The Bezoar ibex (Capra aegagrus aegagrus) is the wild goat of Turkey’s rugged Taurus Mountains. Mature males carry magnificent scimitar‑shaped horns that sweep backwards and can span over a metre, making them a prized trophy. Bezoar ibex inhabit high mountain ranges across southern and eastern Turkey and are renowned for their agility on rocky slopes. Their long winter coats and wary nature add to the challenge and appeal for mountain hunters.
Bezoar ibex hunts are classic spot‑and‑stalk affairs. Hunters travel by 4×4 into the mountains before dawn and then continue on foot, glassing cliffs and ridges for mature billies. The season in Turkey runs from early August through March, but most hunts take place from mid‑November into December when the rut draws males down from the highest peaks. Steep terrain and swirling winds often require shots at 200–300 yards; physical fitness and careful stalking are essential.
All Bezoar ibex hunting areas in Turkey are publicly owned, and no outfitter has exclusive rights. Permits are obtained through government auctions, and hunters must be accompanied by licensed guides. By limiting quotas and auctioning tags for mature animals, Turkish wildlife authorities ensure sustainable offtake while generating revenue for local communities and conservation. Because hunts occur on foot in remote mountains, only a small number of hunters can be accommodated each year, helping to protect the population.
Weather plays a role in planning Bezoar ibex hunts. Early season conditions are warm, but rain and snow arrive by mid‑October and November, making late‑season hunts more challenging but rewarding as billies grow heavier winter coats. Many hunts are based out of small mountain villages where guides and scouts know the terrain intimately. Evaluating horns from a distance is important; hunters often spend hours glassing before committing to a stalk so that they can judge the curl and length accurately.
Bezoar Ibex can be found in the following location:
Bezoar Ibex has the following variations:
- (Varieties to be confirmed)
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