Hunting Mid-Asian Ibex in Kyrgyzstan

 

Kyrgyzstan, home to the Mid-Asian ibex and Marco Polo sheep, offers a wild and stunning hunting experience that ranks among the top high-altitude hunts. The natural beauty, professionalism of guides, memorable experiences at every turn, and the friendship and hospitality of the locals have enchanted us and countless hunters, making them eager to return regularly.

 

Information

 

Hunting Period: August 15th – December 4th

 

Destination: Kyrgyzstan – regions Naryn and Issyk Kul

 

Duration of Event: 13-day tour / 5 days of hunting

 

Tour Date: November 2nd - 14th, 2024

 

Transport: Flight to Bishkek with a layover in Istanbul

 

Food: Basic / provided by local staff

 

Weapons: Option to import own firearms / option to rent firearms

 

Accommodation: Accommodation in basic camps / possible accommodation in fly camps

 

Price includes:

- Hunting of Mid-Asian Ibex, expected trophy size 100-112 cm, average 105-107 cm

- 5 full hunting days including professional guidance

- Transfer from the airport to the camp and back

- Transfers throughout the entire hunt

- Accommodation and full board in the basic camp and fly camp

- Basic trophy processing and preparation for preparation

- License and veterinary certificates

- Permits for firearm import

- Airport pick-up assistance and assistance with weapon collection

- Interpreter services in English

- Insolvency insurance of the travel agency in accordance with the law

 

Price does not include:

- Travel expenses including round-trip flight (approx. 500 EUR / person economy)

- Fees associated with firearm transport

- Hotel in the capital city Bishkek before and after the hunt / in case of early game capture

- Hunting additional game (additional ibex: 3,900 EUR, wolf: 2,500 EUR)

- Alcohol and gratuities for guides

- Participation of HEMING team member on the trip / by agreement

- Unplanned return from camp to Bishkek - 350 EUR / car

- Comprehensive travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance

- VIP service at the airport: 120 EUR / person / one way - mandatory fee

- Extra hunting day - approx. 300 EUR / person

- Trophy transport costs to the place of residence: approx. 950 EUR

- Rental of a weapon on request 300 EUR / stay including ammunition

- Anything not included in the tour price

- Edited professional photo-video recording from the hunt 1,500 EUR

 

Hunting Information:

The hunt takes place in the beautiful Tian-Shen mountain environment at an altitude of 3000 - 4000 m above sea level, in locations within the territories of the Issyk-Kul and Naryn regions with a total area of ​​approximately 500 thousand hectares. Hunting is usually done by the so-called HORSEBACK method (from horseback), with beat drives organized in exceptional cases. In both alternatives, horses are used for transportation, reducing the physical demands of the hunt. We recommend trying horse riding in domestic conditions to acquire at least basic skills. Occasionally (August/September), it may be necessary to spend one or more nights in makeshift camps, so it's advisable to bring a high-quality sleeping bag.

 

Travel Details to the Country:

The most ideal and common air connection is through Turkish Airlines with a layover in Istanbul. The journey begins at Vienna airport. The transport of firearms by the airline is smooth and straightforward, and all necessary arrangements will be made by our company. A vehicle will be ready at the airport in Bishkek to transport the group to the base camp. The journey takes approximately 8 hours - depending on the specific location of the hunt.

 

Health:

Kyrgyzstan is known for its healthy climate. No mandatory vaccinations are required, but it is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis and tetanus for personal safety. Before the trip, consult your doctor, as the stay and physical exertion at approximately 3,000 - 4,000 meters above sea level could cause health problems. We recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance to cover comprehensive medical expenses abroad as well as trip cancellation insurance, both of which you can arrange directly with us. Also, don't forget to bring your regularly prescribed medications and basic medicines for any potential issues such as cold, constipation, upset stomach, headache, or sleeping pills. The base camps are equipped with everything necessary to provide first aid and a satellite phone. The hunter must realize that this is a high-altitude hunt, which is quite demanding both physically and mentally. Hunters often spend long hours / sometimes even 6 - 10 hours a day on horseback and face the challenges of weather. Each hunter must realistically assess their mental and physical condition and thoroughly prepare for this hunt. Horseback riding itself is relatively undemanding as the horses are well trained and invaluable helpers in the environment.

 

Weather:

In October and November, daytime temperatures are around 5 °C, dropping to -5 to -15°C at night. During the day, the cold is not very noticeable when the sun shines, and at night, sleeping in heated cabins is common. The beginning of the season is marked by more pleasant temperatures, but expect longer horse rides and overnight stays in fly camps for time efficiency. Like any high-altitude hunt, prepare for all weather changes whether you choose the beginning of the season or the winter period. Therefore, it is necessary to have warm and waterproof clothing in your equipment, with layers being the key, quality boots with a hard sole and Gore-Tex membrane, white camouflage clothing for winter months, sunscreen with a high UV factor, protective lip balm, and high-altitude sunglasses - black lenses. For overnight stays outside the base camp, a quality sleeping bag is recommended. A backpack and a sturdy thermos flask are also useful.

 

Accommodation and Food:

In this area, we have many basic camps available, all adequately equipped to make the group feel comfortable. The basic camps are equipped with generators, plenty of clean drinking water, a satellite phone (for emergency calls), and a sauna / shower. The food is plentiful and simple given the conditions.

 

Tour Itinerary:

 

Day 1: Departure from Vienna to Istanbul, connecting flight to Bishkek

Day 2: Arrival in Bishkek in the early morning, transfer to hunting camps, possible overnight stay in Bishkek / accommodation and weapon testing

Day 3 to 7: 5 full hunting days. If the desired game is captured earlier or later, the stay in camps or in Bishkek may be shorter or longer depending on the current situation.

Day 8: Transfer to Bishkek (accommodation in a hotel)

Day 8 to 10: Stay in a hotel in Bishkek, excursions in the surroundings, visit to the largest traditional market in Bishkek. Sauna. Waiting for veterinary documents for trophy export.

Day 10: Departure and return home

 

Weapons and Ammunition:

When hunting ibex, it is often necessary to shoot at longer distances than 200 - 450m, so we recommend bringing powerful calibers such as 7mm Rem. Magnum, 8 x 68, 300 Win. Magnum, 338 Magnum, 300 Weatherby Mag. and similar strong calibers with a flat ballistic trajectory and sufficient impact energy. Just like horse riding, it's recommended to practice shooting at longer distances at home. Riflescopes with high magnification, min. 12x and above, preferably with a ballistic turret, are suitable. Lightweight binoculars with high magnification, e.g., 10x42, preferably with an integrated rangefinder, are ideal for observation.

To export the weapon, it is necessary to have the weapon registered in an international firearms license. The hunting weapon must be packed in a secure case - lockable. Ammunition must be transported in a separate lockable case / package. We recommend taking at least 40 rounds of rifle ammunition. Remember that the large luggage should not exceed 23 kg (according to the conditions of the respective airline) per person and carry-on luggage approx. 7-8 kg (personal items, camera, etc.). Don't forget to bring your international firearms license and weapon card. Upon arrival at the destination airport, our partner will take care of weapon importation.