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, with Butch being one of the first Americans to do so and arguably one of the first to catch their famed Taimen (a giant member of the trout family). In addition, Hunt Nation has been sending clients here 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 in the extreme about the US, and they readily welcome you. It is a relatively safe country 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 will require a domestic flight to Hovd 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 HUNTS:
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 a nominal additional fee.
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 Argali 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 as the assistance of local hunting guides. WE have found their eyes to be better than our binoculars! Transport is by vehicle. You will have 3 meals with a lunch packed and a hot dinner served.
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. Following a 1.5-hour domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Hovd, two to six-hour drives 4wd vehicles are used 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 better jeep access. Elevations range from 8,000 to 11,500 feet.
Mature Altai ibex will average 40” to 45” with trophies 45” to 48” a reasonable possibility. A special area is available for exceptional trophies over 50+”, but pricing for this option is quite a bit higher as the permit for this area, included in the hunt price, is significantly more expensive. Please call our office for availability as permits for this special area are very limited.
Four full days of hunting is typically all that is needed for success on this hunt, so long as the hunter can shoot their rifle 200 to 400 yards and arrives in reasonably good physical condition for hiking and horseback riding. This hunt may be extended to five hunting days for groups of two. Horses, and even camels, are frequently used in this region.
HANGAI AND ALTAI ARGALI HUNTS:
The ALTAI ARGALI is considered to be the largest wild sheep in the world, having the heaviest horns with base circumferences over 22” and horn lengths over 71” recorded. Typical rams that are pre-scouted by our outfitter average 18” to 21” bases and 55” in length in most areas. The skull, cape and horns often weigh over 70 pounds green with body weights over 450 pounds. Special areas known to produce rams over 60” in length are available in very limited numbers. These special areas command very high prices each year, and due to the new auction-style license issuing system that will go into effect for the 2023 season, prices may go even higher with outfitters bidding against one another for the first time. For that reason, pricing cannot be guaranteed until permits have been issued.
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.”
Hangai argali offer an opportunity to hunt a third species of sheep found only in Mongolia. Trophy Hangai rams average 47-53” in length and 18”, and at a lower hunt price than the Altai argali.
– Season: July 1st – October 1st
Day 1 Meet at airport and transfer to hotel (Hotel paid by the client)
Day 2 Flight to Western Mongolia (Hovd, Ulgii or Ulaangom), then drive to the camp. You will be lodged in the traditional ger; with 3 meals daily and a cook.
Days 3-12 You will be hunting for your Altai argali ram, with local hunting guides and helpers. All those excellent eyes assist in finding your quarry. A vehicle with driver and horses available.
Day 13 You will return back to Ulaanbaatar and; transfer to your hotel. Return flight the following day.
Altai or Hangai hunt package include:
• 10 hunting days for sheep, 4 to 5 hunting days for ibex-only hunts
• Pre-scouting before arrival
• Hunting camp accommodation and full board
• All ground transfers by off-road jeep
• Professional hunting guide-interpreter service
• All necessary licenses/permit for one ram
• Trophy field preparation
.
Pricing for 2023/2024
Ibex
Altai/Siberian or Gobi or Hangai Ibex: $11,500 to $12,950
Altai Ibex Special 50”+ area: $19,950
Gobi Ibex + White-tailed Gazelle: $14,500
Altai Ibex + Gobi Ibex: Starting at $23,000
Argali
Gobi Argali: Starring at 63,000
Hangai Argali: $95,000
Altai Argali: $115,000 plus $20,000 trophy fee if ram over 58” is taken
Altai Argali Special 60”+ area: $200,000
Maral Stag: $12,500
Siberian Roe Deer: $4,000
Important! Beginning in 2023, all permits will be sold at auction to the highest bidder. This may have a significant impact on final hunt pricing, particularly for the countries’ best trophy-producing areas. Hunt pricing cannot be guaranteed until permits have been issued and secured by the outfitter.
Not Included in Hunt Pricing:
• Commercial flights to Ulaanbaatar (ULN)
• Domestic round trip transfers, if applicable: $450 to $650
• Rifle import permit: $250
• Optional rifle rental: $250
• Any meals and hotels while in the cities
• Observer fees
• Shipping and expediting fees and documents including CITES and veterinary certificate
Season Dates: Flexible scheduling from 15 July through October 1st for Argali and through October 15th for Ibex
