UKRAINE - MANCHURIAN SIKA DEER HUNT

The Sika rut spans the month of October, and any October dates are considered prime and are action-packed in the woods. Our more limited, combo Red Stag/Manchurian Sika hunts occur in late Sept. Roe Deer and Wild Boar seasons are technically open, but it is not considered prime time for either of these species.

- Additional Manchurian Sika Deer: May, at times, be taken on a flat-rate trophy fee basis, quota dependant.
- European Roe Deer: Low-odd targets of opportunity available for a flat rate fee. Not prime time.
- Wild Boar: Low-odd targets of opportunity available for a flat rate trophy fee. Not prime time.
- European Red Stag: Booked as an early season combo hunt with sliding scale trophy fees.

These unique  Manchurian Sika hunting packages are 4 full days (8 outings) 1x1 guided and highly successful. During the roar, stalking Sika stags slowly through the patchy forests as they vocalize or whistle is the most effective strategy. The terrain and the hunting methods are not physically demanding. Spotting the Sika Deer before they detect you, and sneaking into shooting range amid the many eyes of the concentrated herds and satellite stags is the challenge. An incredible game of cat and mouse, and with the Sika screaming - it makes for a very exciting experience!  At times calling strategies can bring in a dominant herd stag. And on rare occasions specific stags are targeted from elevated shooting houses or high seats.

It is not advisable to bring firearms into Ukraine for the purposes of Manchurian Sika hunting. In response, rifle rentals and ammunition are already included in each hunt package at no charge, aside from any replacement costs should damage to the rifle or optics occur while hunting. Rifles are right-hand bolt action, suppressed, topped with quality 3-9x range optics, and usually chambered in 30 caliber such as .308 or .30-06. Ammunition is often Norma, or handloads, and typical shots range between 100-200 yards. 

Archery Deer hunting in Ukraine is not advisable, and is not catered to on these hunts.

From the Carpathian Mountains in the west, to the Black Sea in the east, Ukraine is ecologically diverse and renowned for the fertility of its land. The Manchurian Sika hunting areas across Ukraine are a mosaic of agriculture, small villages, and patchworks of mixed pine and hardwood forests. Stalking in these woods often finds you navigating old World War II trench networks or dilapidated bunker complexes, reminding you of the history that occurred on this very ground. The terrain is mostly gently rolling, with small meadows, wetlands, hills, and river valleys, at times adjacent to agricultural fields.

Weather during the October Sika roar is mild and generally pleasant with early fall colors beginning. Frosty or foggy mornings slowly burn off into often lovely, sunny afternoons. Below freezing temperatures are not expected while Sika Deer hunting in Ukraine. Rain can occur but is not prominent, and no real specialized equipment is generally required. September Red Stag combos can bring slightly warmer temperatures, which occur slightly earlier in the fall.

Depending on the specific Manchurian Sika hunting area, clients stay in either a remote hunting lodge or cabin, or in a private rural bed-and-breakfast style lodge, with an adjoined restaurant or kitchen. Locations are off the beaten trail in the rural Ukrainian countryside, several hours drive from Kiev. Some of the lodgings are more recently built, while others are more rustic. Roaring stags can at times be heard through the bedroom windows as hunters anxiously wait for dawn! All accommodations have electricity, showers, running water, phone service or Wi-Fi, comfortable bedrooms, and common lounge areas.

Meals while Sika Deer hunting in Ukraine are wholesome, traditional, and locally sourced. Breakfasts are quick to be out before dawn with eggs, pastries, toast, yogurt, juice, tea, and coffee. Lunch is back at the lodge and usually includes an assortment of soups, stews, rolls, smoked fish, cured meats, pickled veggies, cheese, and/or fruits. Dinners are hearty and always start with soup! Main dishes range from various dumplings, grilled meats, sausages, blini, or cabbage rolls, with fresh breads, cheeses and, at times, caviar! A small salad and light dessert complete the meal.

Destination City: Hunters are asked to arrive at the Boryspil International Airport in Kiev, Ukraine, where they will be greeted. The various hunting areas are scattered several hours drive south and west of Kiev.

Travel Suggestions: Kiev is easily reached by any Lufthansa Airlines flight, with the best connections typically occurring in either Munich or Frankfurt, Germany.

After successfully Manchurian Sika hunting, capes are expertly processed (fleshed, turned, and salted or frozen) by the outfitter, as well as skull caps boiled and cleaned. The outfitter then drops his clients’ trophies off at a local taxidermist for in-house tanning. Once tanned, the outfitter personally arranges trophy shipments to his clients. It’s a relatively quick process and with typical turnaround times ranging from 2-4 months.

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