Okhotsk Snow Sheep

The majority of Okhotsk Snow Sheep (Ovis nivicola alleni) are found in the Khabarovsk Region.

Body length is 4.6-5.3 ft/140-160 сm; shoulder height is 3.1-3.7 ft/95-112 сm; weight is 132-264 lb/60-120 kg.

There is a good deal of geographic variation in coloration and pattern, but essentially the summer coat is a light yellowish-gray that turns a grizzled grayish-brown in winter. Front of neck, shoulders and legs, dorsal stripe and tail are brown. Rump patch, belly and back of legs are whitish. Face, crown and back of neck are white, and a distinctive brown band crosses the face between eyes and nose. The horns, found in both sexes. Growing to 35 inches/89 cm long in males, the horns curl backwards, downwards, and upwards around the ears, corkscrewing outwards in old males as the horns begin their second revolution. Horns tips of this subspecies pointed forward. The snow sheep is a well adapted mountain dweller and able to move quickly over steep, uneven terrain. It is generally non-migratory, but makes seasonal short distance movements. The old males form small groups and live separately until late autumn, while remaining animals form mixed herds. After mating period (in November—December) during whole winter snow sheep stay in mixed groups (15-20 individuals).

Area

Khabarovsk Region, within the Magadan  Region, the boundary is the  southern route of the Trans-Siberian Highway, from the city of Magadan until it crosses the border of Yakutia.

Hunting season

August 1 to October 1.  Optimal hunting period is from August 1 to September 10.

Hunting

Snow Sheep inhabit the rocky coast of Okhotsk Sea and the mountainous areas of the inland, 2500- 6000 feet/800-1800 m. Hunting is done on foot. You have to be ready to walk for 10- 12 miles a day. Fly camps are used if sheep are found far from the base camp. The terrain is not very difficult; nevertheless Snow Sheep hunting is hard and physically challenging. It requires certain mountain hunting experience. Long range shooting, 350 - 450 yards is normally.

Climate

In August during daylight hours the temperature is 50 to 70 ^oF (10 to 20 ^oC) and during night from 32 to 50 ^oF (0 to 10 ^oC). Rainy, snowy, windy and cold temperatures weather is possible in the end of August  and the beginning of September.

Camp & Accommodation

Accommodation is in tented camps. The camps are located in mountain valleys at 3000 feet. Each tent can accommodate up to 4 people, usually two-three hunters stay together.  The camps and tents are usually equipped with a field toilet, a field bath-house, stoves and portable cots.  Electricity mostly supplied by generating sets. Every camp has a cook, you will find good Russian style food and quality service. Fly camps are small tents; packed lunch is provided.

Route

You will arrive to an international Moscow airport. Our PRO interpreter will meet you at the airport and assist you through customs. Then we will take you to the next flight to Khabarovsk. Your flight will last about 8 hours. After arrival in Khabarovsk you will fly to Okhotsk by local airlines (3.5 hours). From Okhotsk the hunters will be transferred by helicopter about 1 hour 10 minutes to the base camp.

Schedule

Day 1          Arrival in Moscow, flight to Khabarovsk

Day 2          Arrival in Khabarovsk, flight to Okhotsk (3.5 hours by local airlines), helicopter transfer to the base camp (1.1 hours)

Day 3-12    10 days of hunt for Snow Sheep

Day 13        Flight back to Okhotsk, flight to Khabarovsk, overnight at the hotel

Day 14        Departure from Khabarovsk to Moscow, overnight or departure in the evening

Day 15        Departure from Moscow