Gun Trade World - June 2023

BUSINESS
Pro Hunt takes place in
Istanbul each year and
attracts more than 50,000
visitors from around
Turkey, Europe and the rest
of the world.
DOING BUSINESS WITH... TURKEY
Bezoar Ibex
The bezoar ibex, which weighs
around 60kg (130lb) is known
particularly for the size of its horns;
it possess the world’s longest horns
in relation to body weight, and can
exceed 1.4 m (4 ft 7 in) high, those
in the south and east desert ranges
are typically smaller by 30 percent.
Females are slightly smaller and
their horns tend to grow to 0.2 m
(7.9 in). Males have a dark brown
summer coat, while the females have
a more reddish-gold, and both sexes
shift to a gray-colored coat in winter.
Both sexes also have a tuft of hair
extending from the chin. The ibexes
have a black stripe from the spine
that extends over the shoulder, limbs,
and neck. This stripe darkens in the
mating season.
Named “Geyik” by Anatolian
local’s, lives in the steep hills,
particularly locations covered with
forests and short bushes, beginning
from the sea level at Aegean and up
to an altitude of 3000 metres in East
Turkey. It is known as one of, if not
the greatest ibex species on earth.
High trophy ranks and world record
ibex always came from Turkey. The
Turkish government has provided a
great increase in the population with
a close protection program to the
ibex habitat. An Ibex weights about
50-85kg.
Hunting season: August to March.
of species to hunt, including
the Bezoar ibex, red stag,
chamois, roe deer, wild boar,
and Konya sheep.
Turkey is well known for
its architectural marvels,
first-rate shopping, and its
rich history as the meeting
point of Asia and Europe. But
this charming country offers
wonderful hunting
as well. Its wildlife
is well managed, and
the country has an
advanced tourism
foundation that
includes a number
of knowledgeable
hunting outfitters.
Most of the hunting
in Turkey takes
place in areas that
are mountainous
and remote, and
the hunting can
be challenging.
Depending on the
area, hunters may
stay in cabins, lodges, or local
hotels. The most sought-after
species in Turkey is the bezoar
ibex. This species inhabits
Iran, Armenia, and Turkey;
with Turkey holding the
largest populations. Bezoar
ibex are among the most
striking of all ibex species
and have horns that can
reach 55 inches, although 45
inches is more typical. Other
species to hunt in Turkey
include the Anatolian red stag
(found exclusively in Turkey),
Anatolian chamois, hybrid
ibex, roe deer, and wild boar.
There are also a few special
permits available each year for
Konya sheep, a beautiful wild
sheep found only in Turkey’s
Bozdag Mountains.
There are many wild boar
in Turkey, mainly because
the Muslim religion forbids
the eating of pork. Therefore,
male wild boar can grow very
large, up to 300kg with access
to rich feeding opportunities
all year round. Male wild boar
may live up to 15 years of age
and can grow lengthy tusks
up to 30cm. Wild boar can
exist in mountainous regions,
where there is extensive
forest and bush. The wild
boar are mainly nocturnal,
although they can be found
feeding in early morning or
late afternoon depending on
the region and season. The
rutting season starts around
November and lasts about
one month until December.
Only during this season do
the big boars join the herds
of sows and young. Mature
males generally live alone
and form a zone of their own.
The best time to hunt the
largest timeworn boars is from
February to October.
GUN LAW
Gun ownership is subject to
strict laws in Turkey, where
extensive background checks
are carried out by police before
people can acquire a license
to own and carry a firearm.
Licenses are divided into two
categories – carrying and
ownership – and violations are
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