Description:  The Republic of Azerbaijan, located in the south-eastern Caucasus, is the home of Eastern Tur. Only here in the far east of the Caucasus lives the pure Eastern Tur also known to trophy hunters as the Dagestan Tur.  It inhabits the mountains of Azerbaijan at altitudes between 5500- 9500'. With the average horn length of 32" it has the nature of a cross, between a sheep and a mountain goat.  Due to lack of scientific researches done on this animal, Dagestan Tur can not be recognized as neither a mountain goat nor a wild sheep; therefore counts through both Ovis and Capra slams.

The hunt for Dagestan Tur is considered to be the ultimate test for the mountain game hunters as it requires good physical condition and mental toughness.  It is described by many as the toughest of all mountain game hunts as the animal provides a good sport and challenge for it’s pursuers.  Therefore any size trophy of a Dagestan Tur is something to be proud of.

Hunting operations take place around the town of Scheki situated on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus range.  The town, which has a history of almost 2000 years, is a jumping point for the outfitters’ operations in the area.  Hunting grounds in the Caucasus Mountains lie at the altitudes between 5500'- 10500' (1700 – 3000m ) and the camp places on these mountains are reached by horses.

After arriving Scheki, one has to take another ride into the mountains either in a six wheel truck or on horseback (or both), depending on the camp place chosen for that specific hunt.  This trip may take 3-7 hours.  Spotting and stalking is the main characteristic of the hunt and besides stalking, traditional driven hunts can be arranged too upon hunter’s demand.

Accommodations:  Hunters are accommodated mainly in tented hunting camps.  But some hunting areas have small cabins that can be used for lodging.

Transportation/Getting there:

There are daily flights of Turkish Airlines from New York to Istanbul (non-stop) and to Baku.  As you will be dealing with only one airline, this seems to be the best way in terms of checking your luggage all the way through Baku.  Additionally Turkish Airlines fly to Istanbul from 5 other major US airports every day.  Delta has also non-stop daily flights to Istanbul from New York, but this option requires a transfer to another airline on the Baku lag.

Most of major airline hubs in Europe (London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Moscow etc.) offer connection options for Baku although some of these airports may create a hassle for the gun transportation.

With some connections in Istanbul, there may be long hours of layover (8-10hrs) before the Baku flight. In such cases we might as well arrange you a fully professional sightseeing tour in the city for a few hours in order to make your stopover fun.  A tour guide can pick you up at the airport and take you around for a lunch in down town and show you some of the sights.

Once in Baku you will be met by our representative and the PH at the airport and driven to the town of Sheki where our hunts take place which is about 4-5 hour drive north-west of Baku.

Day by day itinerary

Due to good population of animals, Eastern Tur hunt requires 5 hunting days.  Along with the days reserved for travelling from/to Baku, the total number of days for the whole organization is 8. Below is the tentative day by day itinerary: 

Day 01............arrival and transfer to the hunting area (in the case of an early hour arrival)

Day 02- 06......hunt Eastern Tur

Day 07............return back to Baku and overnight.

Day 08............departure for home

Call for suggested gear lists.

Rates:  Eastern Tur Trophy - $10,500

NOTE: A second Tur trophy can be taken as $5,500 if available

Dates:  April through December. Suggested months of July and Augusts along with early September for the best times to hunt.

Included:  Visa invitation letter, custom handling, hunting organization up to mentioned days, one trophy fee of mentioned specie, hunting license, gun import permit, veterinarian certificate, area fees, transfers from/to Baku airport, full board accommodation in the hunting area, interpreter (English) and local guide. 

Not Included:  international air fares, trophy shipment, insurance, gratuities, extra hunting days, extra trophy fee, hotel accommodation before and after the hunt, hotel extras. Extra hunting days - US$350/day and observer fee US$2,000/hunt.