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NOTE: China is closed to hunting now. We have worked feverishly to assist in it being reopened. We keep being told it is going to reopen, but regardless of the rumors of hunts or it is going to reopen, we don’t see it happening. We have no idea what the prices will be if it ever does reopen, but traditionally China was not nearly as costly as some other hunts in different countries. China is a sheep hunter's dream, and we hope it will reopen in the future; we want to go back and hunt sheep!
Himalayan Blue Sheep Hunts Time: March-April 30, October-November Price: USD $ POR for 1 hunter Itinerary: Hunt package includes: Not included:
Himalayan Tahr Hunts Time: November-April. Price: USD $ POR for 1 hunter Hunt package includes: Not included: Himalayan Blue Sheep/Tahr Combination Hunts Time: March-April, October-November Price: USD $ POR for 1 hunter Itinerary: Hunt package includes: Not included: Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only protected hunting area in Nepal where licensed hunting is allowed. The reserve adjoins Myagdi and Baglung district, just below the Dhaulagiri Range in the west Nepal. Spreading over an area of 1,325 square kilometers, the reserve begins at 3,000 meters reaching as high as 7,000 meters. Trees like fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce are available in the reserve. One of the prime attractions for hunters is the blue sheep, which is abundant in the region. Hunters also get pheasant and partridge in viable populations for hunting. Other animals found here are leopard ghoral, serow, Himalayan thar, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur and mouse hare. Endangered animals in the reserve are musk deer, wolf red panda, cheer pheasant and danphe. The gateway to the region is Beni Baglung district, midwest Nepal. The time to visit the reserve is from September to May. For the trip official documentation arrangements involve many different government authorities and apply different fees - Department of National Park, Ministry of Forest Affair, District Administration Office Kathmandu, Department Of Customs, Concerned District Administration Office, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Animal Health of Directorate and local community. Besides this, game license fees, operation cost and facilitator must pay some contribution to conservation. Import of rifles: Government of Nepal, Affairs of Home Ministry issues the firearm & ammunition license in application of facilitator. Qatar Airways or Korean Air are most convenient to travel with arms & ammunition in our experience. Our arrangements: Our Sherpa team treks to the camp about 3-4 days in advance to scout extensively and takes the necessary gear for clients.
We love this hunt and hunting brown bears in general. We have a partner in our Asian programs, and he is one of the most -- if not the most -- experienced outfitters/guides in all of Asia. He speaks excellent English and has guided countless hunters for many species. We had the privliege to guide Swarovski Optik, Remington Arms along with well known outdoor/gun writers Ron Spomer and Gordy Krahn of North American Hunting Club. Dean Capuano, Linda Powell (Mossberg), Ron Spomer and Gordy Krahn all took super brown bears and this hunt went off without a hitch. Until an airline resumes flights between Anchorage and Petropavlosk, hunters will have to fly through Moscow, possibly Tokyo. While there are some tremendous trophy brown bears in Russia, the myth that there are tons of 10-footers and 11-footers dying of old age is just that, a myth. But there are lots of great bears in the 9+ foot range and plenty in the 10 foot, but hunters must know that a 9-footer is average. The biggest plus is the number of bears you will see in spring and fall. The hide of a spring Russian brown bear will be far more superior than most all Alaskan brown bears given the same time. Why this is, is anyone's guess. Alaskan bears run about 50-50 chance on being rubbed, while Russian bears are closer to 90% perfect. The price for Russian brown bears is cheaper for the hunt. Travel and length to get there add up, but overall the experience and the trophy equal or surpass any other brown bear hunt. Our northern area is remote, lots of bears, less pressure and is expensive to reach, only by helicopter. We handle all rifle permits, export, VISAs, etc. There is no trouble with getting your trophy home. Kamchatka peninsula is a habitat of a monster bear averaging in weight from 300 kilos to 500 kilos (up to 800-1200 pounds) or 3m (up to 10-11 ft) length. There is sufficient population of big bears and snow sheep in our Kamchatka areas. In spring the hunt is conducted as stalk hunt and on snowmobiles either on the seacoast or in the interior. On the white snow, bears are easily seen from a far distance. In our areas sometimes during one hunting day hunters will see up to 10 bears. Spring bears have beautiful furred up hides. In the fall, bears are found at salmon streams, where fish spawn. It is possible to see up to 15 bears or more a day. The hunt is done as stalk hunt or from boats. After hunt you can enjoy fishing of different kinds of Kamchatka salmon, swim in hot springs, see famous Kamchatka volcanoes from helicopter, visit the Valley of Geysers, try traditional Russian cuisine with red caviar, Kamchatka crabs and smoked salmon. There are EXPERIENCED GUIDES, interpreter, cook and helpers in camp. You should be prepared for a minimum of 150-300 yard distance shot. Be prepared for long rides in sled on spring hunt. Weather: When you finish your hunt you can visit the local museum of Koriak culture. We can arrange excursions around Moscow of your choice (the Kremlin, Red Square, Diamond Fund, the Bolshoy Theater, etc.). The hunt, for sure, will leave you unforgettable impressions for your whole life. Price: $ POR per hunter, Karaginsky region (including helicopter transportation to the camp and back) Hunt package includes: Price for non-hunter: $ POR Group: 4-8 hunters (2-5 in one camp)
NOTE: Wounded and lost animal to be considered killed animal and your hunt will be over.
Itinerary:
Of the 5 sub-species of snow sheep, the Kamchatka rams have the most stable populations, largest body size, longest horn length as well as the most massive horns. They also inhabit the same areas as the largest brown bears and best salmon fishing. Huge body size, massive bases, 35-42" lengths. Low altitude, gentle terrain. Seven out of the top 10 rams were taken by our clients! This is a perfect combination hunt for snow sheep and brown bear. Only pay the trophy fee for the bear upon success. Hunt package includes: Price for non-hunter: $ 8,750 Group: 4-8 hunters (2-4 hunters in one camp)
Magadan/Coastal Region Sheep Hunt There are three subspecies of snow sheep (Ovis nivicola) in the Magadan region--Okhotsk, Yakutia, and Kolyma snow sheep.
Kolyma Snow Sheep This sheep is found only in the Magadan Region, and predominantly in the Kolyma mountain range. The eastern boundary is considered to be the large river valley west of the Koryak Mountains of the Koryak Autonomous Region. The northern boundary is considered to be the Chukotka Autonomous Region border. The western boundary is considered to be the border of Yakutia, from the Omolon River to the Kolyma River. The western boundary then follows the Kolyma River to the Trans-Siberian Highway. The southern boundary is considered to be the Trans-Siberian Highway, which begins in the city of Magadan. This actually runs in a northerly direction. For all practical purposes, the range of the Kolyma sheep is west of the Koryak Mountains down through the Kolyma range of mountains, which are east of the Kolyma River. Hunt Cost - 13 Hunting Days: $ POR Sea Coast Hunt Fish for several species of salmon including pink salmon, Coho salmon, chum salmon, sockeye, Dolly Varden, yellowmouth char, white-spotted char, Artic grayling and Lenok free of charge. For more information on fishing trips, please contact us at bighorn@crossheartoutfitters.com. Weather: Hunt package includes: Not included: Additional Trophies: Okhotsk
Snow Sheep The majority of this subspecies are found in the Khabarovsk Region of Siberia. However, within the Magadan Region, the boundary is the southern route of the Trans-Siberian Highway, from the city of Magadan until it crosses the border of Yakutia. The boundary then goes south and follows the border of Yakutia. The area for the Okhotsk snow sheep in Magadan is relatively small. Hunt Cost - 13 Hunting Days: $ POR Yakutia
Snow Sheep The majority of this subspecies are found in the Yakutia Region of Siberia. All the sheep located in the Yakutia Region are considered to be Yakutia snow sheep. Within the Magadan Region, the eastern boundary is the Kolyma River until it intersects with the southern route of the Trans-Siberian Highway. The boundary then runs westerly until the Trans-Siberian Highway intersects with the border of Yakutia. Hunt Cost - 13 Hunting Days: $ POR A unique chance to get to the world's end, where the east meets the west, this trip may become the most exciting adventure in your life! From one hunt you can bring three unique trophies: Giant moose (60-75"), brown bear (8-10 ft.) - an average inhabitant of Kamchatka, and beautiful Kamchatka reindeer (caribou). The largest moose in the world inhabits Kamchatka peninsula. The average weight of trophy moose horns varies from 30 to 40 kilos (75-100 pounds), their average length is 130-175 cm (51-69 in.). Hunt is done during the mating season on horseback, stalking and driving, from boats. You have to be prepared for 250-300-yard distance shot. The best dates are from September 20 to October 10 in the rut. At the end of November it is possible to hunt with snowmobile. The temperature during the hunting season: Weather: You will need warm, waterproof clothes and boots. In the perfectly equipped, comfortable camp with big warm, heated tents there are experienced guides and helpers. Separate tents set for dining room and kitchen, guides and helpers. Our English-speaking interpreter will see you from/to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatka international airport. After the hunt you can enjoy excellent fishing for different species of Kamchatka salmon, swim in natural hot springs, see famous Kamchatka Volcanoes from helicopter, try traditional Russian cuisine with red caviar, Kamchatka crabs and Kamchatka salmon. You may want to stay for 1-2 days in Petropavlovsk to see local places of interest. (National Parks, the Valley of Geysers, Pacific Coast, Petropavlovsk Harbour) Flying via Moscow you will have opportunity to make city tours and visit a lot of interesting places. (The Kremlin, the Red Square, the Diamond Fund) Price: $ POR (Moose hunt - service & trophy) Hunt package includes: Price for non-hunter: $ POR Group: 4-6 hunters (2-4 in one camp)
Itinerary: NOTE: Wounded and lost animal to be considered killed animal. Dagestan (East Caucasian) Tur Hunt This is a mountain hunt for an excellent animal living in picturesque mountains of southern Russia or scenic Azerbaijan. A trophy of this wild sheep has to be included in your mountain collection! The hunt is conducted at the altitude 1500m-3000m (4500-9000 ft.) A hunter accompanied by the guides leaves the base camp for 2-3 days on horseback, setting up a tent camp in mountains, and stalks the animal on foot. The group may return to the base camp for one night to rest and go back to the tent camp again for a hunt. There is a big population of animals and using horses makes it possible to get big trophies for older hunters and even those who are not as physically fit. Trophies can be up to 45 inches (105cm) in size. Weather: There are experienced guides, an interpreter, a cook and helpers in camp. Beautiful mountains will leave you with unforgettable impressions for your whole life. You will enjoy traditional Caucasus hospitality and local cuisine. You have the opportunity to visit folk museums, see interesting sights, learn local culture and traditions. Price: $ POR in Azerbaijan Hunt package includes: Price for non-hunter: $ POR in Azerbaijan, $ POR in Kabardino-Balkaria Group: 3-8 hunters
NOTE: Wounded and lost animal to be considered killed animal. If you want to get several trophies we advise you to increase the number of hunting days.
Itinerary: Kuban Tur - an animal with nice horns, something between Dagestan Tur horns and Ibex horns.
The hunt is conducted at an altitude of 1500m-3000m, as a driven hunt or stalk. From base camp you drive 4x4 up into the mountains about two hours, then ride horses to the hunting area about 4 hours. There you have fly camps. Helicopter transfer to hunting area is possible (saving a lot of time). Air temperature varies from -5 C at night to +15 C at daytime. There are experienced guides, interpreter, cook and helpers in camp. When you finish your Kuban Tur hunt you can hunt Caucasus chamois. You also can spend some time swimming in Black Sea waters after the hunt. The beautiful Caucasus Mountains will leave you with unforgettable memories. You will enjoy Caucasus hospitality and local cuisine. You can visit museums there and see some other places of interest, learn local culture and traditions. You can fly to Minvody with a direct flight from Turkey. If you prefer to fly via Moscow we can arrange sightseeing tours, you just need to choose places of interest. (the Kremlin, Red Square, Diamond Fund, the Bolshoy Theater, etc.) This trip may become the best hunting trip in your life. Price: $ POR per hunter, including all service Moscow/Moscow, on the base, 1 hunter-1 guide and one trophy of Kuban Tur Hunt package includes: Group: 3-4 hunters NOTE: Wounded and lost animal to be considered killed animal.
Itinerary: Marco Polo Sheep Hunt USFWS is again issuing a fair number of IMPORTATION permits for Ovis Ammon Poli from Kyrgyzstan now that their Government and Ministry of Environment is on top of the biological surveys and harvest reports that the USWFS requests yearly. We are booking hunts there as usual and we have great success here in our own exclusive area for Sheep and Ibex. Permits are limited yearly and the earlier you book the better. Ibex hunting is not a problem. If you are serious about adding a huge Mid-Asian Ibex contact us now--we usually can do group specials. A word of caution!!!! There are many hunters who dream of taking the most sought-after sheep trophy. Most always look to Tajikistan, once they see the price--which is forever going up--then they look to Kirgizia. There are many more outfitting or tour companies in Kyrgyzstan and a lot of would-be booking agents who correspond over the internet with someone they have never met, and even some American agent who has never been there, or established a long-term relationship with the person a great deal of distance away who is taking your money and putting your safety in his hands. There are way cheaper hunts than ours, and in 99% of all cases, there are very poor hunting guides, no food, a lot of vodka flowing, lack of quality game and a lot of disorganization. Even worse are the results where some hunters find out they can't take their trophies home for lack of payment or the proper paper work is not done. This is the reason why you should book with Crossheart Outfitters. We have almost 20 years experience in Asia and this part of the world and with an exclusive agreement with the government official who manages the two areas we hunt. We have a lot of control and pull there. I routinely see hunts being sold for the bare bones costs, costs that we pay for everything, so somewhere they are cutting corners, either in an area with almost no real trophy rams or equipment or riding piggyback on another outfit. Most are advertising great rams at 40+ inches, why even bother?
Hunt is conducted in Tian Shan mountains (Kirgizia) at the altitude 3500-4000m (10,000 - 12,500 ft) Typical of these high lands is thin air and temperatures ranging from -10 to 0 C (+15 to +30 F) during the hunting season. Though good physical fitness of the hunter is preferable, a very big population of sheep as well as experienced guides allow for different ages and health conditions of hunters. There are guides, cook and helpers in camp. Late October-November snow brings sheep lower for rut and food. Sometimes it is possible to see 50-500 sheep per day during this period. Early in the morning a hunter with a guide and a driver leave base camp by Jeep or on horses, typically it is horses. On their way they make some stops and the guides thoroughly check over high desert polar mountainsides with binoculars. When they see a group of sheep they use a spotting scope to find a big ram in the group. Good guides can say how big the ram is from a far distance. If they find good one, they look for the best way to approach the ram considering many factors, and start approaching afterwards. You have to be prepared for up to a 300-400+ yard shot. From Bishkek, capital of Kirgizia, they will take you to camp by Jeeps (about 10-12 hours). A slow ascent to mountains allows your body to adapt to the high altitude quickly and easily. We also have the option for those who may want to take a helicopter to get to the camp (2-2.5 hours from Bishkek to different camps), which is a unique chance to see Tian Shan Mountains. Trophy sizes vary from 50-60 in. When you finish your Marco Polo sheep hunt you can continue to hunt for ibex. You can fly directly to Bishkek from Frankfurt or Istanbul on different airlines, without stopping in Moscow. If you fly via Moscow we can offer you a very interesting sightseeing program in the city. Price: $ POR USD per hunter including all service Bishkek/Bishkek, on the base, 1 hunter-1 guide, and one trophy of Marco Polo Hunt package includes: Base price for non-hunter: $7,500 Group: 2-4 hunters Itinerary: It is known there are around 6 hunting concessions in Tajikistan, with 3 operating areas and 3 outfitters. Of the 3 there are 2 that command the most import permits and have the best areas, of the 2 areas ours is the best, period. Many others "sub-lease" parts of an area or use the camps. We have used and hunted in all 3 with mixed results; most all hunters have taken rams. Many of the reports and complaints that are circulated in the hunting community are true for the most part. When booking your hunt, keep in mind a hunt in Asia for sheep will be nothing like a hunt in North America. Not everything goes according to plan; this is the biggest part of the hunt and adventure. We have chosen to work with one of the 3 outfitters, and we are the only and exclusive representative and partner in the US. If you choose another option that is fine, you will pay more and get less. We also offer Markhor and Afghan Urial in Tajikistan. Our outfitter was the first to conduct sheep and ibex hunts in Tajikistan. He is a local, and unlike all other outfitters that hunt all over the ex-Republic of Russia, he hunts only in Tajikistan. All clients have successfully taken mature Marco Polo rams. All were exceptional trophies (many were over 60"). He has honed his exceptional guiding skills over 20+ years, and speaks English quite well. The Hunt: The schedule is 14-16 days, with 10 days of hunting, and 1x1 guiding. The season runs from late August to mid-December, and late January to the end of March. The first two days of the hunt schedule are generally spent acclimating at the base camp. The remote areas are accessed in the fall and early winter by vehicle or on horseback. Spike camps are used during the early fall hunts. The accommodations in the spike camps are in modern tents. There are two hunters per spike camp, and the hunters have their own tent. Hunters can typically expect to have stalking opportunities on mature rams each day of the hunt. A typical day of hunting begins by finding a location from which to glass. Once a ram you deem worthy is located, a stalk is planned, and the hunt is on! Late October-November snow brings sheep lower for rut and food. Sometimes it is possible to see 50-500 sheep per day at this time. Though good physical fitness of the hunter is preferable, a very big population of sheep as well as experienced guides allow for different ages and health conditions of hunters. There are guides, doctor, cook and helpers in camp. Weather: The Camps: We accommodate our clients in an abandoned Soviet Army outpost where you will have a private room, a dining room and kitchen. In your room there are beds (bring your sleeping bag). The building is heated by a coal stove and you will always have plenty of hot water. Another camp consists of several traditional felt yurts, each with a heater. At times spike camps are used with technical mountaineering tents. There is a shooting range set up just outside the base camp, making it easy to check the accuracy of your rifle. (The typical shooting distance on a Marco Polo and Ibex is between 150-350 yards with shots up to and over 400+) The base camp at Lake Karakul is set at 12,800 feet, and hunting typically takes place between 12,000 to 16,000 feet. This high elevation means precautionary measures need to be taken. Diamox is commonly prescribed for exposure to high elevations, and it is highly recommended. (Ask your doctor.) The food provided consists of a mixture of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, bread and nuts. Spring water, bottled mineral water, and lots of green tea are standard beverages. Russian UAZ 4x4 vehicles or similar are used for transportation during the hunt. Travel: The schedule begins with a flight to Frankfurt, Germany, or clients may use Turkish Airlines, via Istanbul, which flies two 737s each week into Bishkek. Aeroflot, via New York and Moscow, also serves Bishkek. We recommend not going through Moscow. Travel is fairly routine, and can be arranged online or through your travel agent. We recommend Istanbul, Turkey or Frankfurt, Germany, as your best routes. Note: Current trip route is Frankfurt or Istanbul into Dushanbe then onto Sheep camp. This is a more desired and easier, quicker route than Osh Kyrgyzstan. You are met there by our English-speaking representatives, and assisted through customs. From the airport, you have the option of doing some sightseeing, or going directly to the hotel. While in Moscow, our representatives will acquire the Kyrgyzstan (no longer needed for Americans) and Tajikistan Visas for you. These Visas typically cost about $160. The morning of the second or third day, hunters are transferred to the domestic airport for their flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The airline ticket from Frankfurt to Osh via Bishkek or Dushanbe can be prepared by the outfitter at your cost which is approximately USD $700 and the flight takes about 4 hours. Once you arrive in Bishkek, you are again met in the airport by our English-speaking representatives. You will be assisted through customs, and will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Osh, Kyrgyzstan. This flight costs approximately $200 round trip, and takes about 1 hour. The actual hunt schedule begins in Osh, and all costs are covered from this point on. Our representative meets you at the airport, and then transfers you to the vehicles that will take you into the hunting camp. The area is remote, and for safety a convoy of two vehicles, 4-wheel drive Russian UAZ, or similar vehicle is always used. The route passes several small villages, Gulcha and Sary-Tash, before crossing Kyzyl Art Pass (4,280 meters), at the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The drive into camp takes approximately 9-12 hours. Permits and Importation Procedures: With the USF&W import permit in hand, hunters usually bring their Marco Polo trophies home with them as excess baggage. The excess baggage fees vary from Kyrgyzstan making it impossible to estimate. The trophies are field prepared for the travel home; this includes fleshing, salting of capes, and boiling the skull after separating the horns. Typically all trophies are brought out in one large canvas game bag. The services of an import broker may be necessary to clear the animals through the US customs. We notify the USF&W Service office 48 hours prior to your return, and an officer will likely be waiting for you at the customs area. (In the case of using a broker, the broker notifies USF&W) The services of a customs broker are very helpful if the trophies are not cleared for one reason or another by either US customs, USF&W Service or by the USDA. The cost varies from one broker to the next, and we can provide the phone numbers of brokers according to the port of entry. We will assist you with the services of the customs broker unless you have a preference with one you have used in the past and trust. We have used Flora and Fauna and ABX the most, and have had good results with both of them. Hunters pay for the customs broker fees and will be required to sign a power of attorney for the broker. Broker fees for handling previous sheep trophies have varied from $400-600 USD. We personally recommend that a reputable customs broker be used, as it is easier for them to clear your trophy and ship head and hide to a certified USDA approved facility, and then sent to you or your taxidermist. Please check with your taxidermist for the facility he prefers, as this is where your trophy will be sent to after clearing customs. Marco
Polo Sheep Price: $ POR per hunter including all service Dushanbe/Dushanbe, on the base Hunt package includes: Price for non-hunter: $8,500 Group: 2-6 hunters
Urial hunts are organized in southwest Tajikistan close to Afghanistan border. The way of hunting is by is stalking in the mountains on an altitude of 5,000-6,000 ft. Transfer to hunt by car, hunting on foot. You can make this hunt after you Marco Polo hunt in Tajikistan (long drive by car 1-2 days) and return to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, and fly home from there. You will enjoy traditional oriental hospitality, Asiatic cuisine and local traditions. Weather: Price: $ POR per hunter including all service in Tajikistan, on the base, 1 hunter-1 guide and one trophy of Afghan Urial Hunt package includes: Price for non-hunter: $ 6,750 Group: 2-4 hunters
Itinerary (from Marco Polo camp):
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