Kamchatka Snow Sheep

The Kamchatka Snow Sheep (Ovis nivicola nivicola), sometimes mistakenly called Kamchatka bighorn, is actually a thin-horned species, similar to other Snow Sheep as well as the Dall and Stone sheep of North America. Its coat is grayish-brown or grizzled, with a small white rump patch divided by a dark stripe extending down the tail. The muzzle is white, and while the brown facial band, which characterizes the Verkhoyansk population, is almost absent, the head and neck may show varying degrees of grayish-white. The horns are impressive, protruding outward, around, and down in nearly 1-1/2 curls, with un-broomed tips. Kamchatka holds the record for the longest-horned Snow Sheep, with two individuals measuring 41.7 and 40.9 inches (105.9 and 103.9 cm), and another with horns measuring 41.7 and 39.5 inches (105.9 and 100.3 cm). These rams have superb heads with horns that pinch close to the face and sweep outward, around, and down in elegant curls to the tips.

The hunting season for Kamchatka Snow Sheep is from August 1 to September 30, with the best time being August. Snow sheep hunting can also be combined with Kamchatka Bear hunting starting from August 25. To reach Kamchatka, you can take an 8.5-hour non-stop flight from Moscow, operated by Aeroflot. Upon arrival in Moscow, our team will meet you, assist with customs, and help with your transfer to Petropavlovsk. Once in Petropavlovsk, you will be met by our local crew and an interpreter. From there, you will either take ground transportation or an optional helicopter charter to the hunting grounds.

Accommodation is provided in base camp hunting cabins located in mountain valleys at elevations of 2,500 to 3,000 feet (800–1,000 meters), where electricity is supplied by generators. While hunting in the mountains, small tents will be used for the stalks. The food is home-style, and the service is of high quality. The hunting areas are located in the south in the Milkovo region and in the north in the Palana region.

In August, daytime temperatures range from 59 to 77˚F (15 to 25˚C), and nighttime temperatures can drop to between 32 and 50˚F (0 to 10˚C). Later in the season, rain, snow, and windy conditions are possible. The hunt typically involves spot and stalk methods, with each hunter accompanied by one guide and one assistant. Expect to do some backpacking and strenuous hiking. While we cannot guarantee the sighting of many rams, we are committed to making your hunt as successful as possible.