Russia

Over 190 ethnic groups make Russia one of the most culturally diverse countries of Asia. Its deep historical roots in hunting evolved from native sects and elite traditions of the Czars. Today, it is a major draw for international hunters. Many consider it "The Last Frontier" of big game hunting. With close to 40 huntable species across its vast landscape (17 million sq. km / 6.6 million sq. mi.), Russia is as game-rich and species-diverse as it is unspoiled and mystical.

The Russian Far East is the most productive hunting ground in the world for big coastal brown bears. Both the Kamchatka Peninsula and Magadan's coast have enormous populations of brown bears that are genetically capable of maturing to the 10-foot square mark. The smaller but no less impressive Siberian brown bear, the Eurasian brown bear of European Russia in the west, and the Amur brown bear of Magadan add great scope for species collectors.

The largest moose in the world also roam the Russian Far East. In 1978, a Regional Hunting Department transplanted 45 Chukotka moose from the Chukotka Autonomous Area onto the Kamchatka Peninsula. This giant moose thrives in a massive area including Magadan, capable of producing the equal of Kamchatka's legendary moose trophies. The spread of mature bulls can exceed 70" and carry extraordinary mass and palmation typical of the SCI world record taken on the Kamchatka Peninsula in 2017. The smaller cousins of the Chukotka moose attracting collectors especially is the Amur moose found in the dense taiga forests of the Khabarovsk, Primorsky Krai, and Amur Regions and the European moose of the nation's far west regions.

Khabarovsk is also home to the Asian black bear and Manchurian wapiti. Reindeer, closely resembling the big Mountain Caribou of Northwest Territories, Canada, is an attractive option on Chukotka moose hunts in Magadan. Siberian Roe Deer, the largest in the world, exist in untold numbers in Siberia's forests and grasslands.

A wonderland of sheep hunting begins with the Kamchatka Bighorn. Heading westward across the Okhotsk Sea and northward into various regions of the Far East mainland and Siberia are the Chukotka, Kharaulakh, Kolyma, Yakutia, Koryak, and Okhotsk snow sheep. Russian snow sheep hunts are priced attractively compared to North American sheep hunts and they provide a unique mountain hunting adventure in a pristine and almost surreal world.

Three species of tur offer equally adventurous mountain hunting. The Caucasus Mountains of southern Dagestan Republic hold the sought-after Dagestan (Eastern) tur. The Mid-Caucasian and Kuban (Western) turs are found westward of Dagestan. And, costing a fraction of other mountain hunts worldwide, a tur hunt might just be the best mountain hunting bargain in the world.

Finally, no introductory overview of Russia's hunting opportunities would be complete without acknowledging the heartfelt hospitality (gostepriimstvo) of Russian people. This stems from a cultural belief that guests are a blessing that transforms every hunt into a cultural adventure. This quality of genuine hospitality is equaled by the skills, professionalism, and work ethic of our local outfitting and guiding teams.

Alarming news headlines of American travelers being detained in Russia has caused many to postpone their hunts. But the media's untold backstory of these incidents reveals that specific laws were broken by each traveler. Hunters who dug a little deeper beyond the headlines were warmly welcomed and experienced hassle-free gun importation and successful hunting.

Safety is Priority 1 at Caprinae Safaris and we're also bullish on Russia's present and future hunting opportunities. We encourage a discussion about why Russia is both safe and enjoyable to hunt now. But regardless of your timeline, we are seeing signs of a seismic surge in demand for Russian hunts. So, advance planning is advised.