Russia, the largest country in the world, spans Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, covering 11 time zones and a vast array of environments. This immense geographical diversity significantly influences its wildlife and hunting opportunities.

The Country of Russia (Россия)

• Geography and Climate: Russia encompasses diverse landscapes from Arctic tundra in the north, stretching through vast taiga (boreal forests), mixed and broad-leaved forests, steppe grasslands, semi-deserts, to mountainous regions like the Urals, Caucasus, Altai, and a volcanic chain in Kamchatka. Its climate is predominantly continental, with long, severe winters and significant temperature amplitudes. Permafrost covers a large portion of its territory, especially in Siberia. Russia also boasts the world’s largest forest reserves and holds about a quarter of the world’s non-frozen fresh water in its numerous lakes, including Lake Baikal, the deepest in the world.
• Capital: Moscow.
• Population: Over 145 million (2025 estimate).
• Official Language: Russian.
• Government: A federal multiparty republic.
• Economy: Rich in natural resources, including vast reserves of oil, gas, coal, gold, and timber.

Wildlife in Russia

Russia’s immense size and varied ecosystems support an incredibly rich and diverse animal population, from Arctic species to those found in temperate forests and steppes.

Mammals:

• Large Carnivores:
  • Brown Bears: Russia has one of the highest populations of brown bears globally. The Kamchatka brown bear is particularly renowned for its size, second only to Kodiak bears.
  • Eurasian Lynx: Found throughout the coniferous forests.
  • Wolves: Including the Eurasian wolf, Tundra wolf, Tibetan wolf, and Caspian Sea wolf.
  • Siberian Tiger (Amur Tiger): The largest of all big cats, critically endangered, found primarily in the Far East.
  • Amur Leopard: Critically endangered, also found in the Russian Far East.
  • Polar Bears: Found in the Arctic regions.
• Deer and Ungulates:
  • Moose (Elk): Abundant, with Eastern Siberian Moose being among the largest.
  • Red Deer (Maral): Particularly impressive in the Altai region.
  • Roe Deer: Both European and Siberian subspecies.
  • Wild Boar: Common across various forest and steppe zones.
  • Reindeer (Caribou): Thriving in great numbers in the tundra.
  • Musk Deer: A unique, small deer species.
  • Snow Sheep: Several subspecies (e.g., Koryak, Chukotka) unique to Russia’s remote mountain ranges, highly coveted trophies.
  • Mountain Goats/Sheep: Including the Caucasian Tur (Western and Dagestan Tur) and Urial.
  • Saiga Antelope: An endangered antelope species found in some steppe regions.
• Other Mammals: Arctic fox, sable, wolverine, beaver, various rodents (marmots, lemmings, squirrels, chipmunks), and raccoon dogs (in European Russia).

Birds:

Russia is a critical breeding and migratory ground for numerous bird species.

• Birds of Prey: Golden Eagles, various eagles, falcons, and vultures.
• Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, swans, and wading birds are abundant in wetlands and along rivers.
• Forest Birds: Capercaillie, black grouse, various owls (e.g., Great Gray Owl), Siberian Spruce Grouse.
• Endangered Birds: Critically Endangered Siberian Crane, and the Endangered White-headed Duck.

Marine Life:

The coastal waters support various fish species, seals, walruses (near Chukotka), and whales. Spawning salmon are particularly abundant in the Kamchatka Peninsula.

Endangered Species: Russia’s “Red Book” lists numerous threatened species. Conservation efforts are in place, with over 100 federal reserves (zapovedniks) and 40 national parks protecting significant biodiversity.

Hunting in Russia

Russia offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hunting experiences due to its vast wilderness and diverse trophy species. However, hunting in Russia, especially for foreign hunters, requires careful planning and adherence to strict regulations.

Key Regulations and Requirements:

• Legal Framework: Hunting is regulated by federal law and regional specifics.
• Permits and Licenses: A valid hunting license and a permit for storing and carrying hunting weapons are essential. For international hunters, this involves a complex process handled by authorized hunting outfitters. Specific “hunting tickets” or permits are purchased for each hunt in a particular area, often with an extra fee per animal.
• Firearms Import: Hunters generally bring their own firearms. The rental of weapons is prohibited. There are specific rules for firearm import permits and transporting weapons/ammunition (e.g., rifle scopes in rifle cases, not hand luggage).
• Authorized Outfitters: It is crucial for foreign hunters to book through licensed and reputable Russian hunting agencies. These agencies handle the intricate permit process, provide professional guides, transportation, accommodation, and trophy preparation/export.
• Safety Briefings: Hunters must attend mandatory safety briefings. Hunting under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden.
• Trophy Export (CITES): For CITES-listed species (e.g., brown bear, wolf, certain sheep species), CITES export permits and veterinary certificates are required, which outfitters assist with.
• Physical Demands: Many hunts, especially for mountain species, are physically demanding, requiring good physical condition and acclimatization to high altitudes and challenging terrain.
• Poaching Concerns: While regulations are strict, poaching remains a concern in some wild, poorly controlled regions, often carried out by locals. There are also reports of loopholes allowing trophy hunting of some Red Book species for “scientific purposes” by elites, which is a controversial issue.

Common Hunted Species and Seasons:

Hunting seasons vary significantly by region and species.

• Brown Bear: Highly popular, especially in Kamchatka (known for large bears) and European Russia.
  • Spring: April-May, as bears emerge from hibernation, often around feeding areas.
  • Fall: September-October, as bears feed heavily before hibernation, often over oat fields.
• Moose: A classic trophy.
  • European Moose: Hunted in northern forests, including Karelia.
  • Eastern Siberian Moose: Found in the Far East, including Chukotka and Kamchatka. Best in late fall, often combined with bear hunts.
• Snow Sheep: Coveted for their rarity and challenging hunts in remote alpine regions of Siberia (e.g., Yakutia) and the Far East (Kamchatka, Chukotka). Summer and early fall are common.
• Siberian Roe Deer: Popular, especially in Siberia.
• Wild Boar: Abundant throughout Russia’s forests. Can be hunted by stalking or driven hunts, particularly from October through March.
• Eurasian Lynx: Hunted in winter when the snow makes tracking easier.
• Wolf: Often hunted in winter, particularly in regions with high populations where authorities may offer incentives.
• Tur (Dagestan and Western): Found in the Caucasus Mountains, offering challenging mountain hunts.
• Maral (Caspian Red Deer) and Altai Ibex: Excellent hunting opportunities in the Altai Republic.
• Upland Birds (Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Partridges, Pheasants): Popular for bird hunting, especially in European Russia and Karelia. Spring (April-May) is often ideal during breeding seasons.
• Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese): Very popular and less expensive permits. Spring and autumn are common seasons.

Trophy Hunting: Russia is a significant destination for trophy hunting, offering unique species and quality trophies. While foreign hunter visits decreased due to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, the country still provides opportunities for those seeking world-class hunting adventures. The revenue from legal hunting permits and associated services often contributes to wildlife management and conservation efforts.