Yakut Snow Sheep
Yakut Snow Sheep (Ovis nivicola lydekkeri) same as the Okhotsk Snow Sheep, although slightly smaller through most of its range, this sheep has less white on the forehead that the Okhotsk race. Body length is 4.6-5.3 ft/140-160 cm; shoulder height is 3.1-3.6 ft/93-108 cm; weight is 132-264 lb/60-120 kg. The grayish brown coat is accented by a small patch of light hair on the buttocks. Yakutia Snow sheep distinguish from other subspecies with a lighter coat coloration. The fronts of the legs are dark chocolate brown, while the rear edges may have whitish markings. A dark band, which runs across the nose between the eyes and muzzle, contrasts greatly with the bright white rostrum. The horns growing to 35 inches/89 cm long in male. Horns of this subspecies shorter and thinner in contrast other Snow Sheep. This sheep is the most widely distributed. Distribution of this sheep in the Yakutia Region of Siberia from the Lena River eastward North of 62 N, including the Verkhoyansk, Chersk, Mom, Kolyma and other range. All the sheep located in the Yakutia Region are considered to be Yakut 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.
Area
North-West of Magadan Region
Yakutia Region including Verkhoyansk, Mom, Chersk.
Hunting season
August 1 to November 30. Optimal hunting period is from August 1 to September 1.
Route
One option is to travel to Magadan same way as for Okhotsk or Kolyma Snow Sheep and then go by car about 300 miles to the Northern town Sejmchan, then fly by helicopter about 1,5 hour to the hunting area.
Other option is to travel from Moscow to Yakutsk. This is 6 hours flight. After arrival in Yakutsk you will be transferred by helicopter to the base camp (it takes almost two hours).
Camp & Accommodation
Accommodation is in tented camps. The camps are located in mountain valleys at 2800 feet. Each tent can accommodate up to 4 people, usually two-three hunters stay together. The camps and tents are usually equipped with stoves and portable cots. Field showers and dryer for clothing are available. Electricity mostly supplied by generating sets. Every camp has a cook, you will find good Russian style food and quality service. Fly camps are small tents.
Hunting
Snow Sheep inhabit the rocky mountainous areas, 3200- 6500 feet/1000-2000 m. Spot and stalk hunting, 1x1. You have to be ready to walk for 5 - 10 miles a day. Fly camps are used if sheep are found far from the base camp for 2-3 days.
You should be equipped with special footwear, wind-proof camouflage clothes, binoculars and rangefinder.
Climate
In August during daylight hours the temperature is 50 to 70 oF (10 to 20 oC) and during night from 32 to 50 oF (0 to 10 oC). Rainy, snowy, windy and cold temperatures weather is possible in the end of August and the beginning of September.
ScheduleTo Yakutia:
Day 1 Arrival in Moscow, flight to Yakutsk.
Day 2 Arrival in Yakutsk, helicopter transfer to the base camp (approx. 2 hours).
Day 3-12 10 days of hunt for Snow Sheep.
Day 13 Flight back to Yakutsk, overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 Departure from Yakutsk to Moscow, overnight.
Day 15 Departure from Moscow.
To Magadan area is the same as for Kolyma or Okhotsk Snow Sheep (only difference is additional 2 days for travel by car to the north of Magadan area and back)
