Bezoar Ibex is one of the most unique members of the goat family and routinely recognized as the most handsome of the ibex species. Amongst all the ibex, it has the longest horns compared to its body size, with long sweeping scimitar-shaped horns reaching up to 57” in some cases. The hide of the male ibex is decorated in a wonderful harmony of black and ash coloration during the winter season. Turkey is the #1 destination for Bezoar hunters, with its great population and excellent trophy quality as well as fantastic touring options, great food and friendly, hospitable people.
Depending on the area, November and December are the rutting season and these months, along with January and February, are the best for hunting. The minimum legal trophy size is 100 cm (39½ inches), while average size can vary between 40-44” from area to area. Anything above 45’’ should be regarded as a very nice trophy, although 50” is considered to be the magic number. This award-winning outfitter will allow this hunt to be combined with the Anatolian chamois, hybrid ibex and wild boar.
How to Get There: There are direct daily flights on Turkish Airlines from a number of major cities in the USA to Istanbul. Istanbul also can be reached from many major European cities easily. As Turkish Airlines has connecting flights to southern Turkey where the Bezoar hunts are conducted, we recommend our hunters to fly via Turkish Airlines, as they get the benefit of checking in all the way through to their final destination. An entry VISA is required for most foreign travelers including Americans and can be easily obtained online in advance for $20.
After you arrive in Istanbul, a representative of the outfitter will escort you to the domestic flights terminal where you will board a flight which will take you either to the town of Adana or to Antalya. Both cities can be reached within 1 to 1 ½ hour flight. It is up to you if you would like to book your own flight to Adana or Antalya, but the outfitter will arrange these domestic flights on request.
After you arrive in southern Turkey, you will be driven to the hunting area directly, which takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the area. You will be accompanied by staff of the outfitter throughout your stay in Turkey. You will never be left alone from the moment you step into the country until the minute you leave.
Depending on arrival time in southern Turkey, you either stay the night at a local hotel or you will be driven directly to the hunting area, which takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the region hunted. You will be accompanied by staff of the outfitter throughout your stay in Turkey. You will never be left alone from the moment you step into the country until the minute you leave.
Hunting Areas, Altitude & Method: Bezoar ibex are widely distributed and are hunted in many areas in the southern part of Turkey (Mediterranean coast), on the Taurus mountain range which extends west all the way to the eastern provinces of Anatolia, namely Mersin, Adana, Niğde and Erzincan. The hunting grounds in the Taurus, which are covered with maquis and forests of pine, vary in altitude between 2,000 and 4,500 feet.
In all of the areas with Bezoar hunting, spotting and stalking is the main method of hunting. In terms of physical effort, some of areas are easier than others, but one should always keep in mind that, as a general rule, older billies live in rougher terrain where hunting requires hunters to be in good physical condition. Arriving in good physical condition will not only improve your odds on a large mature trophy, but will also improve your overall experience during and after the hunt.
Rifle Import
Due to government regulations, it is illegal for any outfitter in Turkey to provide a firearm to a foreign hunter. For that reason, all hunters must import their own weapon (firearm or bow) and the process to do so is very easy and taken care of by the outfitter. Anyone who plans on taking additional time for touring in Istanbul or elsewhere can leave their weopon with the outfitter while doing so. Ammunition must be packed seperatly from the rifle in a hard-sided and lockable ammunition box. Fourty rounds are recommended.
Season, Weather & Accommodations: The season runs from September through to the end of March. Depending on the area, late November and December are the rutting season and these months, along with January and February, are the best time to hunt. Snow is to be expected after mid-December on higher areas. Success rates are higher at this time, but regardless of time period, have been almost 90% in recent years. Although it is hard to make a general statement about weather conditions, the temperature should be around 45–50 F (7–10 C) during the day in November, while it is cooler in December and onward in the higher elevations.
Depending on the area, different types of accommodations are provided, including small, local hotels, hunting cabins, village or guest houses, or even tented camps.
Sample Itinerary: Generally 7 actual hunting days are required for the Bezoar, although it can be practically completed in 3-4 days. However, we always reserve 7 days to be on the safe side.
Day 01 Arrival to Istanbul, fly to Antalya or Adana airports, transfer to the hunting area (2 to 4 hours’ drive) same day.
Days 02-08 Hunt Bezoar Ibex.
Day 09 Drive back to airport and fly back to Istanbul and home.
As mentioned above, when you arrive in Istanbul, a representative of the outfitter will meet you at the airport and you will not be left alone until your departure time. The representative will also take care of rifle handling in Istanbul.
Pricing for 2024 (prices subject to change without notice):
Option 1: $18,800 – any size – expected trophy length is 100-110cm and larger
Option 2: $26,500 – any size – expected trophy length is 110-125cm and larger
Option 3: $34,500 – any size – expected trophy length is 130cm and larger
Prices include: customs assistance, hunting guide, one trophy fee of specified species, hunting license, gun import permit, area fees, transfers from/to closest airport, full board and accommodations in the hunting area, interpreter and local guide.
Prices exclude: international & domestic airfares, visa costs, trophy shipment, insurance, gratuities, hotel accommodation before/after the hunt, sightseeing, personal expenses, any addition trophy fee (the longer of the two horn measurements is used for trophy fee calculations). Observer (non-hunter) fee is $1,750 USD.
Booking and Payment; A 50% deposit is required on booking, and the other half should be paid 2 months before the hunt.
In the event that no ibex is harvested (excluding missed shots and wounding), 25% is refunded.
