Spring means deep snow in Kamchatka. The only question will be how many feet each Spring brings. But snow poses no barrier to our Itelmen guiding team. Like
Alaskan Eskimos and the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic, the Itelmen rely on super-tuned snow machines to find fresh tracks and spot bears. As they navigate through the
hunting area, hunters are towed in a sled similar to how Polar Bear and Central Barren ground Muskox hunts are conducted. The hunting method varies from traditional spot & stalk. Deep snow dictates how much stalking or even walking is
possible. With snow levels typically so deep that you will sink up to the thigh or waist when dismounting the sled, walking can be impossible. So, the combo of machine and sled is often the only way to penetrate the hunting area, locate, and get into position to take a trophy. This form of hunting is cultural for the Itelmen, and hunters adapt to it out of necessity.
Clients are hosted on the Kamchatka Peninsula for its legendary coastal brown bears. Populations historically have been so high that there is no legal limit on the number of bears taken. Our area in particular has produced an average of 2 bears per hunter for over 20 years. Most bear taken in this region are well over 10ft with the accosinall bear reaching over 11ft. Kamchatka will make you re-think everything previously known or imagined about brown bear hunting. This hunt allows multiple
bears to be taken, if desired. There is no other destination like it; Kamchatka’s brown bear hunts simply are the most productive in the world.
The terrain most encountered is wide open and the bears are relatively easy to spot against the snow. Shots are usually taken between 50 and 100 yards. Although it’s
possible to exceed that distance, few will. Be ready anyway. Bring the gun that you shoot confidently or borrow our rifles in camp. A premium bullet placed in the heart-lung region or shoulder will usually anchor a big bear. But they are massive and can require a follow-up shot. Magnum calibers in 7mm, .300, .or 338 are most frequently used.
Our exclusive area is vast and remote – accessible only by helicopter charter (included in the hunt price). The camp consists of heated cabins, and hunters share the biggest cabin. It’s basic and entirely functional – big enough for comfort and each hunter’s hunting gear. A dedicated camp cook prepares hot meals consisting of bacon, eggs, porridge, soups, meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The sleds are equipped with satisfying lunches and hot tea. Water is sourced from nearby springs and pristine streams and then boiled for purity.
Our guides will expertly skin, re-flesh and salt your bear hide to perfection. Turning lips and ears is an art form. They will flesh and boil the skull so that it is pre-cleaned and ready for the next stage of trophy preparation. Once the trophies leave camp, we utilize the most reputable taxidermy firm in the Russian Federation for trophy preparation. Russia allows the use of tanning chemicals no longer available to our taxidermists, and these chemicals enable superb tanning praised by the most recognized taxidermists in North America. So, your taxidermist will receive a trophy that’s ready for mounting. By bypassing the tanneries in North America, taxidermists avoid one of the biggest variables in estimating when a taxidermy project will be
completed. As a result, trophies get mounted faster. They will go through designated ports of entry within 6-7 months after the hunt. We will coordinate export documentation and make arrangements with shippers, wildlife brokers, and your taxidermist to ensure the proper handling and routing of your trophy to its intended destination. You will be regularly informed of trophy shipment status.
Pricing Details
- $29,900 per hunter for the 1st bear, a mandatory second bear must be taken at $13,150 any additional bear can be taken at $10,000
- (No room in camp for observers)
What’s Included
- -Comprehensive pre-hunt planning
- including
- assistance with visa applications
- flight arrangements
- gun permits
- and gear recommendations
- -V.I.P. arrival & departure assistance
- including gun
- clearance with airlines and Customs
- -Interpreter at all travel touch points and in camp
- -Ground transfers to & from airports
- hotels
- heliports
- -Helicopter charter to & from camp
- -All meals in camp and non-alcoholic drinks
- -Highly experienced guides
- -Field preparation of trophies
- -Concierge trophy handling service
- including
- veterinary certificates
- and coordination of shipping &
- wildlife brokerage
What’s Not Included
- -Russian visa (~$500 or less depending on service)
- Any air travel expenses
- Airline excess baggage & firearms transport charges
- Any meals and hotels outside of the hunting area
- Gun permit ($250/gun) or gun rental & ammo ($500)
- Skull cleaned & hides tanned (market rate)
- CITES permit
- -Trophy shipping inside Russia between camp-
- taxidermist-shipper
- -Trophy shipping from Russia to the delivery
- destination
- Guide and camp staff gratuities
- Unplanned early return
- Airport meet & greet
- gun storage
- & hotel in Istanbul
- Optional stays for touring in Moscow and Istanbul
Transport
Our trip planning model works with total precision proving that hunting in Russia is safe, predictably successful, and enjoyable. We first
assisted our hunters in securing visas, and our diligent ground team in Moscow helped us enter and move through Russia efficiently. We were
warmly welcomed by Russian Immigration and Customs officials and by local people throughout our journey with genuine hospitality and service. Procedures developed for our prove-out brown bear trip enables us to confidently secure gun permits (we took our own guns and ammo for brown bear!), supply local currency, make hotel and airline reservations, schedule ground and helicopter transport, and process trophies for any type of hunt in Kamchatka or across the Russian Federation.
Hunt Style
The hunting method varies from traditional spot & stalk.
Deep snow dictates how much stalking or even walking is
possible. With snow levels typically so deep that you will
sink up to the thigh or waist when dismounting the sled,
walking can be impossible.
Physical Level – low
Trip Requirements
-50% deposit required to secure dates and spot in
camp
-Balance due 120 days before hunt start date
-Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, you have three options: (1) transfer your hunt to another party who assumes all remaining financial obligations, (2) push your trip to the following year, or (3) forfeit all payments made to date. There are no free cancellations. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
can fill in
-Post safari taxidermy services are set at current
market pricing after the hunt. In recent years,
$2,400 for the first bear and roughly $1,800 per
additional bear has been normal.
-Trophy fees for extra bears are partially collected
before the hunt with balances due within 1 week
after return from the hunt. Situation dependent.
WO Trip Protection
For 5% of your trip cost, we guarantee your hunt. If the outfitter cancels, goes out of business, or a wildfire shuts down the area — we rebook you on a comparable hunt at no extra cost.
Ask your consultant about adding trip protection when you book.
Talk to a Consultant
