

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Brooks:
Since there will be alot of russian spoken I suggest the russ-english phrase book by lonelyplanet.com. It's about $10 and pocket sized. It shows the phrase in english then phoneticly prononced in russian. Since you'll mangle that then it's written in russian so they can read what you wanted to say.
Heck I'll even loan you mine if you send it back before winter comes again.

It'll be well worth the effort.

I'll second that!
When I hunted ibex in the Sayan Mts a couple of years ago I brought a small pocket-sized translator and it proved to be one of the most important I brought. My guide spoke 6-7 words of English and I were to spend 8 days with him. The book made us able to have some sort of conversation

Scottyboy,

We had a lot of fun. It was a self-guided hunt in some remote, beautiful country. I got my butt kicked by the altitude and passed on a smallish ibex on the first day of hunting, only to never get another shot. We were hunting in very warm weather, and the ibex were apparently staying up high. We did have some success with the predators, though.

One additional piece of advice: If you are offered vodka, just politely tell people you don't drink. Otherwise, you'll drink until the bottle is empty. And even then, they may just open up another. It's a dangerous trap.

One more thing: Take your own toilet paper. The stuff they have over there is pretty bad.

Sanyhunter,

What's the predator situation? Are you likely to see wolves?

Brett

Sandy

EXCELLENT advice! That is the kind of useful info I am looking for.

I like a good drink or two, but I have no interest in killing a bottle or 2 of vodka in one sitting. That'd ruin me for a few days.
I think I will hold off on drinking until I get back to Bishkek.

Good advise on the mountain money.

Sounds like the Kyrgyz like John Wayne toilet paper.. rough, tough and don't take shit off anybody.

Keep it coming guys. To hear the advise from those who have gone before, this is great stuff. Makes packing for Africa seem like a breeze!

I'm happy to help, Scottyboy. I advise staying away from hard liquor on the whole trip, but that's obviously a personal choice. As in much of the former Soviet Union, folks over there (especially Russians) drink liquor to become incoherent, and that's not really a fun or safe idea in a third world country, especially if you're around any strangers. In fact, it seems a good way to wake up minus a kidney or plus an STD, or locked up in a nasty cell. But again, it's a matter of personal choice. And I don't mean to be negative. Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country with some very nice people, and I'm confident you'll have a great time.

Nice John Wayne joke about the toilet paper! Their stuff isn't that awful, but it's no Charmin, either. There's certainly no harm in throwing a roll or two of the good stuff in your bag.

Brett, they have lynxes, lots of foxes, martens, and, I think, some wolves. I'm not sure that any of those would be available on a professionally guided hunt, though.

Brett: We killed 2 wolves and saw 3 others on my hunt in November 2010. I saw a lot of kills lying around the area I was hunting. Don't know if it is everywhere but, it surely was in the area I hunted. By the way, you are a pretty clever boy! Watch Mounted in Alaska on the History Channel towards the end of the series if you want to see my Ram!!! For now,Im off to Russion next Wed to take on the mighty Dagestan Tur and I'm not in shape. See you when I return on the 23rd. Hope to have more pics. By the way, Mountain Money is nice but it can's compete with babywipes!!! Relbat

quote:

Originally posted by RELBAT:
Mountain Money is nice but it can's compete with babywipes!!!

+1 Good luck with the Dagestan Tur!!!

Brett

I was talking with a gentleman this weekend who has hunted several species of Argali/MP and ibex. He recommended taking a strong tarp with you to place under the animal when they drag it down the mountain to the horses. He also recommended learning about skinning ahead of time and doing it or supervising it yourself. He was not complimentary about the general skill of skinners and trophy handling over in most countries. He also recommended making sure the salt isn't too course. He said grind it up if needed. The last thing he recommended is if you are hunting with local guides do not complicitely trust their trophy judgement. He recommended outlining a tipping system at the start of the hunt that rewards for size. Examply: <40" $250, 40"-45" $500, and > 45" $750. He said some of them will gladly tell you to shoot something that they've purposely grossly overestimated to be done and back in camp. FYI.

Brett

PS. It's not like this guy was booking with third rate companies either.

Dear Scotty

Not to turn you off but.

There is Africa issues.
Then there are Asian/russian issues.

Most things are covered off but a few pointers from my trips.

1. Have your out fitter to tell you 100% what to place on all paper work at air port.
When I was comming in, I was warned they would pick me up as a hunter for incorrect paper work.
Do not pay them was the word. 2 hours latter they will let me in to get you out.
Sore enough got done for having ammo not rifle cartridges on my paper work.
Wanted $200.
2 hours latter the guide had me out.

2. Nearly got mugged x2 in the first morning in town.
Buy your self some cloths at the local market. I allowed a day at the start of the trip. As what the locals wear, will do the trick. Also I had no issue with the locals after that. Just do not open your mouth.
You can throw out or give to guide at end of trip. To save on weight for the trip home.

3. You can never be fit enough. Trust me.

4. Be a good horse ridder.

5. Buy some salt in the town for the skin.

6. Have gear that is consumable as you will get hit up for excess baggage.

Send me an email if you like.

mark.mclean@rocketmail.com

Good luck.

You will never for get it. Mark

Also do not forget it is like the tracker in africa telling you it is big big big.

40 to 50 inches they can not tell the differance.
When the size is scribed in the snow, take a picture of it. Your going to need that.

Great info, guys. Thanks and keep it coming!

I spent 17 days in the saddle in Kyrgyzstan and next time I go, I'm taking my own saddle.

I leant mine to a friend for a Kyrgyzstan trip and he was very glad to have spent the extra money in excess baggage.

You'll want hiking boots that you can ride in.

Take some good quality rope-line like dyneema or spectra. It is unbreakable for all intended purposes and you will end up needing to repair something with it.

Small carabiners.

Good sunglasses.

I always like to carry some zip loc bags and some garbage bags.

Rear rest for your rifle.

You will probably get a shot that it quite long, and having that rear rest can make the difference. Use a small stuff sack and put something you will want to carry in the field - spare socks, down vest squeezed into it.

The area sandyhunter was in and the area scottyboy (and most other hunters) will go to are completely different. Predators in the usual areas south of Issyk Kul are mainly wolves and it is not uncommon to see and shoot them there.

Sandy was nearly coerced into watermelon and vodka with my mechanic at 8 in the morning on his first day. His advice is best: stay clear of alcohol because there is no end. If you want to offer vodka for the trackers, etc., fine, but wait until your trophy is in the salt.

Which brings up another point. Take control of the cape prep process to make sure it is done both properly and in a timely manner.

Scott, I think you pretty much know what you need. I always say that one of the most important things is being able to ride a horse well without wearing off your ass.

Nice John Wayne toilet paper joke, but a little incorrect. The local stuff does take the shit off...along with a millimeter of skin with every wipe. Do your own math.

I hope you guy's understand what you are infor!!!

quote:

Originally posted by sandyhunter:


One additional piece of advice: If you are offered vodka, just politely tell people you don't drink. Otherwise, you'll drink until the bottle is empty. And even then, they may just open up another. It's a dangerous trap.

You can say what you want, but the russian know how to drink . I enjoy russian wodka but I would stay away from it when you have to climb in the mountains.

Back to the top for this one..
Plenty of us getting really close to our departure dates. Some good info here & hopefully someone with some new info will chime in as well.

Scott,
I think a lot has already been covered and certainly these things have been mentioned but I will mention them anyway.

--lip balm
--sunglasses and sunscreen. your face/neck/eyes will get burned
--long underwear bottoms (I prefer Cabelas heavy duty silk. Their silk/wool blend does not last, neither does the lightweight silk.) Wearing the long underwear bottoms whether you need them or not for warmth can save your ass on horseback. No joke.
--some sort of work gloves, even if it is warm. I like unlined elk or deerskin but even elcheapo control dot gloves are fine. Protect your hands from sharp rocks when climbing, plus if you go for roe deer they are great in the brush.
--Harris bipod, 11-25". These are great for MP/ibex hunting where you have long shots in short grass and/or from rock outcroppings. Rarely would you ever need shooting sticks for MP/ibex
--diamox, if you get altitude sickness. Never tried it, but a lot of people use it.
--gaiters, if you wear short boots
--Brett, I think mentioned a tarp to drag your trophy on. Excellent idea. You can get a cheap tarp in Bishkek at the Madina Bazaar before you set out.

The weather is really pretty good, even when it's bad. Don't expect rain or fog. Any precipitation will be snow and usually for a relatively short time. The biggest danger with the snow comes from drifting on the road, which can close it for several days.

If you want to keep your packing light you can also get used US BDUs at most of the bazaars (Osh, Alamedin, Orto Sai, NOT Madina) in Bishkek.

I REALLY like Minus 33 Marino Wool underwear including briefs. They are very comfortable and they really keep the stink down. I REALLY like the Mountain Equipment Liskamm pant! Warm, cut wind, dry quickly, tough, and act a gaiters by zipping tight around your boots. I really like the Mountain Equipment wool top! Warm, dries quickly, and cuts the wind. I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY like the Scarpa Koflach plastic boots. I'm not sure how saddle/sturip friendly they are. I'm thinking I'll take leather boots to ride in and my plastics to hunt in...........possibly.......

Thoughts from those with experience in Kyrgyzstan on plastic boots for hunting and riding????

Brett

Brett,
I, too am big on all things wool. I sweat a lot and find wool gives me the best wet performance.

I think your plastic boots will be fine. As long as they aren't significantly bulkier than general mountain/hunting boots, there shouldn't be a problem. I don't think it's realistic to change boots for riding/stalking. For riding I wear either Russell Grand Slam sheep hunters or Meindl heavy duty hunting boots or Le Chameau Chasseurs. The first two are definitely bulky and stiff soled and I have never had any problems with stirrups.

Are the stirrups on their saddles over there "regular" size? About the same as what we'd use here?

Brett

I bought the oversized ones from Cabelas that were recommended from a member up earlier in this thread to compensate for big bulky hunting boots.
They fit the bill great.

Here are several sets of Kyrgyz stirrups in action. The boots are mostly soviet style wellies and one rubber boot. You can see there is plenty of room, especially since the footbed is only about 2" deep and the sides are 1/4" steel, allowing a large turn radius.
I looked at the stirrups Scotty ordered and I think they will be fine but unnecessary. I've ridden with these stirrups for years with never any problems wearing bulky hunting boots.
I wish I had my tack here so I could take some measurements and post a picture or two.

BTW, this is a pickup game of kok bory, also known as bushkazi in Afghanistan--headless goat polo.

T-minus 3 days and counting.
I'm excited as all get out about this one for sure!

Excellent!!!!! I'm awaiting your report! When do you get back in country?

Brett

Back to AZ on the 20th.

Hoping my British Columbia luck continues into this one!

looking forward to the report

Scottyboy,

Picutres and a report PLEASE.

Hawkeye