Hunting Dybowskis Sika stags in Ukraine

sika-stags-in-ukraine We are now able to offer limited hunts for Dybowskis/ Manchurian sika stags. Ukraine holds good populations of top quality stags and having waited unsuccessfully for many years to obtain tags from the Russian government to hunt in the Ussurri province in the far east of the country we now have a great opportunity for this impressive trophy animal.

Originally this subspecies of sika (Cervus nippon mantchuricus or Cervus nippon dybowskii) was once widespread from the far east of Russia, through China and down the Korean peninsula into South Korea. Today this species is extinct in Korea and China and there are some 9,000 animals existing in Ussurri province of Russia north of Vladivostok towards the Chinese border. There was limited hunting available in this area up until around 6 years ago when the Russian wildlife authorities placed this species in the Red Book of endangered animals. There has been much discussion as to when this hunting ban will be lifted but still we await a final decision.

Dybowskis sika is the largest of the 14 subspecies with mature stags weighing in at an imposing 110 kg or 240 lb with antlers reaching an impressive 35 inches in some exceptional stags. These deer have 10 distinctive sounds ranging from a soft whistle to a loud scream heard during the rut. Like a lot of sika deer species Dybowskis sika were introduced into several countries during Soviet times including Ukraine and Czech Republic but only Ukraine has free range hunting available.

Hunting:

Hunting methods differ depending on the time of the year, during the rut September/ October when stags are vocal you will try to stalk individual stags on foot much like hunting red stags during the roar. The undergrowth can be noisy so this can be quite challenging but nothing beats hunting stags in the peak of the rut! During winter months you will spot and stalk from a vehicle or a high seat (stand). You will be able to hunt the following animals at the same time as sika; red stag, roebuck and European boar. Any trophy animal wounded where blood is found full trophy fee will apply.

Getting there:

Kiev is readily available from many European cities including Amsterdam, Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Prague and London. You can also get a connection from Istanbul which for Australian and New Zealand hunters would be the preferred route. We can organise a visa before you travel or you can have one issued on your arrival at the airport. US citizens and holders of an EU passport do not require a visa. You will be met by the outfitter at the airport who is fluent in English, Russian and Ukraine then driven to the hunting area some 3 hours away.

Firearms:

Due to the difficulty of importing rifles into Ukraine we suggest you use the outfitters Ruger American in 30-06 calibre with quality optics. This is included in the hunt cost.

Accommodation:

You will stay in cabins or houses in the hunting area with all meals and drinks provided (alcohol extra and in moderation).

Seasons:

Prime time is during the rut, end of September and beginning of October however the season for sika is open from beginning of September until the end of January.

What to bring:

If you are hunting the rut then the weather is not too cold so some medium weight cammo clothing will be fine. Make sure you have some comfortable quiet boots and good quality binoculars of course. For those wanting to hunt in the winter season you must be well prepared for the cold so include several thermal layers, warm hat and gloves.

Prices:
4 day hunt including 1 sika trophy any size US$4,250
Non hunting companion US$ 100 per day

Additional trophies:
Roebuck any size US$ 500
Red stag any size US$4,000
Wild boar any size US$ 500

Full Brochure

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Included in Hunt Cost

The following are included in the hunt cost:

1 sika stag trophy any size
4 days hunting
2 x 1 Guiding and transport around the hunting area
Pick up and drop off at Kiev airport
Field preparation of trophies
Export doc/Vet certificate
Import doc support
Visa support
Flight booking support
Accommodation and meals during the hunt

Not included

Airline tickets
Accommodation before and after the hunt
Personal items
Visa cost
Travel insurance
Excess baggage
Export of trophies if required
Tips and Gratitude’s to guide and staff

Insurance

Whilst all reasonable care will be taken during your stay, hunting is a potentially hazardous pursuit and your guide or his staff will not be held responsible for loss or injury that may occur.

We strongly advise all our hunters to arrange adequate insurance prior to leaving your home. All our hunters will be supplied with our Terms and Conditions and Indemnity Forms prior to the hunt commencement.

Summary

Please note these hunts are conducted in the central west of Ukraine several hundred klm from the conflict areas in the east of Ukraine so hunters can be confident of their safety. We are confident that our clients will recognise the affordability of these hunts for a fantastic trophy animal with a great local guide with abundant knowledge of the habits of the game animals in his hunting area. If you are genuinely interested in this new exciting hunt please contact us as places are limited especially during the rut.