MONGOLIA - ALTAI IBEX HUNT

The season for Altai Ibex hunting in Mongolia spans from July 15-Oct. 15. Most Mongolian Ibex hunts occur in Aug. and Sept.

-Altai Argali: Season closes Oct. 1, often booked as a primary/priority species July- Sept.
-Maral Stag: Available in Altai, Gobi, and Hangai regions, best from Sept. to early Oct.
-Gobi Ibex: Season closes Oct. 15. Relocation necessary, often booked July-Sept.
-Gobi Argali: Season closes Oct. 1, often booked as a primary/priority species July-Sept.
-White Tailed Gazelle: Available in Gobi and Hungai regions, anytime from mid-July to mid-Oct.
-Hangai Argali: Season closes Oct. 1, often booked as a primary/priority species 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 Aug.-Sept.
-Taimen Fishing: Available in the northern Khovsgol Province, with prime time from mid-Aug. to end of Sept. 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 horses to access the heights to locate Altai Ibex, which are generally pre-scouted. It is not uncommon to glass trophy Altai Ibex on 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 Altai 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 Mongolian Ibex hunting areas, and limited annual permits, these hunts are very exclusive and high quality, and can also be catered to meet the physical abilities of most hunters. 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 are relatively quick and hassle-free, at a cost of $250. Altai 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 while Ibex hunting in Mongolia.

Archery hunting is legal and catered to, but very challenging, as Altai 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 a capable guide. Typical shooting ranges would be 50+ yards or slightly further. Archery Ibex hunting in Mongolia is also higher priced because it requires more guides for assistance.

The Altais 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. 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 some of the heights, if needed. Altai Ibex 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, Yaks, Saiga Antelope, Ground Squirrels, Pikas, Golden Eagles, Ravens, Magpies, Larks and Sparrows. It’s an enchanting and mystical mountain range bordering Siberia, Kazakhstan, and China.

Weather and temperatures can vary throughout the season while Altai Ibex hunting in Mongolia. In the summer months (July and August), conditions are mild and generally pleasant. Aside from the highest peaks, temperatures rarely dip below freezing for long, but can occasionally be near freezing overnight. It’s generally a windy place, being so vast and open. Snow 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 Altai Ibex 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 mattresses and pillows. All camps have generator powered electricity for lights and charging outlets, but most do not have Wi-Fi or cell service. “A-frame” outhouses with self-contained portable toilets are erected near the Gers.

Experience local Mongolian cuisine during this Altai Ibex 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. Guides will always pack a full lunch for hunters and staff, which range from noodle dishes, various fried 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, lamb chops, mutton stews, and Ibex sausages or dumplings, usually served with a side of noodles, potatoes, wild onions, or rice. No one ever goes hungry while Altai Ibex hunting in Mongolia.

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 Mongolia Ibex hunt, trophies are carefully skinned, labeled, and salted. Later they are delivered to a processor who will begin the CITES permitting 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.

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