Orlinoe model hunting estate, 21 November

The journey of the day began with a two hour ride on the bus from Sedanka hotel to the Orlinoe model hunting estate. They built this hunting estate in 2005 mainly for research purposes. I love the idea of managed hunting. Not only this hunting estate can conserve their cool tradition of hunting, helps to stabilise the number of predators and preys, it also allows scientists to create a more conducive environment for the inhabitants. The following is what the hunting estate staff explained to us during our visit.


During winter time, the snow layer in Far East Russia can be as thick as 50cm. This creates great difficulty for the ungulates to search for food. The scientists apply biotechnology to help them survive during the harsh winter. There are 50 feeding stations distributed more or less evenly in the total area of 100,000 ha. At each feeding station, there are two feeding places for the animals (one for grains and another for minerals and medicine), one outlook tower and one wet mineral soil area. The location of the feeder is chosen near the migration routes that the animals usually use.

They cover the grains and processed meat with hay to keep the birds from eating the food. We found a small mouse there searching for grain. Because the boar loves to dig when it eats, the feeders are made so that it can sway from left to right, otherwise the boar would have break and attack them all. Calcium phosphate, soda, medicine and protein tubs are placed at another feeder as a supplement for the animals.

By constantly feeding them like this during the winter time, the scientists observed the change in migrating pattern of the inhabitants. The animals slowly learn that they can come to the feeder for food during the winter. Always the stronger and larger animal will get to eat at the feeder first, followed by the weaker ones and the last to eat are the weakest animals. To increase the survival rate for all, the scientists designed a feeder which only small size animals can go in. It is interesting to see that there are some large animal who try to squeeze itself into such a small hole.

Camera traps are placed near the feeding areas for the scientists to study the animals’ movement. The outlook tower is also used for the ranger to have a good view of the surrounding areas and for capturing the photo of animals that come to eat at the feeders.

Here are the rules for playing the game there: the hunters need to pay a fee to get a permit before hunting any animal living in the estate. If they admit that they hunt over the quota limit, they will need to pay a fine. During each hunt, there must be a ranger supervising them. The ranger will contact the hunters the good time for hunting and is responsible for bringing them to the area where the potential animals are. The hunters can only shoot certain types of animal only. For example, shooting of a female Asian bears is prohibited. The hunters can bring their trophy home.