Mid-Caucasian Tur
Some Turs live on the eastern side and called Dagestan or Eastern Tur – the other live on the western side of the Caucasus Mountains of Russia and known as Kuban (Western) Tur. Mid-Caucasian Tur (Capra caucasica caucasica), is considered in the areas where these two species are mixed. Compared to the true west Caucasian tur (subspecies dinniki), the severtzovi race to the east (but still west of Mt. Elbrus) is described as slightly taller, standing 38-43 inches (97-109 cm) at the shoulder. The black horns are somewhat smoother, with smaller cross ridges, and the tips may be closer together. The beard is shorter, being only of moderate length. Summer coat is reddish-gray, with forehead and chest darker and browner; front of legs darker, becoming black near the hoofs; belly and inner thighs a dirty white. A darker dorsal stripe may or may not be present.
The Caucasica race from Mt. Elbrus eastward to Mt. Dykhtau was originally described as a hybrid between severtzovi and the east Caucasian tur (cylindricornis). This is confirmed by recent observers who describe a wide variety of hybrids from this area, often in large herds that include a number of different forms. Individual horns are said to vary from supracervical like those of cylindricornis, though often with cross ridges like those of dinniki, to long and scimitar-shaped like those of dinniki, but relatively smooth like those of cylindricornis. The caucasica race is generally darker in color than the severtzovi race, and with a dark dorsal streak. The winter coat is dark brown.
The record Mid-Caucasian Tur was obtained in Russia (Kabardino-Balkaria). Length of the left horn - 30 5/8 inches, length of the right horn - 33 1/8 inches; circumference of the left horn at base - 12 1/8 inches, base of the right horn - 12 inches.
Area
Russian Republic Kabardino-Balkaria, Caucasus Mountains, Nalchik
Route
You will arrive to an international Moscow airport. Our PRO interpreter will meet you at the airport and assist through customs. You will be taken to the hotel. Next morning we will take you to the airport for the flight to Nalchik. Your flight will last around 1 hour 40 minutes.
Camps & Accommodation
Hunting lodge at the bottom of mountains, tent camp on the hunt
Hunting season
July 15 to begin of November, optimal time 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 0F (22 to 25 0C), with lows of 35 to 40 0F (3 to 10 0C). In mid-September – October daytime temperatures are 50 to 60 0F (10 to 15 0C) with about 20 0F / -5 0C at night. Snow can be expected at the tops in first decade of September.
Hunting
Hunting starts from the fly camps. Backpack hunting is customary in the most areas with small portion of horse back riding. This is really mountain hunting. The terrain is difficult and steep. We encourage spike camping. A temporary tented camp is set up at 8,000 feet / 2, 700 m. Rams are generally located in very remote country at 9,800 feet / 3,000 m or in lower timbered country at 7,500 feet / 2,300 m. Be in good shape as it is an important factor in the stalking part of the hunt.
Shooting distance is 250-300 yards (200–250 meters) on average.
Shedule
Day 1 Arrival Moscow, flight to Nalchik, arrival in Nalchik, overnight at hunting camp
Day 2 transfer to the hunting area, set up in the tented camp, possible hunt
Day 3 – 8 6 days hunt
Day 9 return to the base camp, overnight
Day 10 flight to Moscow, departure home