Caucasian Tur Hunting in Russia and Azerbaijan

Caucasian tur is the must have trophy for the serious mountain hunter. This unique animal is found only along the ranges of Caucasus mountains, at altitudes between 800 and 4,000 meters (2,500-13,000 ft.). With it’s distinct look it resembles both, a goat and a sheep and is classified as a goat antelope. Tur is a nocturnal animal, eating in the open at night and sheltering during the day. Females live in herds of around ten individuals, while males are usually solitary.

The West Caucasian (Kuban) tur is found in Russia. This tur has a chestnut coat with a yellow underbelly and darker legs. The horns are scimitar shaped and heavily ridged. Hunting is extremely difficult due to high elevations and very precipitous terrain, which precludes use of horses for the most part of the hunt.
The East Caucasian (Dagestan) Tur is found in the Russian republics of Dagestan and Northern Ossetia as well as in Azerbaijan. It has somewhat smaller, but otherwise similar body to Kuban tur, but usually larger, lyre shaped horns. Hunting is usually much easier than hunting Western tur. Horses are frequently used. Especially in Azerbaijan.

Mixed (Severtsov) tur is a true naturally-occurring cross between the Dagestan (Eastern) and Kuban (Western) tur. The horns of some animals tend to look almost exactly like either the Eastern or Western tur, or anywhere in between. Hunting is as hard as hunting for Western tur.

All three tur subspecies can be hunted on one trip, if time allows. Caucasian chamois can be added as a secondary trophy.

For more information, please visit CaucasianTurHunt.com.