Hunting Dybowskis 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

Cost includes:

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 in the cost:

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

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.