MONGOLIA- LAND OF GIANT SHEEP, IBEX AND MORE #328

These two Hunt Nation partners own and operating their own outfitting businesses, yet work with one another very closely each season. They have guided hunts during the past 25 years, and their experience and breadth of knowledge is tremendous. Together, they can offer all species found in Mongolia.

Hunt Nation’s Butch Manasse and Derek Amadio have each hunted here, and have been sending clients to Mongolia since about 1999. In 1924, the Mongolian People’s Republic was founded as a socialist state. After the anti-Communist revolutions of 1989, Mongolia conducted its own peaceful democratic revolution in early 1990. This led to a multi-party system, a new constitution of 1992, and the transition to a market economy. It has been a rough road for this young democracy and we feel strongly that the Mongolian people are a wonderful culture. They are warm, friendly, curious about the US, and they readily welcome you. It is a safe destination as well. It is rural in the extreme, with just a few cities (one being the capital of Ulaanbaatar). Most of its peoples are nomadic herders, living in traditional gers (yurts); struggling to keep wolves and eagles from killing their domestic sheep herds. Many who have hunted here feel their experience in Mongolia ranks among the best they have experienced. Any hunt here is akin to stepping back into ancient times, but with modern vehicles and tools. Friendly people has been our experience. It is a never-to-be-forgotten adventure!

TRAVEL

Getting to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (ULN) is easy with through Istanbul on Turkish Airlines or through Seoul, South Korea on Korean Air. Each of the two options are good with firearms and offer the most convenient and direct routes. Once in the country, expect an all-day ground transfer to the Gobi region. Hunts in the Altai and Hangai regions will require a domestic flight followed by a two to six-hour ground transfer. All transportation within the country will be arranged by the outfitter. At the time of this writing, there are no visa or immunization requirements for United States visitors.

The nomadic lifestyle remains prevalent today as portable Gers (like yurts) are still widely used throughout the country. Four-wheel drive vehicles get clients from the cites to the camps. From there, horses usually take over for transport during each day’s hunt. Altitudes vary by area but seldom exceed 11,000 feet in the Altai and 6,500 feet in the Gobi. The terrain is rough, but generally not as extreme as other Asian countries. Opportunity rates on mature trophies is close to 100% on all species, and for many, the cultural experience of touring Mongolia is just as rewarding as the hunt itself!

Gobi Argali and Gobi Ibex:

Gobi argali hunts take place in the South Gobi Province, in the area of Manlai. Sheep hunts are conducted in our outfitters’ exclusive guide concession with zero competition from other outfitters or hunters. The area has been closed for some time and reopened just a few years ago. The outfitter received a quota of two (2) sheep permits each year, therefore, only two hunters are taken annually. Rams around 42-45” in horn length are expected with base circumferences from 16” to as heavy as 18”. August and September are the recommended months to hunt this region, with September offering the most favorable temperatures. The trip requires a 10-day itinerary, with the number of actual hunting days around eight. Pre-scouting is included for Hunt Nation clients, and most hunters need only a few days for success. Archery hunters may extend their hunt for an additional fee of only $300 per day.

Gobi ibex are abundant in this region with excellent numbers. A typical Gobi ibex taken in this region will have horns upwards of 36” with a reasonable chance at a larger trophy. White-tailed gazelle make a great addition to any Gobi hunt.

You must fly into Ulaanbaatar (the capital city) for meet and greet. Spend that night in a hotel, then spend most of the next day driving about 400 miles to the hunting area in the Gobi. You will spend the rest of the hunting time in your private Ger. We have found these to be very comfortable and often the supports feature brightly painted designs. Thick insulated walls and a stove keep it comfortable.

Gobi Hunt Itinerary:

Day 1 Meet at airport and transfer to hotel (Hotel paid by the client)

Day 2 Drive to South Gobi hunting area (about 600 km from UB and takes all day long). Optional domestic flight if the schedule is suitable. Upon arrival hot meal and relax. Lodging in gers/yurts and meal by private professional cook.

Day 3-10 Begin hunt with the outfitter with the assistance of local hunting guides.

Day 11 Return to Ulaanbaatar, overnight at hotel, with a return departure flight the following day.

Gobi Hunt Packages Include

Eight (8) hunting days for sheep or combination hunts, four hunting days for ibex- only
Hunting camp accommodation and full board
All ground transfers by off- road jeep
Professional hunting guide- interpreter service
Local hunting guide service
Trophy fee(s) for applicable species and all necessary hunting license/permits
Trophy field preparation

Altai Ibex

Altai ibex, also known as Siberian ibex, are primarily hunted in the far western portion of the country, reached with a short 1.5-hour domestic flight to Hovd from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Once in Hovd, expect two to six-hour drives with 4wd vehicles to reach various hunting camps. Permits for these areas are stable, and each hunting area is cycled every few years to ensure no one area receives too much pressure. The terrain varies between area. Some are quite rugged and steep while others are physically easier and with easy jeep access. Elevations range from 8,000 to 11,500 feet. Horses and camels are frequently used for support.

Mature Altai ibex will average 40” to 45” with trophies up to 48”+ a reasonable possibility. A special area is available for exceptional trophies over 50” in size. Pricing is higher for this special area, however the outfitter will refund a large portion of the upgrade cost if a trophy less than 50” is taken. Only one to two spots are available for this special area each year, and we recommend hunting towards the end of the season for the best results.

Four full days of hunting is typically all that is needed for success on this hunt, assuming hunters can shoot out to 400 yards and arrive in reasonably good physical condition for hiking and riding. This hunt may be extended to five hunting days for groups of two. Horses, and even camels, are frequently used in this region.

Altai and Hangai Argali:

The ALTAI ARGALI is considered to be the largest wild sheep in the world, having the heaviest horns with base circumferences over 22” recorded. Typical rams from standard areas will measure 54” and up in length. Larger rams are possible, however we recommend premium areas for those seeking 58” and larger trophies. These premium areas carry high prices, but with our outfitter, you will not pay the premium price if you take a ram below the expected size. The skull, cape and horns often weigh over 70 pounds wet, with body weights exceeding 400 pounds on the largest sheep.

There are three major Altai Argali sheep areas in Mongolia. They are the Uvs area, the Bayan-Ulgii and the Khovd areas. The area currently producing the biggest sheep is the Khovd area, known as “Mount of a Thousand Rams.” In this area, rams likely over 60” have been photographed by the outfitter for future hunters.

Hangai Argali are distinctly larger than those taken from the desert regions, but don’t typically match the sizes of this Altai cousins. Rams like this one photographed in 2023, will have horns 52-53” in length with 18” bases, on average.

Measuring 21.5” around the bases, this Hangai ram below, taken by a Hunt Nation client from the 2023 season, is an exceptional trophy for the species

Hangai and Altai Argali Hunt Itinerary

– Season: July 1st – October 1st

Day 1 Meet at airport and transfer to hotel

Day 2 Flight to Western Mongolia, then drive to the camp. You will be lodged in the traditional ger; with 3 meals daily and a cook.

Days 3-12 Hunting days, focusing on pre-scouted animals, with the assistance of the outfitters’ staff along with local guides

Day 13 You will return back to Ulaanbaatar and; transfer to your hotel. Return flight the following day.

Altai or Hangai hunt package include:

Eight to 10 hunting days for sheep (4 to 5 days for ibex)
Pre-scouting before arrival for sheep hunts
Hunting camp accommodation and full board
All ground transfers by off-road jeep
Professional hunting guide-interpreter service
All necessary licenses/permits
Trophy field preparation

Pricing 2024

Ibex

Altai/Siberian or Gobi/Hangai Ibex: $12,950

Altai Ibex Special 50”+ area: $18,950 ($5,000 refunded if ibex < 50” is taken)

Gobi Ibex + White-tailed Gazelle: $15,250

Altai Ibex + Gobi Ibex: $25,900

Altai Ibex + Gobi Ibex + White-tailed Gazelle: $28,250

Argali

Gobi Argali: $65,000 to $73,000, depending on area

Hangai Argali: $85,000

Altai Argali: $105,000 Standard area, including ram < 58” on longer horn

Altai Argali: $130,000 Upgraded area for rams 58” to below 60” ($25,000 refund if ram < 58” is taken)

Altai Argali Special 60”+ area: $175,000 (A $50,000 refund will be issued if a ram < 60” is taken, and a $70,000 refund will be issued if a ram < 58” is taken)

Maral Stag: $12,500

Important! Beginning in 2023, all permits will be sold at auction to the highest bidder. This may have a significant impact on future hunt pricing, particularly for the best trophy-producing areas.

Not Included in Hunt Pricing:

Commercial flights to Ulaanbaatar (ULN)
Domestic round trip transfers by air or by land, if applicable: $450 to $650, depending on area
Rifle import permit: $250
Optional rifle rental: $250
Any meals and hotels while in the cities
Observer fees, POR dependent on length of trip
Veterinary certificates @ $90 each, and export CITES @ $180 each
Shipping and expediting fees