Kuban Tur
Kuban Tur (Capra caucasica caucasica), also called West-Caucasian Tur, acquired this name after the Kuban river in the North Caucasus. Only comparatively small part of Caucasus Mountains holds population of Kuban Tur. The west Caucasian tur is a large, heavy-set goat, with measurements quite similar to the Siberian Ibex. The summer coat of the west Caucasian tur varies from rusty grey to rufous-brown, while in winter the coat dulls to a grayish-brown (in older animals this may be much lighter). There is no distinct dark dorsal stripe as in some other ibex species. The chest is a dark reddish-brown. The moult of the winter coat begins in March and extends to mid-June. The guard hairs and underfur of the coat begin to grow longer during September and the full winter pelage is fully grown in by the end of October.
The horns grow to 31 to 35 inches (80-90 cm) long, exceptionally up to 39” (100 cm). The width of the horns is clearly demonstrated by the basal circumference, which - 11 inches (30 cm) - may be over 30% of the total horn length. West Caucasian tur inhabit subalpine and alpine regions between 2.600 to 13.000 ft (800 and 4000 m) above sea level. Although the mountains in their range can reach 16.500 ft (5000 m), the permanent snowline restricts most tur to heights of 5.000— 10.000 ft. Forest-covered slopes, often near steep rocky crags, are the primary habitat of this species.
We take you in the areas close to West-Caucasian reserve. All the world record Kuban Tur trophies were taken there.
As additional trophy after harvesting Kuban Tur we can offer hunt for Caucasian Chamois.
Route
You will arrive to an international Moscow airport. Our PRO interpreter will meet you at the airport and assist you through customs. You will be taken to the hotel. Next morning we will take you to the airport for the flight to Mineralnye Vody (North-West of Russian Caucasus). Your flight will last around 1 hour 40 minutes.
Camps & Accommodation
Accommodations are in tented camps at 5,100 feet / 2,700 m. Electric generator is used at the base camp to provide lighting and charging. Shower is available at the late summer time.
Area
West side of Karachay Cherkessia
Hunting season
August 1 to begin of November with the best period from September 1 to October 15.
Climate
Weather is quite unpredictable. Day and night temperatures have big amplitude because of altitude and surrounded glaciers. Afternoon fog is a normal condition. August – mid- September: Daytime highs are 77 to 80 °F (22 to 25 °C) with lows of 35 to 40 °F (3 to 10 °C). In mid-September – October daytime temperatures are 50 to 60 °F (10 to 15 °C) with about 20 °F (- 5 °C) at night. Snow can be expected at the tops in first decade of September.
Hunting
Horseback ride and backpack hiking is our favorite way to provide hunting for Kuban Tur. Expect extensive horseback riding, considerable walking and hiking. Some knowledge and experience with horses and ridding is a must. During the day you may travel the upper edges of the mountains, glassing the hillsides and feeding areas. A temporary tented camp is set up with the specific goal of hunting a particular animal or area. Rams are generally located in very remote country at 10,000 feet / 3,000 m. Once the trophy is spotted you complete your stalk on foot. Physical condition is an important factor in the stalking part of the hunt.
Shooting distance is 250-350 yards (200 -300 m) on average.
Shedule
Day 1 arrival in Moscow, overnight in Moscow (if need)
Day 2 flight to Mineralnye Vody, 1 hour 40 minutes, 3 hour transfer by vehicle to Karachaevsk, overnight
Day 3 transfer to the hunting camp, accommodation
Day 4 – 10 7 days hunt
Day 11 travel back to Karachaevsk, overnight
Day 12 flight to Moscow, departure from Moscow