Altai Ibex season spans from July 15 to October 15. Most hunts occur in August and September.

-Altai Argali – Season closes Oct. 1, often booked as a primary/priority species in July- Sept.   
-Maral Stag – Available in Altai, Gobi & Hangai regions, best in Sept. to early Oct. 
-Gobi Ibex – Season closes Oct. 15. Relocation necessary, often booked in July-Sept. 
-Gobi Argali – Season closes Oct. 1, often booked as a primary/priority species in July- Sept.
-White Tailed Gazelle – Available in Gobi & Hungai region, anytime from mid July to mid Oct. 
-Hangai Argali – Season closes Oct. 1, often booked as a primary/priority species in July- Sept. 
-Mongolian Wolf – Open year-round as targets of opportunity and available in all regions
-Siberian Roe Deer – Only available in Hangai region, best in Aug. through Sept. 
-Taimen Fishing – Availalbe in the northern Khovsgol Province. Mid-Aug. to end of Sept. is prime. Packages come with x4 full days.

These hunts are 6 full days, and professionally 1x2+ guided, meaning multiple guides, spotters, trackers and drivers per hunter. Depending on season or location, use 4x4 jeeps or horse to access the heights to locate Ibex, which are generally pre-scouted. It is not uncommon to glass trophy Ibex in the first hunting day, but finding a way to get into shooting range is what can take some time. Engage in short hikes while regularly glassing to ensure the best avenue of approach. In some cases, certain mountain tops can be reached by jeep or horseback, and then hunt down towards the Ibex. 

Meticulous judging is employed by the guides and spotters, to ensure hunters take only fully mature trophy billies, ideally around 45 inches or longer. Elevation tends to range between 8000-10,000 feet ASL. With multiple hunting areas, and limited permits, these hunts are very exclusive and high quality, and can also be catered to meet the physical abilities of most hunter. These are low volume, highly personalized hunts, with near 100% success rates.

Most clients bring proven, personal rifles from home, as firearm import permits to enter Mongolia is relatively quick and hassle-free, at a cost of $250. Ibex living in this mountain environment see typical shot ranges between 250-450 yards. Recommended firearms are often chambered in .30 caliber, 7mm Mag or .300 Win Mag, and ideally flat shooting. The same rifle would work fine for any combination species such as Argali, Maral, Gazelle or Wolves. Quality rifle rentals/ammo can also be rented for international clients at a price of $250 for the duration of the hunt. 

Archery hunting is legal and catered to, but very challenging, as Ibex are weary, often found in groups and inhabit big, open and windy environments. But anything is possible with a determined, experienced archery hunter and capable guide. Typical shooting ranges would be 50+ yards or slightly further. Archery hunts are also higher priced requiring more guides for assistance.

The Altai’s are a legendary mountain range, steeped in cultural history, and very remote. Overall, a rocky, arid and desert resembling region, with minimal or localized vegetation such as cottonwoods in the valley floors, or poplar and conifer forest belts in certain lower portions of the range.  Hunting elevations generally vary from 8,000-10,000 feet ASL, and terrain is largely broad, open and with gentle slopes, making them accessible for most hunters. This also allows horses or vehicles to access most of the heights if needed. The Ibex however tend to dwell near steep rocky canyons for security from predators, which include Mongolian Wolves and a healthy population of Snow Leopards. Other species inhabiting the region include Argali, Red Foxes, Asian lynx, Camels, Saiga Antelope, Ground Squirrels, Pikas, Golden Eagles, Ravens, Magpies, Larks and Sparrows. Its an enchanting and mystical mountain range bordering Siberia, Kazakhstan and China.

Weather and temperatures can vary throughout the season. In the summer months (July and August), conditions are mild and generally pleasant. Temperatures below freezing, aside from the highest peaks, rarely dip below freezing for long, but can occasionally be near freezing overnight. It’s generally a windy place, being so vast and open. Snowy does not begin falling until the fall (Sept.-Oct.) at which point temperatures can plummet, and tend to hover around the freezing mark during the days, and below freezing at night. Weather deteriorates as the season extends into October, requiring quality layered clothing to stay warm. Certain areas can see snow accumulation, and strong cold winds. Our outfitting partner provides detailed equipment lists for booked clients well in advance of their hunts.

Stay in traditional styled Yurts, locally known as “Gers” for the duration of these hunts. View it as a comfortable but portable glorified tent camp, streamside in a mountain valley within the hunting area. Clients typically have their own Ger, while guides, drives and camp staff stay in separate Gers nearby. They are heated with a central stove fueled by wood, coal or dung, with a gravity fed sink, complete with ground carpeting, a dinner table and chairs, sleeping cots, foam mattrasses and pillows. All camps have generator powered electricity for lights and charging outlets, but most do not Wi-Fi or cell service. “A-frame” outhouses with self-contained portable toilets are erected near the Gers.

Experience local Mongolia cuisine during this hunt. Breakfasts are quick but hearty and are generally fried eggs, sausages or cutlets, served with sides of cucumbers or tomatoes, along with toast, juice, tea and coffee. Plan to spend the day in the field, an so guides will always pack a full lunch for hunters and staff, which range from noodle dishes, various friend meats, stews or dumplings packaged in Tupperware containers, along with drinks, dried sausages or fruit, candy or energy bars. Dinners are ready shortly after returning to camp, and usually start with a local soup and a small salad, followed by beef steaks and lamb chops, along with mutton or Ibex sausages or dumplings, usually served with a side of noodles, potatoes, wild onions or rice. No one ever goes hungry. 

Destination City: Hunters are asked to arrive at the Chinggis Khan International airport in Ulaanbaatar, where they are greeted by the outfitter or his staff. Clients usually overnight in the city and then commute to the hunting areas the following day by short interior domestic flights. Round trip domestic flights are conveniently booked by the outfitter for clients as needed. 

Travel Suggestions:  Ulaanbaatar is best reached by flights connecting in either Istanbul Turkey or Seoul South Korea, via various airline carriers servicing most major international airports.

After a successful hunt in Mongolia, trophies are carefully skinned, labelled and salted. Later they are delivered to a processor who will begin the CITES permitting process and packing process. Once complete the crate is forwarded to a shipping agent, who in conjunction with an expeditor or clearing agent, can arrange for the international shipping and receiving.  General turnaround time to delivery is approximately 6-10 months.