The best Kri Kri ibex hunting in Greece
Big game hunting in Greece for Kri Kri ibex, which migrated to the westernmost boundary of this species’ range. Only in Greece you can find and hunt this ibex, which lives on the islands of Sapienza and Atalanty. Only in November are hunting permits issued for this ibex (these permits are very limited). This ibex is a feral goat species inhabiting the Middle East, the kri-kri (Capra aegagrus cretica) is frequently known as the Cretan Ibex, Agrimi, or Cretan Goat. The kri-kri is a goat species accidentally discovered in 1985 by members of the Cretan Society of the Natural History. The kri-kri has a brownish coat with a black mane. They have a light brown coat with a darker collar, two sweeping horns, and are found only on Crete, Greece, as well as three small islands nearby (Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pantes). The animal is shy and avoids people in the wild, resting during the day. In the wild, they can leap or climb seemingly impassable rocks.
Traditional Hunting in Greece - History of the Kri Kri ibex hunt
The kri-kri is not thought to have been native to Crete, most likely having been imported to the island as part of the Minoan civilization. It is the only one of its kind and therefore endemic to the island. Its numbers were once highest in the Aegean, but its last remaining populations are found in Western Crete’s 8,000-foot (2,400-metre) White Mountains—especially in a series of near-vertical 900-foot (270-metre) cliffs known as ‘the Untrodden’ at the head of the Samaria Gorge. This mountain range, which houses another 14 endemic animal species, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and protected as such. In total, their range extends to the White Mountains, the Samaria National Forest and the islets of Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pandes. Recently some were introduced onto two more islands. The kri-kri was nearly extinct by 1960, with fewer than 200 left. Mountain guerillas relied on it for meat during the German occupation of Samaria Gorge during World War II. One of the reasons why Samaria Gorge became a national park in 1962 was because its status as a symbol of national liberation. The population has declined, with only 2,000 remaining on the island, which is considered endangered due to hunting, diminished grazing areas, and disease. Hybridization is also a problem, as the population has crossbred with domestic goats.Â
HUNTING IN GREECE NOWADAYS
To hunt the Kri Kri ibex, you have to go to two islands: one that is fairly close to Athens on 150 kilometers and the other, which is further out 300 kilometers from Athens.
The Kri-Kri Ibex is the smallest ibex in terms of body weight, but not antler length. Only a few specimens have been hunted and not reported. The ones that have been hunted are as large as 115 cm (45 inches). Gold Medal trophies begin at 61 cm (24 inches). Currently, Kri-Kri ibexes are hunted in Greece on Atalanti and Sapientza islands. Hunting is available from the last week of October to the first week of December on Atalanti. From November through December, weather permitting, hunting is allowed throughout the month of November on Sapientza. It’s Dasaiheo institution that controls this population.
Kri Kri ibexes on both islands are safeguarded and monitored by Dasaiheo, a state organ. In September, the institution decides whether to permit hunting of Kri Kri ibexes, taking into account their population and health status. Hunting Kri Kri is not easy, but provides an excellent experience for a hunter at the end of the Greek hunting season.
Sapientza island - the land of pure blood Kri Kri ibexes
Hunting of the Kri Kri Ibex takes place in emblematic natural landscapes with crystal clear waters of the island of Sapienza,. These landscapes are just south of Athens, so we recommend flying into Athens International Airport. There are hotels close to the island that have 4-star ratings. The hunt lasts from dawn to dusk, but the boats depart at sunrise and return at 3 pm.
Hunting trips from Sapientza to and from the islands take fifteen to fifty minutes, depending on where it is hunted. Hunting trips are divided into three zones in Sapientza, which are assigned randomly to three hunting groups. If the weather is bad, hunting is cancelled altogether. There are four days of hunting in Sapientza annually: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
We provide hunting packages that include everything: lodging and meals at a 4-star hotel near the site, assistance from a local game scout, Greek hunting license, an experienced boat driver, initial trophy preparation, insurance, necessary permits. Depending on the place of hunting the price includes or not include the trophy fee that should be paid directly to the Game Officer on duty. Check the package price here.
