The maral stag is the Asian cousin of North America’s elk, comprising two subspecies—the Altai wapiti (Cervus canadensis sibiricus) and the Tian Shan wapiti—that roam the mountain ranges and boreal forests of south‑eastern Siberia, Mongolia and Central Asia. Bulls carry sweeping beams and tines reminiscent of Rocky Mountain elk, and Mongolia hosts the world’s largest concentration of maral stags. Hunters prize these high‑scoring antlers and the exhilarating bugling duels during the rut.
There are two hunting seasons for maral. In spring, when bulls grow velvet antlers rich in minerals, hunters wait over salt licks to harvest “panty” antlers for traditional medicine. Trophy hunters prefer the fall rut from early September through early October, when dominant bulls guard harems and respond aggressively to rival calls; guides use tubes fashioned from bark or film to imitate bugling and challenge herd bulls. Calling is usually combined with stalking through larch forests and alpine meadows, and hunts often involve long horseback rides and camping at elevations of 3,000–3,600 m. Because maral country is remote, reaching camps may require international flights, long truck journeys and multi‑day pack rides.
Maral populations are managed through limited quotas and strict licensing by authorities in Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. The Asian wapiti is not globally threatened, but poaching and habitat fragmentation in China and Kazakhstan have reduced some herds. In Mongolia outfitters offer a limited number of permits each year, and success rates exceed 95 % thanks to abundant populations and careful management. Hunters should be aware of the difference between the smaller Altai wapiti and the larger Tian Shan variety; some combination hunts include ibex or roe deer, but guides ensure that maral harvests stay within sustainable limits.
Maral stags bugle with a deep roar rather than the high‑pitched whistle of North American elk. In some areas hunters ride sturdy Mongolian horses or camels and may stay in traditional gers (yurts). Velvet antlers harvested in spring are sold for traditional Chinese medicine. A maral hunt offers the chance to experience nomadic culture and to see Altai mountains bathed in autumn colours while bulls challenge rivals across alpine basins.
Maral Stag can be found in the following location:
Maral Stag has the following variations:
- Altai Wapiti (Cervus canadensis sibiricus)
- Tian Shan Wapiti (C. c. songaricus)
