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Snow Sheep

Asiatic Bighorn Sheep, or Snow Sheep as they are commonly known, cover a range as large as the continental United States. Variations of the sheep are present throughout much of Siberia. We began fielding snow sheep hunters in the early 1990’s and have sent over 100 hunters on these trips. We have operators throughout all Snow Sheep areas, including Kamchatka, Koyrak, and Okhotsk Mountain ranges. The largest Snow Sheep appear to be found on the Kamchatka Peninsula where better range conditions and more rain enhances growth of larger, older rams.

The Kamchatka Peninsula has some of the “easiest” Snow Sheep hunting. The Kamchatka Bighorn is considered any sheep taken on the Kamchatka Peninsula south of the 60th parallel. This region is very much like Dall Sheep areas of the Wrangell’s in Alaska, with lush alpine meadows and glaciers, at altitudes up to 7,000 feet. The longest horn Snow Sheep ever taken, a 45-inch monster, was from this region.

The hunting regions can be reached with ease via Alaska or by flying via Moscow. All the hunts include one to two nights of hotel rooms on either end of the hunt, helicopter transfer to and from the area, if necessary, guides, interpreters, and CITES veterinarian permit for export of the trophy. Our trusted outfitters are renowned for their ability to judge rams on the hoof. One of our outfitters even received the Atcheson’s Professional Hunter of the Year Award in 2012!

Kamchatka Snow Sheep:

The Kamchatka snow sheep is the largest horned species of snow sheep, with dark chocolate colored hair and massive horns. It looks very much like North America’s Rocky Mountain Bighorn. The largest rams taken score in the mid 170’s. Our hunting area has stunning scenery, snow covered volcanoes and untouched mountain terrain. Camps and services are as good as any found in the sheep camps of North America.

Koryak Snow Sheep:

Koryak Snow Sheep are the smallest of the Asian thin horns in size and horn, but very abundant in number. These sheep have light gray to brown fur and often have a white forehead. The largest rams will have a score of 155 points and are often broomed. This species is found from the northern reaches of the Kamchatka Peninsula to the mainland of Siberia. The terrain is similar to the Brooks Range in Alaska; not too rough. The camps are all located north of the 62nd parallel. Each hunter has his own guide. Success has been very high. A second ram can be arranged in advance at the time of booking. The best hunting period is August /September. The trip will take 12 days, of which the actual hunting would be 9 to 10 days. Due to its extreme northern location, early season hunting is strongly recommended. Up to three hunters per hunt.

Yakutian, and Chutoka Snow Sheep:

All the sheep located in the Yakutia Region are considered to be Yakutian Snow Sheep. These sheep are found in the Yakutia area of Siberia, from the Lena River eastward, north of the 62nd parallel, including the Verkhoyansk, Chersk, Mom, Kolyma, and other ranges. These areas are mountainous, but the terrain is surprisingly gentle. Each hunter has his own guide and hunts on foot.

Kolyma Snow Sheep:

This sheep is found only in the Magadan Region, and predominantly in the Kolyma Mountains. The eastern boundary is considered to be the large river valley west of the Koryak Mountains of the Koryak Autonomous Region. The northern boundary is considered to be the Chukotka Autonomous Region border. The western boundary is considered to be the border of Yakutia, from the Omolon River to the Kolyma River. The western boundary then follows the Kolyma River to the Trans-Siberian Highway. The southern boundary is considered to be the Trans-Siberian Highway, which begins in the city of Magadan. For all practical purposes, the range of the Kolyma sheep is west of the Koryak Mountains down through the Kolyma range of mountains, which are east of the Kolyma River.

Okhotsk Snow Sheep:

The majority of this subspecies are found in the Khabarovsk Region of Siberia. However, within the Magadan Region, the boundary is the southern route of the Trans-Siberian Highway, from the city of Magadan until it crosses the border of Yakutia. The boundary then goes south and follows the border of Yakutia. The area for the Okhotsk snow sheep in Magadan is relatively small.