Azerbaijan

Covering 60% of the country, the Caucasus Mountains dominate Azerbaijan's hunting landscape. The striking and elusive Dagestan Tur (Capra cylindricornis), also known as the Eastern Tur, inhabits Azerbaijan's northern regions (e.g., Sheki, Quba, and Zaqatala areas). Although the country is home to the remarkable Caucasian Brown Bear, Azerbaijan's flagship big game species is the Tur.

Renowned for their thick, sweeping, lyre-shaped horns that form an elegant open spiral to the rear, Tur have always appealed to both Ovis and Capra hunters. Found at elevations of 2200-3500 meters (7000–11500 feet) in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and cliffs, hunting them requires a high level of physical and mental stamina.

Turs are highly social, forming herds of 20–100 animals, with larger groups in summer and smaller, segregated groups (males or females with young) in winter. Despite their blocky bodies, they are agile climbers that can navigate near-vertical cliffs with ease. Their specialized hooves provide exceptional grip on rocky surfaces, and their thick coats protect against harsh mountain conditions.

The primary method of hunting Tur is spot-and-stalk, but they blend well into their environment and keen senses make them difficult to approach. What it takes to hunt this challenging trophy on its terms, in its mountainous domain, defines the mountain hunting experience, perhaps like no other species.

The hunting season runs from June through November with July–August being optimal for milder weather and September–October preferred for better-quality capes. The rut occurs in November–December. And although November hunts usually face harsher conditions, they can be more accessible when heavy snow drives them to lower altitudes.

Camps are situated inside active Tur range and are therefore basic and rustic but have all the equipment and food necessary for an effective hunt. Fly camps can serve as base camp depending on scouting reports and historic Tur movement. You will camp and hunt where the Tur are located and any discomfort and exertion over what is typically a 5-day hunt will be rewarded with a compelling mountain trophy.

Currently, Azerbaijan is closed to hunting. Rumors of it re-opening have persisted but accurately forecast if and when it will ever re-open is fraught with pure speculation. Nonetheless, Caprinae Safaris has a long history of hunting Azerbaijan and we are vigilantly monitoring for any leading indicators or factual evidence of possible reopening. We will publish updates on this situation as developments are occurring.

The silver lining to Azerbaijan's closure is that this remarkable Tur can be hunted in the Dagestan Republic of Russia. The Caucasus Mountains run along Azerbaijan's shared border with the Dagestan Republic. So, hunting Tur simply means an approach into the Caucasus from the north rather than from the south in Azerbaijan. It's the same Eastern Tur – just seamlessly accessible from the Russian side.

Our Russian operation is first class and also conducts hunts for the Mid-Caucasian Tur and Kuban (Western) Tur. Combination hunts for 2 or even 3 Tur, representing the Tur Slam, are routine for our team there.

So, while this began as a discussion about Azerbaijan, Tur dominates the discussion of this country because Tur is Azerbaijan's singular "pull" for hunters. But this "pull" factor is available in Russia. So, rather than wait for an unknown to happen, at least if and until things change in Azerbaijan, we suggest that Russia receive full consideration.

You can hunt Tur now! Contact us for the latest developments and an exploratory discussion about hunting this amazing mountain dweller.