I wanted to experience hunting in Kazakhstan, and a maral stag and mid-Asian ibex were my excuse to do so. A couple of years ago at a Grand Slam Club/OVIS Convention, I met Erdogan Avci, a Turkish outfitter. He was an unknown at this time, but I told my wife after communicating with Erdogan, that I strongly felt he was honest and straightforward, attributes that most hunters really appreciate. We couldn't get organized for the hunt we wanted that year. But the following year I sat down with Erdogan, and we worked out the details for a Kazakhstan adventure in September, 2011.
When my wife and I arrived at the international airport in Almaty (Kazakhstan's former capitol and largest city), Erdogan had our gun permit awaiting us, and clearing customs was relatively painless. We hit the road for a long drive that took us close to the Chinese border. Arriving late in the evening, we were surprised to see such a nice lodge in this remote setting, complete with hot shower, clean, comfortable rooms and great food. We were more than pleased with the accommodations.....
