Hunter Testimonials

Story

Both hunts were challenging in the fact that in Kamchatka the snow conditions prevented the snow machines from reaching much of the hunting area. Guides were good, knew the area, and worked hard. The snow just made it extremely difficult for them and the hunters. Saw lots of bear tracks and a few bears themselves despite the snow conditions. I was able to harvest a brown bear on the second day. I also arranged to shoot a second bear if a good one presented itself. We hunted hard but fought tough snow conditions every day. I glassed a few snow sheep at a distance but the sheep season was closed at present time. The hunting area is vast and really neat. The cabin I stayed in was clean, warm, and comfortable. The food was good and staff friendly. Not a five star lodge like you would find in South Africa, but for a deep woods winter time camp it was just fine. New experiences to me were sunbathing in a snow drift and doing a nightly Ruska Bania (similar to a hot tub). The outfitter had an English speaking Russian college student in camp to translate. He was a good guy and does fishing guiding on the side. Petropavlosk city is ok with lots of great seafood to eat and a neat harbor. The flights to and from Moscow were on Aeroflot which had brand new Boeing aircraft made in USA. I would recommend this hunt to anyone but would caution as to the snow conditions as it can really mess with the hunt. With good cold temperatures and hard snow it would be a total cakewalk with very little walking. There ARE big bears there but conditions have to be right.

Caucasus bear hunt was a different kind of hunt than Kamchatka. I was accompanied by a guide named Alexander who translated and helped the local guides. Hunting area was really, really neat. Kind of like south island NZ. Mountains and snow covered peaks with timbered ridges. Very steep though. Guides were the same guys that got Shockey his bear in that same immediate hunting area. I saw the hillside were he got his bear. My guide was an off duty fish and game officer for that area. Good guy and really in shape. We glassed and walked our asses off over some really steep and difficult terrain. I saw bears every day but most were moms with cubs. We put a stalk on two different males but got winded by them from a long ways away. Or the bears would walk back into the forest line and just disappear.

I got mine on the last morning after a long and very difficult stalk in some nasty weather conditions. This is probably the toughest hunt I have ever done. Climbing steep slopes in mountainous terrain while fighting bad weather was difficult.. Certainly an experience a person will always remember. Lodging was a cedar wood cabin that was dry and comfortable. Food was basic camp style stuff nothing glamorous but good. They also had a really nice Ruska Bania set up which we used at night. Guides brought home made vodka and we really had a good time. Also, saw lots of Caucasian chamois and Tur plus a few mountain sheep. However, the season for them was closed during this time of year. This would be a great area for hunting in the fall though.

Additional Info

Moscow is a neat city with lots of stuff to see and do. I visited Red Square and rode the subway system. I would recommend to anyone going hunting over there to take an extra couple of days to see the city and historical sights. The US dollar is very strong so our money goes a long way. This trip was a great value for the money!

The Russians were good people and I had a great time. This was as a different experience and I liked every minute of it. I did not meet one butt head the whole time.

The outfitter did a good job with the airport meet and greet, lining up permits for firearms and getting to hotel, as well as helping out at connecting flights and lining up translators. The local guides they had knew the area and knew how to hunt. I felt safe and taken care of the whole time.

I don't lie, sugar coat, or embellish anything as I tell it. I report the facts on what I saw and experienced. Based on my experience I would recommend these two hunts to others and would provide a reference. I do need to note that the Caucasian bear hunters should be prepared for some pretty serious physical exercise to complete a successful harvest.

Recommendation

I don't lie, sugar coat, or embellish anything as I tell it. I report the facts on what I saw and experienced. Based on my experience I would recommend these two hunts to others and would provide a reference. Discount African Hunts did a good job of setting this hunt up for me and I highly recommend their services!

I do need to note that the Caucasian bear hunters should be prepared for some pretty serious physical exercise to complete a successful harvest.

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