Ibex Hunting in Pakistan

It is not by chance that the world’s different ibex species are considered by many passionate mountain hunters to be their greatest challenge. The ibex lives high up in some of wildest mountain ranges on earth, and you must be prepared to undergo strenuous physical challenges, if you are to succeed in adding this trophy to your collection. Zoon Safari offers hunting for two fifferent species of Ibex in Pakistan: Himalayan Ibex which is hunted in the almost inaccessible mountains in the north and the Sindh ibex which iis found in the less daunting mountains of the south.

Himalayan Ibex

Himalayan Ibex (Capra sibirica sakeen) is a sub species of the Siberian ibex and is reminiscent of the Alpine “steinbock”. It is primarily found in the mountain ranges in the north of the country, the Karakorum, western Himalaya and Hindukush, where it can be hunted at an altitude of between 3.000-3.500 m above sea level from November to March. The hunt is both physically and technically challenging, demanding that you are physically well prepared and that you have first rate equipment. During this time of year you can expect temperatures of between 0 to -15 degrees Celcius. Bucks with 38” horn is considered representative, 40” is a realistically achievable trophy size, while a real record class trophy can be as large as  46”. Succes rates on these hunts – measured by game shot with trophies of 38” or above - is very high.

The hunting itself is carried out on foot up in the mountains, where you spot and stalk selected bucks. You should be prepared to shoot from long range and often from a difficult angle in an open mountain landscape. There will be five full hunting days available, while the whole tour stretches out over 11 days. As the hunt takes place in some of the worlds most inaccessible areas, you can expect a relatively demanding journey, which can either include a chartered small aircraft flight, or a long car journey  (14 hours/570 km) along twisting mountain roads. Accommodation will be in small local hotels or in private homes and includes full board. During the hunt English speaking staff will be present.

Sindh Ibex

Sindh Ibex (Capra aegagrus blythi ) is slightly smaller and has a lighter coloured coat than the Turkish Bezoar Ibex, of which it is a sub species and looks very similar in type. Sindh Ibex is primarily found in the southern part of Pakistan, where it can be hunted at altitudes of between 0-3.000 m above sea level from November to March. Bucks with 38” horn is considered representative, 40” is a realistically achievable trophy size. Succes rates on these hunts – measured by game shot with representative trophies or above - is very high.

The hunting itself is carried out on foot up in the mountains, where you spot and stalk selected bucks. You should be prepared to shoot from long range and often from a difficult angle in an open mountain landscape. There are two hunting days available, which experience has shown to be enough. The hunts take place in districts that lies roughly a three hour drive away from Karachi along relatively good roads. Accommodation will be in small local hotels or in private homes and includes full board. During the hunt English speaking staff will be present.

General

Only a limited number of licenses fare available for the whole country, and the price of these license will vary from year to year.  Pakistan actively uses the trophy fees as an important incentive for wildlife preservation simply by distributing 80% of the funds raised to the local population living in the district where the game was shot, while the final 20% goes to the state’s game administration service. As a hunter it is important that you are aware that the license is used and the trophy fee due at the moment you take your shot – regardless on wether it results in a kill, a wounding or even a miss.

Pakistan is a muslim country and the culture here is very different from Europe. Expect to enjoy an exciting meeting of cultures. Your own weapons can be brought into the country without problem, but expect a processing time for an import permit to take at least four months.

There hunts can be supplemented with reasonably priced wild boar hunts in the Punjab province.