04 March 2003, 10:54
mhoquote:I think that is a bold statement. Who knows where the next big ibex is going to surface? Both Kirgistan and Kazakhstan (boy, those names kill me
Originally posted by jhaney:
By far the largest ibex are coming from Kazakhstan, a neighbor of Kyrgyzstan
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) have excellent ibex hunting. I have pursued ibex in both Kirgistan and High Altai (Russian side). It is probably true that your chance of taking a real monster is better in Kirgistan or Kazakhstan, although Altai is as pretty as anything in the fall. In Altai and Kazakhstan it is also possible to combine ibex hunting with maral (Asian elk). Altai ibex have a slightly different color scheme (greyish with pronounced stripe along the back) than Kirgistan ibex (pretty uniform brown). The later you go in the season, the better the fur is going to get, but you also have to contend with more difficult conditions. An ibex taken in the rut stinks like s..., and will continue to do so for years.
About conditions: you can easily get to hunt very high altitude (4000 m is not unheard of). Make sure your outfitter provides horses, they help no end - although they usually look as if they are about to fall over dead... Make sure guiding arrangement is what you think it is (1-1, say). Make sure you put your foot down if you are unhappy with anything in camp - this is "Russia" after all... E.g., I personally am NOT interested in driven hunts, in the end you too often find yourself with the wrong animal on the ground. A lot of the guides like this hunting method, though - maybe from having trouble getting their clients to the game? Make sure you bring a sturdy walking stick, and learn how to use it on steep ground before leaving home. You'll need it. Get in shape!
Caliber: I have been very happy with a .300 Win Mag & 180 grs Partitions or X for ibex. Any of the 300's or big 7 mm's are probably about ideal, as is a big 8mm or even a big .338 provided you can shoot it well. I would consider a .270 Win on the lighter side. A 30-06 would do the trick if you feel confident about long shots with it. Do prepare for longish shots, though.
Russia is a lot cheaper than Spain, different animals though. Another option: Kaukasus for Tur - different kind of ibex. Lovely country, possible to combine with great hunting for red stag. Final option: Turkey for Bezoar.
Enjoy your trip. - mike
[ 03-04-2003, 02:08: Message edited by: mho ]