Hunting the Dagestan Tur

Hunting the Dagestan Tur: between the Caspian winds and the Caucasus cliffs

There are places in the world where hunting becomes more than a passion. It becomes legend. The Caucasus Mountains of Dagestan, facing the Caspian Sea and carved by ancient winds and forgotten languages, are one of them.

Here, in the steep, craggy ridges between Russia and Azerbaijan, lives one of the most elusive and challenging mountain game animals: the Dagestan Tur.

This is not a hunt for everyone. It’s a test of character, will, and resilience. The reward? A majestic trophy, forged in rock and cloud.

The hunt: a vertical adventure

Hunting the Dagestan Tur is a vertical pursuit. These powerful mountain goats live between 2,000 and 3,600 meters, in places where even the eagles hesitate to glide.

Montefeltro organizes fly-in expeditions to selected areas in the Gunib and Tsumadinsky Districts, working only with top-level local PHs and trusted guides.

Every expedition includes acclimatization days, off-road travel, and ascents on foot or horseback, depending on the terrain. The hunt is mainly done through spot and stalk: long-distance observation with binoculars and spotting scopes, followed by challenging approaches—often with steep climbs and hours of crawling on stone and snow.

Season & climate

The best time for Tur hunting is from July to October. Summer brings longer days and slightly milder temperatures, but even then, the mountains can shift suddenly—fog, hail, or sudden frost.

 In autumn, the landscapes become breathtaking. Amber meadows, golden birches, and snow-dusted summits create a surreal atmosphere for the final push.

The trophy

The Dagestan Tur is a hybrid between ibex and mountain sheep, with sweeping lyre-shaped horns that can exceed 90 cm in length. Their muscular build and extreme agility make them one of the most respected trophies of the entire Caucasus range. Every horn tells a story of survival. Every scar is a symbol of battles with predators and gravity.

Hidden encounters: the giant wild boars of Dagestan

Although the Tur is the star, don’t be surprised if—at dusk—you spot massive wild boars in the lower valleys. Dagestan is known among insiders for its extraordinary-sized boars, particularly in the southern forests near the Samur River. Montefeltro organizes optional boar hunts for those who want to extend the experience… or be surprised by the unexpected.

Physical preparation & gear

This is a physically demanding hunt, recommended for experienced mountain hunters in good shape. We provide detailed pre-departure recommendations, including altitude preparation, gear list (layering systems, high-grip boots, optics), and firearms import assistance.

Montefeltro ensures all logistics, from airport transfers to permits, border region documentation, interpreters, and support staff. Safety is our top priority. We collaborate only with registered hunting organizations that respect local laws and international ethical hunting standards.

Why hunt the Dagestan Tur with Montefeltro?

Because this is not just a trophy—it’s a spiritual conquest. The silence of the Caucasus, the howl of the wind in the ravines, the firm handshake of your guide when you finally see him lying on the ledge… these are moments that stay inside you forever. With Montefeltro, you’re not just booking a hunt. You’re entering a world of authenticity, wild nature, and human connection. And you’re doing it the right way.