Turkey
Outfitters we deal with in Turkey:
For the International Trophy Hunter and tourist alike, Turkey offers a very different experience in terms of culture and hunting environment, a positive one we should add since this predominantly Islamic country has long since been working hard to integrate itself into Western society while preserving its culture and values.
By way of background, The Republic of Turkey was established as recently as 1923 by the late Kemal Ataturk and what was once the centre of the mighty Ottoman Empire is still the most populous and influential Country in the Arab world, albeit now considered part of Eurasia – truly a place where east really does meet west!
Many will know of Istanbul and while it remains Turkeys largest city, Ankara is it’s capital boasting a population of some 4.5 million souls vrs maybe 11 million in the former Constantinople. The Country has over 73.3 million inhabitants and at over 300,000 square miles is well over 3 times the size of the humble UK.
Before we touch on the hunting side of things, it is worth mentioning that Turkey has undergone significant social and economic reforms in recent times and as such was actually n very good shape before the most recent Global Recession as the significant volume of new development in the region testify. It has joined NATO and is a member of the G20 and Council of Europe and is currently an applicant for full membership of the EU.
Bordered to the north-west by Bulgaria, Greece to the west, Georgia to the north-east, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran to the east and Iraq and Syria to the south-east, it s easy to see why Turkey is such an influential state on the international stage. With the Mediterranean and Cyprus to the south, Aegean Sea to the west, Black Sea to the north and the Turkish Straits (Sea of Marmara, Bosphorous and Dardenelles) separating Europe from Asia, this magnificent Country offers a world of hunting opportunities for the dedicated Trophy Hunter and travelling Sportsman alike!
Species available in Turkey include Bezoar Ibex, Chamois, Konya Sheep, Red and Roe Deer, Wolves and of course Wild Boar of staggering proportions and volume.
The Anatolian region of central Turkey is where the majority of hunting takes place with some species located high I the mountains from 1000-2500m altitude while Boar are generally hunted at lower levels either as part of a driven hunt or via walk-and-stalk under moonlight.
Deer Hunting was outlawed until relatively recently since the species was protected and as a result, now that hunting has become available again, although under strictly enforced permits and quotas, the size of trophy, especially for Red Stags is significant with typical examples exceeding 15kgs in weight.
Ibex in Turkey reach staggering proportions and while 100cm examples are the average, 140cm+ are also available too. Chamois in this region are also some of the largest in the World and the Konya Sheep is unique to the region also.
Wild Boar hunting remains one of our most sought after activities, especially for those looking for the excitement of driven sport and it is therefore worth mentioning that since the predominantly Muslim communities do not eat them, populations are significant and individual specimens taken this way have exceeded 30cms with drives generating bags of 15-20 animals (and 3-4 drives per day) are not uncommon either!
If you are looking for driven Boar Hunting over unfenced areas without bag limits or trophy fees, Turkey represents excellent value for money compared to some of the other Countries that profess to offer similar but where hunting pressure has severely dented local Boar Populations!
Those looking for a mountain hunt should plan to arrive in Istanbul where our multi-lingual guides will meet you and offer assistance as you clear Customs with your sporting rifles, 3 of which plus 50 rounds of ammunition per calibre are allowable should you wish? There is no maximum calibre restriction for sporting rifles although a min of 6.5mm (.26 and over) are permissible as are sound moderators and Night Vision equipment. For Chamois, Wild Boar, Red and Roe Deer and Gazelle Hunting, Ankara is more flexible but regardless we can organise domestic transfers on from your point of arrival.