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.