Dalmatian Wild Sheep Hunting Guides and Outfitters
The Dalmatian wild sheep, an endemic species to the Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia, were once domesticated by the local peasants in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, due to a long drought in the 18th century, the inhabitants were forced to leave the islands and their livestock behind. Over time, these domesticated sheep became feral and adapted to the wild conditions on the shrub-covered islands, making them difficult to hunt.
The Dalmatian sheep have a shoulder height of 28-32 inches and weigh between 80-120 pounds. The females are considerably smaller. They have heavy, woolly hair that is mostly whitish with some dark spots on the skin and face.
Where to Find Dalmatian Sheep
The Plavnik and Dugi Otok islands are the primary locations where hunting Dalmatian sheep is officially allowed. Plavnik Island is situated on the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, covering an area of 8.64 km2 with a length of 6.3 km (3.9 miles) and a width of up to 2.3 km (1.4 miles). Its highest elevation reaches 194 meters (636 feet). Dugi Otok, translated as the Long Island, is larger with a square of 14,000 hectares. It is part of a chain of islands along the Croatian coast and is located just a few hundred miles from the Italian coast. Dugi Otok is known for being one of the first landing points for those discovering Croatia from the sea. The island is home to the oldest church in Croatia, dating back to the eighth century.
On Dugi Otok, there is a population of wild goats as well. These goats exhibit a variety of colors and horn types, some resembling the Kri-Kri ibexes found in Greece. The dense shrub cover on the island makes selective shooting difficult, leading to a mix of hybrid ibex and feral goat populations. The presence of Kri-Kri ibexes on the island was confirmed through sightings and DNA analysis of trophy samples. Hunting for Kri-Kri ibexes is currently prohibited in Croatia, but efforts are being made to bring males from Greece to revitalize the local population.
The situation regarding the Dalmatian sheep and the goats on Dugi Otok has prompted international cooperation with organizations such as the Safari Club International (SCI) and the Grand Slam Club Ovis (GSCO). DNA analysis is being conducted on samples collected from hunted animals to determine the authenticity of the local wild animals and their classification. The goal is to differentiate between the feral goats and the hybrid Kri-Kri ibexes based on their genetic makeup.
In summary, the Dalmatian wild sheep and the goats on the Dugi Otok island have become feral and adapted to the wild conditions. Hunting for these animals is permitted, and efforts are being made to classify and preserve their unique populations through DNA analysis and international cooperation.
Dalmatian Wild Sheep Hunting Gallery
Interested in booking a brown bear hunting trip?
When you contact us, be sure to ask us about our luxury vessel-based brown bear hunting camps. They book well in advance, but they are worth the wait.
Thousands of people have trusted Outdoors International to help plan their hunt.
We have a team of hand-selected hunting experts to help you book your next trip. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great adventure with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.
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