Kyrgyzstan Hunting and Extortion

[avon_7]

I have heard nothing but horror stories lately about hunting in Kyrgyzstan. My own trip in 2022 with an Australian Outfitter was a disaster in many ways.
The in country hunting guides behaviour was atrocious, complaining to us about the lack of tips, despite the fact we had tipped them over 9K US collectively, constantly hum bugging us for free gear and more money and then having our rifles confiscated at Bishkek when we went to leave because our licences were not correctly dated, Then the Australian Outfitter got in on the act and extorted us, thousands to get our trophies back, despite the fact we were initially told we were bringing our trophies back with us. I have an email from him where he literally tells me to ' pay up or he will sell my trophy to cover his expenses'

The only positive was that I did actually shoot a nice Ibex and have it finally in my living room.

I have heard from at least three other parties this year that have gone with different Outfitters and had similar experiences. Mostly around not being able to get their trophies back home and then being extorted for more money to have their trophies released. These are not unknown Outfitters either i'm talking about. The ones I'm referring to have a big social media presence and YouTube Channels as well.
Maybe their Russian and Indonesian customers have no problem getting their trophies back but with NZ, Australia and the US it seems to be a big problem.

Another gripe is the VIP lounge in Bishkek which to me seems just a place where authorities and airline staff target hunters for extortion. Mostly around around oversize baggage, where they will ask for (I have heard in one case 2K US) us dollars to check in your bags. Also BS fees for bogus visas that are not even required in many cases.
I was wondering has anyone recently had a seamless extortion free hunting trip to Kyrgyzstan that they can report? Does such a trip exist, If so, I’d love to hear from you.

For those that are thinking of going. I strongly recommend that you budget accordingly. An Ibex hunt might sound cheap at say 9K US. But what is the point of doing it if you can’t get your trophy back? Also not including air fares, I would strongly suggest budgeting another 5K US at least, in case you get extorted.

It's such a shame because aside from the Outfitter and the senior Guides, I had a great time in Bishkek. I found the people on the street friendly, and kind and it was a cultural experience I will never forget.
The highlight for me was glassing a Snow Leopard on the side of a mountain while glassing for Ibex,
I’d love to go back to Asia, but I’d be avoiding that VIP lounge. Perhaps I'll try my luck with Tajikistan or Kazakhstan, at least they dont have a VIP lounge where they see you coming...

 

[WAB]

Thankful that I have zero desire to hunt this country! I’m glad you were able to get your trophy out!

 

[K-man]

If (and that's a BIG if...) I was hunting in any country ending in "stan" I would go with Bob Kern from the Hunting Consortium. Quality people, they know the guides and outfitters and have long-term relationships with all of them.

 

[Mekaniks]

I have heard nothing but horror stories lately about hunting in Kyrgyzstan. My own trip in 2022 with an Australian Outfitter was a disaster in many ways.
The in country hunting guides behaviour was atrocious, complaining to us about the lack of tips, despite the fact we had tipped them over 9K US collectively, constantly hum bugging us for free gear and more money and then having our rifles confiscated at Bishkek when we went to leave because our licences were not correctly dated, Then the Australian Outfitter got in on the act and extorted us, thousands to get our trophies back, despite the fact we were initially told we were bringing our trophies back with us. I have an email from him where he literally tells me to ' pay up or he will sell my trophy to cover his expenses'

The only positive was that I did actually shoot a nice Ibex and have it finally in my living room.

I have heard from at least three other parties this year that have gone with different Outfitters and had similar experiences. Mostly around not being able to get their trophies back home and then being extorted for more money to have their trophies released. These are not unknown Outfitters either i'm talking about. The ones I'm referring to have a big social media presence and YouTube Channels as well.
Maybe their Russian and Indonesian customers have no problem getting their trophies back but with NZ, Australia and the US it seems to be a big problem.

Another gripe is the VIP lounge in Bishkek which to me seems just a place where authorities and airline staff target hunters for extortion. Mostly around around oversize baggage, where they will ask for (I have heard in one case 2K US) us dollars to check in your bags. Also BS fees for bogus visas that are not even required in many cases.
I was wondering has anyone recently had a seamless extortion free hunting trip to Kyrgyzstan that they can report? Does such a trip exist, If so, I’d love to hear from you.

For those that are thinking of going. I strongly recommend that you budget accordingly. An Ibex hunt might sound cheap at say 9K US. But what is the point of doing it if you can’t get your trophy back? Also not including air fares, I would strongly suggest budgeting another 5K US at least, in case you get extorted.

It's such a shame because aside from the Outfitter and the senior Guides, I had a great time in Bishkek. I found the people on the street friendly, and kind and it was a cultural experience I will never forget.
The highlight for me was glassing a Snow Leopard on the side of a mountain while glassing for Ibex,
I’d love to go back to Asia, but I’d be avoiding that VIP lounge. Perhaps I'll try my luck with Tajikistan or Kazakhstan, at least they dont have a VIP lounge where they see you coming...

Can you tell us who your outfitter was?? How you booked your hunt?

 

[capra-capra]

Sorry to hear your bad trip. That is a lot of tipping moneyi think i tipped $1000 AUD all up in both camps and some clothing.

Kazakhstan you will enjoy, as many others did who i spoke with. When i landed , the translator meet me near baggage collection , went to customs who had my rifle . Opened it checked serial numbers , checked my documents and i was out in 10 minutes.

Departing was also a quick process with Customs but Qatar airways tried to say they had no clue i had firearms when i sent them an email 2 months in advance that i will be travelling with firearms. ( Mind you in Brisbane they knew i was coming but at Almaty they had no idea until i showed her the email ).

Was solved quickly just signed another declaration form for surrendering firearm.

 

[capra-capra]

If (and that's a BIG if...) I was hunting in any country ending in "stan" I would go with Bob Kern from the Hunting Consortium. Quality people, they know the guides and outfitters and have long-term relationships with all of them.

Really knowledgeable outfitter, but he sure does charge and then overcharges a premium for basically the same hunt you go on with the locals. I was initially going to Kyrgyzstan but was told not to by many hunters who had issues like this.

Just pays to do good homework and talk to hunters who been there to see if its good or not.

 

[grand veneur]

I hunted mainly in the 1990s and until about 20 years ago in these countries, except Tajikistan. I experienced a lot of positive things but also some negative things. The problem with various bribes and especially the tips was always predominant. In Africa the giving of tips is relatively regulated, which was not the case in these countries where the teams were often changed during the hunt or a few additional ones were added. Everyone wanted to earn something and often had clear ideas about the amount of the tips. A bad mood was often the result, which did not always lead to a harmonious conclusion to the hunt. I have never hunted in Tajikistan, but friends of mine have reported about it and that seems to be the country where the risk of being extorted is the greatest. Some people had to pay tips, or whatever you want to call them, in advance and in a certain amount so that the hunt can begin.

Anyone planning hunts in such countries must be prepared for the fact that not everything will always turn out like in a picture book. I don't know what the current mood is in these countries, but a negative experience like the one described by @avon_7 can also happen in other countries of this area.

I don't feel like experiencing all that anymore and that's why I don't go hunting in countries like that anymore, and that includes Mongolia and also Russia.

 

[grand veneur]

Thankful that I have zero desire to hunt this country! I’m glad you were able to get your trophy out!

They are hunts that are worth experiencing, which is why I went to these various countries several times, but you also have to be able to process the incidental things. When it comes to bribes and tips, the situation has certainly not improved, on the contrary. Luckily it was all a long time ago and that's why above all the good memories of these hunts remain.

 

[grand veneur]

Can you tell us who your outfitter was?? How you booked your hunt?

This is not always helpful either, because there can be very big differences between the test hunt of the outfitter and what his clients will thereafter experience. I have taken part in test hunts or hunts that were carried out for advertising purposes. Perfectly smooth process when the upper authorities of the various administrations are there.

 

[capra-capra]

This is not always helpful either, because there can be very big differences between the test hunt of the outfitter and what his clients will thereafter experience. I have taken part in test hunts or hunts that were carried out for advertising purposes. Perfectly smooth process when the upper authorities of the various administrations are there.

In my small experience having my first overseas hunt in Kazakhstan , it all boils down to who your Outfitter is and how well his guides are, camp and all other staff - pretty much how well his operation is . We talk bad about Central Asia but a well known US outfitter is the worst when it comes to Kyrgyzstan and in USA hunting circle , stuffed many around, trophies taken , wrong permits etcccc and poached animals. Are we to say Americans are bad? Ofcourse not every country has shit bags.

In my camp i had two guides for ibex and next camp two for siberian roe deer, guides never changed nor more added to the hunt. They never mentioned money to me , just went on guiding trying to find me an ibex and give me a great adventure which i had.

I never experienced corruption at the airport. It is how you present yourself and not to be to stuck up. You are in a different country, be polite and no issues will come your way.... But in saying that if they are shit bags well they will be shit bags

 

[Hunting Hitman]

Would love to get a Marco Polo ram but these stories and my overall hatred of all things Russian will prevent me from getting one.

HH

 

[capra-capra]

Would love to get a Marco Polo ram but these stories and my overall hatred of all things Russian will prevent me from getting one.

HH

Hate is a strong word, have you been to Russia?A reputable outfitter will see that it all runs smoothly.

 

[TheGrayRider]

Thanks for the information and post. I am researching a blue sheep hunt in Nepal. Do hunters get “hit up” for exhorbitant bribes in Nepal? Happy hunting TheGrayRider a/k/a Tom.

 

[grand veneur]

In my small experience having my first overseas hunt in Kazakhstan , it all boils down to who your Outfitter is and how well his guides are, camp and all other staff - pretty much how well his operation is . We talk bad about Central Asia but a well known US outfitter is the worst when it comes to Kyrgyzstan and in USA hunting circle , stuffed many around, trophies taken , wrong permits etcccc and poached animals. Are we to say Americans are bad? Ofcourse not every country has shit bags.

In my camp i had two guides for ibex and next camp two for siberian roe deer, guides never changed nor more added to the hunt. They never mentioned money to me , just went on guiding trying to find me an ibex and give me a great adventure which i had.

I never experienced corruption at the airport. It is how you present yourself and not to be to stuck up. You are in a different country, be polite and no issues will come your way.... But in saying that if they are shit bags well they will be shit bags

You are there one time for hunting and everything went well, perfect for you, but one perfectly successful hunt say nothing about the real local conditions.

 

[grand veneur]

Would love to get a Marco Polo ram but these stories and my overall hatred of all things Russian will prevent me from getting one.

HH

Nowadays you really have to think about whether you should go to countries like Russia or other countries that are part of their sphere of influence. Russia menaces continuously with reprisals, even the use of nuclear weapons on big European cities. Even if the menaces are not always realistic, it is a question of morality. You should think carefully about going to such countries that menace one.

 

[Rimbaud]

When I was in Europe a few months ago, the guide told me that there are two prices lists: one for Europeans, and one for Americans. The American price list in quite a bit higher because we have a history of paying top dollar. I've come to believe that finding a good reputable outfitter - with whom you have had a good hunt - and sticking with them - and their network of guides and hunters - is key. I'm going back to Europe this year, and sticking with the same guide. All that said, always hate to hear of other hunters who have trouble on their trips.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

Hate is a strong word, have you been to Russia?A reputable outfitter will see that it all runs smoothly.

I have had multiple deals with Russians that all went poorly. All of those deals went bad because of Russian greed and shady behavior. I will stick by my statement.

Thanks

HH

 

[Doug3006]

Hate is a strong word, have you been to Russia?A reputable outfitter will see that it all runs smoothly.

I don’t think there’s an outfitter in Russia I’d trust enough to hunt with these days. Russia is in a shooting war and my country is supplying their enemy (victims actually) with bullets to fight back. The odds of being arrested as a spy or agitator are just too high.

 

[Puddle]

Living and working in interesting places it was inevitable that we'd bump into "local taxing authorities". The usual spiel was "your papers are not in order".

You'd soon get a sense of what it'd take to get them magically back in order.

 

[capra-capra]

I have had multiple deals with Russians that all went poorly. All of those deals went bad because of Russian greed and shady behavior. I will stick by my statement.

Thanks

HH

I would feel the same way as you do if this had happened to me. It is a shame it happened , but Russians are known to be like this. I have not dealt with them personally but my family has and it has ended up bad with them not paying for the service a substantial amount of money.

I don’t think there’s an outfitter in Russia I’d trust enough to hunt with these days. Russia is in a shooting war and my country is supplying their enemy (victims actually) with bullets to fight back. The odds of being arrested as a spy or agitator are just too high.

I wanted to get over there for Sayan Ibex but since i come from Australia i did not want to risk travelling with a Australian passport or a Croatian passport as both are not friendly countries towards them.