Kazakhstan
Overview
Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country spans over 2.7 million sq. km. in area size (over 1 million sq. mi.) and encompasses stretches of the Tian Shan and Altai Mountains. Its vast and diverse terrain including steppes, glaciers, forests, and deserts shares borders with Russia (north and northwest), China (east), Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan (south).
Kazakhstan’s economy is heavily driven by its natural resources and strategic geographic position. The country is politically stable and advancing rapidly into modernization and industrialization. Oil and gas production makes energy the largest industry sector and Kazakhstan is the world’s largest uranium producer (43% of the world’s source). A well-developed tourism infrastructure ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Hunting is deeply rooted in Kazakhstan’s nomadic culture, with practices like eagle hunting still preserved, especially in western and southern regions. Prime hunting locations include the Dzungarian Alatau, Zailiysky Alatau, and regions near the Russian, Chinese, and Mongolian borders.
The mountainous hunting areas are breathtakingly beautiful. This unspoiled wilderness with snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and coniferous forests offers a visually spectacular backdrop to the pursuit. The mountains are rugged, often requiring a combination of remote horseback and spike camp hunting.
Species
Heading up the list of major huntable big game species is the Maral Stag (Tian Shan Wapiti), the largest elk subspecies in Asia. Found mainly in the eastern forests and foothills, they are legendary for their massive antlers (up to 20 kg. / 44 lbs.). A Maral hunt in the “roar” is one of Asia’s most exciting hunts.
The Mid-Asian/Siberian Ibex is a primary draw for mountain hunters – both first timers to Asia and repeat hunters determined to take a bigger ibex on their second hunt. Because the country’s prolific population of Ibex gets very little hunting pressure annually, the selective and patient hunter who commits the time with the right hunting team could break past the 50-inch mark. Found in rugged terrains like the Tian Shan, Ibex hunts require physical fitness and long-range shooting ability. We use horses to penetrate their domain and supplement spot and stalk hunting.
Proliferating in the forests, plains, and agricultural fields of the northern and southern regions is the Siberian Roe Deer. Trophy-size roebuck with their high, branching racks present a considerable contrast in size and conformation to the European variety of roe.
Eurasian Wild Boar, known for strength and intelligence, overlap the Maral and Ibex hunting areas and offer thrills requiring quick reflexes. Wild Boar along with wolves are considered “opportunity animals” on hunts for Maral and Ibex. However, more dedicated hunt strategies can be arranged for them, if a hunter desires.
Argali (e.g., Tian Shan, Karaganda) and Transcaspian Urial were historically hunted, but hunting is currently suspended. However, effective conservation efforts could yield a huntable population of Karaganda in the near future. Caprinae Safaris has longstanding professional outfitting and conservation roots in Kazakhstan. So, we are well positioned for permit access if and when Argali hunting is resumed.
To fully capture what Kazakhstan has to offer, Caprinae Safaris has built the capabilities required to hunt all species – most especially for Maral and Ibex. Our hunting teams will lead the way with legendary horseback skills and natural hunting abilities. They are among the most dedicated and skilled hunters extant in Asia. They understand the ambitions of trophy hunters.
While every hunting destination across Asia provides its own brand of excitement and uniqueness, Kazakhstan stands out as a paradise for mountain hunters. For those who want to experience the “hunt” in hunting, Kazakhstan delivers. A fit hunter who is adaptable to flex from basic base camps to spike camps in order to be where the game is will reap rewards.
With a pristine wilderness and much of its game having never having set eyes on a human being, hunters will find themselves immersed in a sanctuary as rare and as pure as it was hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Contact us for more insights about the hunting experience and updates on all available hunts in in Kazakhstan.
