Turkiye

Human civilization, in the sense of complex societies with agriculture, writing, and urban centers, first emerged in the so-called "Cradle of Civilization", which encompassed southeastern Turkey. At the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), blends Eastern and Western influences.

Its largest city, Istanbul, is a historic bridge between continents. Today, its modern airport redefines the word "bridge" with flight connections to over 310 international destinations, earning it the title of the world's most connected airport in 2025.

From ancient to contemporary times, Turkey's culture has had a practical and ceremonial connection to hunting. Archaeological evidence from sites like Çatalhöyük (circa 7500–5700 BC) shows that early inhabitants were hunters. The Ottoman era marked the peak of Turkey's hunting heritage. Hunting was a rite of passage for young men – symbolizing courage, skill, and a connection to nature. Today, Turkey is recognized for its professional outfitting industry and some of the world's most prestigious game trophies.

With the largest horn-to-body size ratio of all ibex species and its pronounced coloration, the Bezoar Ibex is Turkey's flagship species. Its wariness and agility have made it an ageless metaphor for overcoming challenges. In the modern Capra hunting world, it symbolizes high achievement, making Turkey one of the most alluring destinations for global big game hunters.

Bezoar inhabit rugged landscapes of the Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey) and parts of Eastern Anatolia. The hunting season extends from August through to March of the following year, and the rut typically extends from mid-November through December.

Thanks to the foresight of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, a network of well-maintained mountain roads provides access to vast precious forests and serves as fire breaks that help protect against wildfires spreading. The corollary benefit of this mountain road system is that it enables hunters to penetrate deeply into prime Bezoar habitat with access to countless stopping points along the route to glass canyons and ridges.

The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, strictly regulates Bezoar ibex hunting, and the annual demand for hunting permits always exceeds the supply. Permits are issued according to the population density and trophy quality potential of each designated hunting area. Certain areas have historically produced higher quality trophies than others, and consequently, a tiered hunt pricing model aligned to each area's potential has evolved. With the total number of hunting permits available about 50% of what was issued 10 years ago, the premium areas with the potential to yield trophies of 125cm (49") or greater will cost appreciably more to hunt. Advanced planning is crucial for securing the type of permit desired.

The Hybrid/Nemrut and Coastal Ibex are indigenous Bezoar variants that provide additional scope for Capra collectors. Each inhabits a unique locale, the Adiyaman region for the former and the hilly Mediterranean coast for the latter.

The impressive and highly prized Konya Mouflon is a subspecies of mouflon native to central Turkey. It inhabits the rolling hills and steppes of the Bozdag Mountains near Konya, Nallıhan near Ankara, and Karaman in the Taurus Mountains. Permits are extremely limited to a handful or less annually, making it a relative rarity found in trophy rooms.

Extremely timid and alert, with acute senses of sight, smell, and hearing, Anatolian Chamois are highly watchful, often posting a sentinel in herds to guard against predators. Although smaller in body and horn size compared to other chamois subspecies, their rarity and the challenge of hunting them revere them as a very coveted trophy.

A hunt during the "roar" for Mid-Eastern Red Deer (Anatolian Stag) presents one of the most thrilling experiences in the hunting world. These noble stags can produce extraordinary mass and some main beams will terminate with cupping or crown points, making them a stunning trophy.

Turkey's "Attila" subspecies of wild boar are the largest boar in the world. Minimal hunting by locals has enabled the boar population to expand exponentially. Both driven and stalking hunts are available year-round and each is uniquely action-packed and adrenalin-charged.

Turkey is also the home base of Caprinae Safaris. Our international hunting heritage and legacy of dependability and quality formally began here back in 2005. Naturally, we have time-proven outfitting capabilities for all species and look forward to explaining the country's wonderful opportunities to discerning hunters.

For non-hunters, a country this rich in the history of human civilization naturally has many attractions. From world-class shopping to historical and archeological sightseeing to Mediterranean cruises, Turkey has it all, and our capable team of professionals will plan and conduct seamless touring extensions to hunting trips.