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Mark Chapman: Bezoar Ibex Hunt Report
HUNT: Bezoar Ibex Hunt in Turkey
CONSULTANT: Outdoors International
December, 2017
This was a true mountain hunt for one of the most beautiful, majestic animals I have ever pursued.
I was met at the airport in Konya, Turkey by the outfitter, the day before my hunt began. He mentioned that one of his guides had already been glassing for a trophy ibex and had spotted one that morning. He asked if I wanted to go straight to the hotel to rest after the three hour drive from the airport or if I wanted to go straight to the hunting area to see if we could spot it. There was no question in my mind what to do, I came all the way here to shoot a trophy ibex for my Capra Slam and I would never turn down an opportunity. Who cares if it’s the first evening? Not me.
When we arrived near the ibex hunting area I was introduced to the guides, and was able to check to make sure my rifle was still on zero. We made our way to the top of the mountain by four wheel drive truck where we enjoyed some Turkish tea
fresh off the open fire. We spent the next couple hours glassing the area and enjoying a beautiful sunset.
The next morning after a great breakfast, we headed out at dawn back to the mountain.
One of the guides stayed in the area where he had spotted the trophy Bezoar ibex the morning before and I hiked with another guide over to another ridge to glass. After spotting several ibex we spotted one that was a shooter! Just as we were making a plan for a stalk I heard the other guide call my guide on the radio. He had spotted the ibex he had seen the morning before. The one we had been watching was estimated to be anywhere from 120 to 125 cm. The one they had spotted on the other side of the ridge was around 130 cm.
At that point we gathered our packs and headed back around to the other side where the monster ibex was. He was down in a large ravine where a few females were feeding. It was a very extreme angle shot from the top where I found a large rock to shoot off of. The range was around 250 yards. As the trophy stepped out from the brush I tried to concentrate on my shot placement instead of his massive horns. After a few seconds he turned broadside. As soon as he stopped I pulled the trigger of my 7mm Mag. Losing sight of the ibex from the recoil, I could hear all the guides celebrating. I just killed my first Bezoar ibex!
- Overall, my trip was a great experience. In a country full of beautiful landscapes and friendly people. I feel that this Outfitter does their best to find you the best Trophy and to do whatever they can for you to accomplish that. I would prefer a little more communication between the outfitter and myself. but with that being said it could just be the culture difference between here and Turkey: 1) There was some extra charges at the end of the hunt that was unexpected; 2) The outfitter was wanting me to pay for the hotel.
- My outfitter’s communication before, during and after the trip was good.
- My guide was amazing.
- Physically, the trip was easy.
- The food and accommodations were good.
- My consultant was Mat from Outdoors International.
- My consultant’s communication before, during and after the trip was perfect, I couldn’t have asked for more.
- My consultant was very knowledgeable, and a pleasure to talk to.
- Would you book another trip with us in the future? Yes
- Can we use your stories and/or photos on our website? Yes
- Can we use this in social media? Yes
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My hunt was absolutely top notch.
The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.
Wade Zuver
Our hunt was excellent.
We saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was amazing. Outdoors International did a great job of finding exactly what we were looking for.
Jesse Neveau
What an amazing experience!
The hunting lodge was out of this world!, Rooms, food and the scenery were all A+. Our guide was exceptional and had us on Shiras moose all five days. We saw over 30 total with at least 10 bulls. They had a plan for everything including taxidermy and game processing.
Kayla Redmon
