Dagestan Tur
The average Dagestan tur will vary between 31”-35” with exceptional trophies sporting lengths over 40 inches with bases of 11-14” not uncommon. Trophies up to 16 years old have been taken by our clients, with averages at 10 years old. Tur are a true Capra species but have been given special allocation into the Ovis World Slam as well by the folks at Grand Slam Club/Ovis. As such, these goats are VERY important to hunters looking to fulfill the Triple Slam. You can “double dip” with each of the three tur!
The Dagestan tur is hunted in several areas of Azerbaijan. These different areas include the eastern region of Quba, the central regain of Ismaily and the western region of Sheki. These areas vary in driving distance from Baku at approximately 300-500km. Global Pursuit focuses our hunting in the Sheki region. This region historically produces the biggest trophies.
Once the hunters arrive into Sheki, they will overnight in a nice hotel or bed and breakfast in town to clear the jet lag and get a good night’s rest before the hunt starts.
Our camps are normally wooden cabins and offer good facilities with most having a small dining area and a guide sleeping quarter. Tents are also used regularly.
The hunt area elevations range in the 9000-10,000 feet and require extensive hiking and horseback riding to access the areas. Once in the area, hunters will sometimes stay in the back country and utilize tents and will fly camp depending on trophy numbers seen in the area.
The hunting season can be broken down into 3 different times of year, all with different proc and cons to each.
In the spring (April and early May), the Tur are generally located at treeline on the mountain and are in large bachelor herds. This time of year has historically produced the biggest trophies for us as well as it being the absolute very best time of year for achery hunters. The downside to this time of year is that the skins on the billies are not the best. The hair has become bleached and brittle from a full winter’s onslaught of weather. The tur are close to shedding their winter coats this time of year and the hair does not hold well.
Temperatures vary wildly this time of year. Spring snow storms can happen with regularity and can hamper hunts. On the flipside, some spring hunts have incredible bluebird skies and no adverse weather at all with temps warranting tee shirts during daylight hours. On the spring hunts, we tell all hunters to prepare for any and all weather. Temps vary wildly during the day (freezing to 70 F), but you can bet on below freezing at night at elevation.
With the summer hunts (June-September), the tur have shed all their winter coats and now sport very short haired capes. The majority of visiting hunters take their tur from this time of year. With the warm temps, the tur are located at the very tops of the mountain range this time of year. Temperatures this time of year will vary between 50 and 85 F with almost daily thunderstorms and downpours. Humidity is very high this time of year with fog being a very real problem this time of year. Nights are cool and humid. Hunters will need sleeping bags, mats and tents this time of year, as you will stay at fly camp locations up high on the mountain for the duration of hunt.
The fall/winter hunts (October-December) are the best time of year to take a trophy with a spectacular cape. The billies are sporting a beautiful dark chocolate brown color with hair being very thick.
The downside to these late hunts are the short days and the weather. This time of year is mostly cold with frequent snow storms. As the snow pack begins to accumulate at elevation, the tur will head to lower elevations. This is also the time of year the tur will be in full rut with the billies chasing the nannies.
Temps are generally hovering 35-40 F for highs and 20-30 F for lows. Spike hunting via horseback is offered as well as more permanent cabin style accommodations with daily excursions up and down the mountains. Hunters will need to be prepared for winter conditions and have appropriate gear.
No matter what time of year you choose you will see many tur and we have had 100% success in all of the seasons. It just boils down to personal preference and what you are looking for in terms of the trophy itself, the trip and the experience.