www.profihunt.com Luca Poma (Italy) Vladimir Artemchuk (Russia) Hunting in Russia and Kazakhstan
Wapiti or Maral Cervus elaphus Tian Shan Wapiti (Servus elaphus songarius) is the largest of the Asian Wapitis, it can be hunted in Kazakhstan. Altai Wapiti (Servus elaphus sibiricus) differs from Tian Shan Wapiti in being slightly smaller and paler in color, and having some minor skull differences. The average weight of Tian Shan Wapiti horns is about 26 – 28 pounds. The best trophy was taken in 2008 by our client Vadim Gomzyakov - Tian Shan Wapiti with the horns weight of 32,4 pounds. Average weight of Altai Wapiti horns is about 18 – 22 pounds. The specie inhabits the forested hills of Altai, Sayan, and Baikal regions of Siberia. General Characteristics. Winter coat of Altai Wapiti is a light grayish-brown or yellowish-brown, with the head, neck, belly and legs a darker brown. Males in summer are a more uniform reddishbrown without the dark belly and with the rump patch more vividly reddish. Tian Snan Wapiti is similar to the American wapiti, although somewhat darker in color and with a longer skull. Overall color is dark brownish-gray, with the head, neck, underparts and legs dark brown with a tinge of red. Distribution. The Tian Shan Mountains of eastern Kyrgyzstan, eastern Kazakhstan and north central Xinjiang, China. The numbers in Xinjiang are estimated to be about 50,000. How to get there. If you hunt Tian Shan Wapiti in Kazakhstan you should fly to Almaty. Transfer from the airport to the hunting areas lasts about 7-12 hours. If you hunt Altai Wapiti in Russia, you fly to Moscow, from Moscow International Airport we take you to the domestic one for you flight to Abakan. You will be accompanied by one of our representatives during the whole tour. From the airport of Abakan you will be transferred to the hunting camp: first by car and then by boat. The transfer lasts up to 10 hours in total. Hunting season. From September 1 to December 1 with the best time during Wapiti rut season from September 10 till October 15. Hunting. It is classical spot-and-stalk hunt. Be prepared for extensive walking and expect extensive horseback riding 8-10 hours a day. That is why some riding experience is a must! In Russian Altai we use boats for transportation in the area. Altai Wapiti often spotted right from the boat. The hills are not very high there (up to 6,500 feet) however the forested terrain is rather demanding. In Kazakhstan it is not uncommon to hear six or nine Marals calling at the same time. Tian Shan Elk is generally located on open slopes of mountains at 8,000-8,500 feet. Duration of the trip: 14 days trip, 10 days hunt. Additional trophies: Mid-Asian Ibex, Siberian Roe deer, Wolf. Base Camp. In both Kazakhstan and Russian Altai camps are hunting cabins, tents or yurts. They are clean, warm and comfortable but have no modern conveniences. They are equipped with stoves and cots. There is a separate large tent for dining and one for shower. Tented spike camps are used to hunt particular animal or area. Equipment. Good sleeping bag for Kyrgyzstan, daypack, knife with stop (pocket size), binoculars 10-12x, spotting scope 60x & tripod of medium size, rangefinder, flashlight, sunglasses, white camo, mountain boots not new 2 pairs, thermal top. Possible combinations. Mid-Asian Ibex, Kazakshtan; Siberian Brown Bear, Altai Ibex, Musk Deer, Russian Altai. Vadim Gomzyakov (Russia) Vladimir Melnikov (Russia) Thomas Geiss (Germany)