A: The Yakutia Snow Sheep is one of the four types of Asian snow sheep required for the prestigious Ovis World Slam. Its prestige comes from the extreme remoteness of its habitat, the grueling physical nature of the hunt, and the sheer beauty of the animal itself. It represents a true accomplishment for the dedicated mountain hunter.

A: It is paramount and non-negotiable. This is a real backpack hunt where you will be carrying a personal pack, navigating steep slopes, and dealing with potentially harsh weather at altitude. Your success and personal enjoyment of the expedition are directly tied to your physical conditioning. A rigorous training regimen for several months prior is essential.

A: The expedition begins with a flight to Yakutsk (YKS). From there, we undertake a significant overland journey using specialized, all-terrain vehicles to reach our remote base camp. This overland travel is part of the adventure and can take multiple days, traversing difficult terrain far from civilization.

A: The main base camp is typically a comfortable setup with heated cabins or wall tents and a cook. From there, you will venture out to lightweight spike camps. These are usually modern, high-quality mountain tents. Meals in spike camps are often lightweight, dehydrated foods to save weight in your pack.

A: A lightweight, accurate, and reliable rifle is key. Flat-shooting calibers like .300 Win Mag, .300 WSM, or a fast 7mm are ideal. Most importantly, it must be paired with a high-quality scope with a turret system you have practiced with extensively. Shots can be long-range, and a sturdy, lightweight bipod is also a necessity.

A: The ground transport is an adventure in itself. We use robust, Russian-built 4×4 trucks or tracked vehicles designed for extreme off-road conditions. The ride can be long and bumpy, crossing rivers and rough tracks. It’s an authentic Siberian experience that allows you to see the vastness of the landscape, but requires patience and a spirit of adventure.