The Kri Kri Ibex (Capra Aegagrus Cretica) is the smallest ibex by body weight than all other ibexes but not by the length of its antlers. A select few specimens which were hunted and not reported were larger than 115 cm. Gold Medal trophies begin from 75 cm (29 inches).
Presently, Kri Kri ibexes are hunted in Greece and Macedonia.
In Greece, Kri Kri Ibex hunting is available on the islands Atalanti and Sapientza. The hunting season on Atalanti starts during the last week of October and ends after the first week of December. On Sapientza, the hunting season lasts throughout the entire month of November and the first week of December. The two islands are not inhabited and are strictly used for the conservancy of Kri Kri ibexes. Dasarheo is the state organ which protects and regulates the Kri Kri conservancy, and each year in September it decides whether Kri Kri Ibex will be hunted depending on their numbers and health condition.
Currently, Kri Kri ibex in Greece can only be hunted with shotgun (slugs). There is an initiative to reinstate bow hunting which was allowed with special hunting licenses until 2019. Hunting with rifles is strictly prohibited and against the law.
The hunt itself is not physically straining and presents excellent hunting as well as touristic experience at the end of the Greek tourist season.
The average trophy size over the last few years since both islands were opened for hunting has been quite high with nearly 90% of trophies earning medals and more than 50% earning Gold medal.
In Macedonia, Kri Kri Ibex hunting is available during the season in Greece as well as outside of it. Before 2007, Kri Kri Ibex were not hunted in Greece due to lack of understanding about big game hunting within the Greek administration. Therefore, they were introduced in Macedonia in 2002 and that is where a large part of the Kri Kri Ibex specimens recorded in the world have been hunted.
The trophy value of Kri Kri ibex in Macedonia is high and nearly 100% are Gold Medal.
The hunting season in Macedonia is year-round. However, due to the varying quality of its hair throughout the seasons, we recommend hunting Kri Kri Ibex between October and mid-April. Method of take: rifle or bow.