Europe is an often overlooked hunting destination for bear hunts. There is of course much interest in hunting for Russian brown bear in the Kamchatka area, but much less interest in hunting bear in the lesser known areas. This is unfortunate as there are some serious bargains to be found. Yes, these other Russian areas do not produce 9 foot giant brownies; but they do produce a brown bear which is very similar to our US and Alaskan grizzly bear, in terms of size. Most of these Eurasian brown bears will range from 7 to about 8 feet long. That is a big critter! But wait until you understand ALL the advantages of this bear trip to Europe!
To compare this hunt to US grizzly bear pricing— is to realize these bears a real find! A search on line for Grizzly bear hunts in Alaska turned up pricing of $29,000; $16,000; $12,000 and $24,000. Compare that price to this hunt with prices ranging from $6400 to just over $7,000!! Half the cost of Alaska!
Now obviously your transport costs will be much higher to and from Russia — BUT MAYBE NOT! By the time you add in a probable bush flight, you likely will spend $1000 to $1500 on Alaskan flights and often an extra night in a motel. As of our 2022 price check, you can get Aeroflot roundtrip from New York to St Petersburg for around $700 economy class! Also flight times are probably not much different when you include the bush flights to camp in Alaska. Compares favorably to 15 hours from NYC to St Petersburg.
So you get a Russian bear for HALF the cost of an Alaska hunt; AND your airfare IS also about HALF the Alaskan cost!! AND your total time investment is probably less too. And you have a cultural adventure on top of a hunting adventure. All of a sudden you should realize that taking a Eurasian brown bear is a true bargain, and a better adventure! And adding a tour of ST Petersburg can be arranged as well!
Success is very high and bears are seen regularly. Their 90% success rate is much higher we think, than trying for an Inland grizzly in Alaska. And the 10% who did not score, usually passed up bears hoping for bigger, but may have regretted the decision.
Now another kicker- HOW ABOUT TAKING A SECOND BEAR?? Try to find that in Alaska! And you can add that bear for only another $3500!
TRIP DETAILS:
Location: St. Petersburg, Karelia, 200-700 miles E or NE from St. Petersburg
Season dates: August 20-September 30
Hunting method: From high stand over oat fields or meat baits
Accommodations: Fully equipped hunting lodge or remote log cabin. Not fancy- but these are actual homes.
Price: St. Petersburg $6350/Karelia $6550 for 2-3 hunters; St. Petersburg $6750/Karelia $7050 solo
Additional day of hunting: $400
Additional trophies: second bear $3500,
(Also -Possibly a moose $2500, wolverine $1500- depends on area of bear hunt)
TRIP INSURANCE STRONGLY SUGGESTED- ASK US AT HUNT NATION FOR DETAILS
COVID: Check with us at Hunt Nation as changes are regular. Presently must have full vaccinations and a test.
Included in the price:
Reception and assistance in St. Petersburg airport; Accommodation in the hunting area; all meals and soft drinks during the hunt; Roundtrip ground transportation airport/hunting area and transportation during the hunt; Services of 1 guide per hunter; (1 on 1) Services of 1 interpreter in a camp; Field trophy preparation; Gun permit; Invitation letter and voucher; Hunting license; Trophy export permit;1 bear.
Not included in the price:
Insurance of any kind; International and domestic travel before and after the hunt; Preserving and shipping trophies from Russia; Cost of sightseeing tours; Ground transportation unrelated to hunting; CITES permit; Gratuities.
Itinerary
Day 1: arrival to St. Petersburg and transfer to the hunting lodge.
Day 2-8: 7 days of hunting
Day 9: return to St. Petersburg for a flight home.
Details: These are some of the best hunts in the European part of Russia. The bear population during the past 20 years has been very stable. The usual trophy size is about 7 ft., although 8 – 8.5 ft. bears have been taken by clients every year. The record bear taken in the Pskov region in 1999 had a scull measured in excess of 27 inches (69 cm) The success rate is about 90%. Some hunters take more than one bear. The weather is usually mild and can be rainy.
Moose hunt can be added from September 5 and wolverine can be added from September 15. Bating by meat in the northern part of Karelia makes this hunt suitable for bow. Baiting by planted oats is used in the areas closer to St. Petersburg. Each additional trophy requires 3 extra days of hunting. Moose requires extra 3 days of hunting. Please understand you are staying in normal Russian homes. They are warm and dry, may or may not have an indoor john, but good cooking and hospitality. A bit rough around the edges- so expect that, just remember to enjoy the adventure and thank your host with a nice gratuity.
