The Gems of Kazakhstan

Packing out in the Dzungarian Alatau

The name Alatau originates from Kazakhstani and means “colorful mountains.” The Alatau range of Eastern Kazakhstan is a pristine hunter’s paradise about 250 miles long (≈400 km), up to 50 miles wide (≈80 km). The valleys below are sparsely wooded, but the higher elevations present an amazing view of the snow-covered summits of mountains inside China.

Even today, the Alatau is inhabited by only a few farmers and nomads. These mountains are documented to contain the densest population of Mid-Asian Ibex and the largest Maral stags in the world. Both species grow to trophy class status due to genetics and protections provided by exclusive hunting rights.

The Maral is similar in appearance and behavior to the American Elk. With a live weight of up to 850 pounds (≈ 400 kg) and a shoulder height of 5 feet (≈155 cm), he is a noble monarch. Even the weight of the antlers re-sets expectation boundaries. Specimens of 30-35 pounds (≈14-16 kg) upwards to 45 pounds (≈20 kg) have been documented.

The structure of the antlers is somewhat different to that of the European Red Stag. A Maral’s main beam can reach lengths of more than 5 feet (≈1.50 meters). Generally, the antlers are also not as dark as those from other top class deer countries such as Romania, Belarus, or Hungary.

The beading is quite faint. Above the brow and bez tines, towers the powerful main beam (examples of which have been measured up to 20 inches (≈50 cm). The Maral does not develop a crown in the classical sense, but the size of the individual tines and endings are amazing.

In autumn and winter, the coat is light grey to brown in color, and shows cinnamon-colored markings on the head, neck, stomach, and legs. The rut falls in the month of September and is the high point of the year for the hunter in Kazakhstan.

Siberian Roe Deer and Wild Boar exist in good numbers. They are considered opportunity animals on the combination hunt, and they can be taken on a trophy fee basis, if desired.

Hunters arrive in Almaty, Kazakhstan via Istanbul, Turkey and clear Immigration and firearms at Customs led by our ground team. The drive to camp will utilize a comfortable SUV, and hunters will stop along the way for lunch before reaching the main camp.

The main camp is equipped with showers, a sauna, and comfortable log cabins. Meals are prepared by a cook in the main camp. Power is supplied by generators.

Hunters will depart the main camp on horseback for their tented camp that guides will have erected based on pre-scouting before the hunt.

Our guides have spent their lives in the hunting area, and they have perfected their skills over a 25-year period. They are trophy hunters who desire to guide a hunter to a mega trophy as a matter of professional and national pride.

Both Maral and Ibex are hearty animals. Shots will average 250-300 yards, and a flat-shooting magnum is prudent. 7mm, .300, and .338 magnums with premium controlled expansion bullets have proved most effective.

I will be hunting this very area from September 5-16, 2027, and have reserved the entire camp for 3 other hunters to join me. One spot remains and welcome inquiries about joining us.

Contact Mark at (585) 267-0724 or via email at mark@pantheonhunters.com.