Chukotka Snow Sheep

(Ovis nivicola chukthorum)

The Chukotka Snow Sheep species lives and is hunted along the southern border of Russia´s Chukotka Province. The terrain is very open with only a little forest in the valley floors.

The climate is harsh with temperatures reaching down to -20 to -40F for 3-4 months per year. The hard winters keep the population density low for this subspecies. The typical hunt for this sheep involves plenty of spotting and climbing in rough mountain terrain in elevations up to 5,500 to 6,000 feet.

The hunt is done by stalking from base camp as well as fly camps which require back pack gear.

Each hunter has his own guide. The hunting period is August-September. The trip will take 12 days, of which the hunt is 7 to 8 days. Permits are very limited so advance bookings are a necessity.