Update on Available Kri-Kri Ibex Hunts in Greece and Macedonia

We have news this month that free-range kri-kri ibex hunting has reopened in Greece on the island of Sapienza after a two-year hiatus. The island was closed to hunting for 2010 and 2011 in the turmoil following the collapse of the Greek economy, but it reopened in 2012. The best news for hunters looking to add this species to their trophy rooms is that there are still six openings for foreign hunters in 2013. This news came to us from Ken Wilson of Shunneson & Wilson Adventures (830-792-4200), who tells us that the hiatus has resulted in better trophies. Those taken in 2012 averaged 34 inches, versus the previous expectation of 30 inches. Wilson tells us that, given the interest in this free-range hunting opportunity, the six slots still open for 2013 are likely to fill quickly. The all-in price for a four-day (Wednesday-Saturday) hunt, including 2x1 guiding (non-English-speaking guide), all local transport, hotel and trophy processing for export is ¬10,900, about $14,500 at this writing. Wilson says the hunt can be extended a day or two if needed.

Kri-kri ibex is likely among the rarest of the Capra trophies because of the limited opportunity, and therefore is of interest to aficionados looking to complete a collection. Continuing subscribers will recall our 2009 update on the hunting opportunities for this sub-species (see Article ID 2262). The information in that story still accurately reflects the basics: weather and sea conditions can cost you hunting days, the hunting hours are restricted to about 9 am to 3 pm, only borrowed shot guns with slugs are allowed, and the island is very brushy, requiring hunters to ambush ibex on trails or from a vantage point at shorter distances than a rifle would allow. This is a hunt for experienced collectors.

The only other place where kri-kri ibex can be hunted is neighboring Macedonia, where they are available on two large fenced estates, Lakavica, which until March of this year was run by Srdja Dimitrijevic of Safari International (info@safariinternational.com), and Tikves Lake, which is booked through The Hunting Consortium (540-955-0090).........(continued)