Marco Polo Argali in Tajikistan
Marco Polo Argali is unquestionably one of the world’s most sought hunting. It is not just a hunt; it is the greatest adventure in sheep hunting. The top of the world hunting experience in one of the most unique places on earth makes Marco Polo Sheep hunting a truly unmatched pursuit. The best Marco Polo Argali hunt is found in Tajikistan. In no other country as on “Top of the World” – Pamir on elevations between 10,000 and 16,000 feet you can find that high density of population and trophy-quality of Marco Polo Argali (Ovis ammon polii). A large, long-legged, light-boned argali with the most spectacular horns of all the world's sheep. The summer coat is a light, speckled brown, with the face, chest, underparts, rump patch and legs white. In winter, the upper parts are a somewhat darker brown and there is a full white neck ruff extending to the brisket. The winter hair is much longer, making the animal appearance larger and heavier. The long, slender horns are homonymous, forming 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 open spirals, and triangular in cross section with a sharp orbital-nuchal edge. The longest sheep horn ever recorded (75 inches, or 190.5 cm); the largest circumference for this race is 17 inches (43 cm), with 14 to 15-1/2 inches (36-39 cm) usual. Average trophy size is 55 to 56 inches with several 60-62 inches rams taken every season. PRO RUSSIAN OUTFITTERS operates from the best areas “Karakul” and “Hot Springs” with the best camps and the finest, most experienced guides. Our Marco Polo hunts are two guides for each hunter. Our guests can expect 100 % success on Marco Polo hunt. Mid-Asian Ibex and Wolf can be hunted as additional species on this hunt.
Route
The best option to fly to Dushanbe is with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Turkey. You will be met in Dushanbe by our VIP service and our crew and assisted at the customs, and then board a 45-minute flight to Khorog. If the weather is not good for this flight (city Khorog is situated in the mountains) then you will be driven by Toyota Land Cruiser about 10 hours. From Khorog it will be about 6 more hours to Hot Spring Camp and 10 Hours over Murgab to the Karakol lake camp. This route from Dushanbe is rather tiresome but you will gradually adapt to the high altitude throughout your travel.
Hunting season
The season is from September 1 to mid December. Hunt is also possible in February.
We recommend the dates in November and early December.
Climate
Usually, weather is favorable and more predictable during the hunting period in this region. During daylight hours in November the temperature is from 30 to 500F (0 to 100C) and during nighttime from 5 to 140F (-10 to -150C). Windy conditions.
Hunting
In the morning you get into your jeep with one driver, one guide and PRO-interpreter. During the day you may travel the upper edges of the mountains, glassing the hillsides and feeding areas. For lunch in the field we offer you hot drinks, sandwiches, salami, dry fruit and nuts. Once the trophy is located you complete your stalking on foot. You will hunt at around 14,000 feet/5,000 m. Physical condition is a factor on the stalking portion of the hunt. A long range shooting, up to 400-500 yards/ up 360 to 450 m is usual for Marco Polo sheep hunting.
Field treatment and shipment
The skin of the trophy will be carefully treated, ears turned off, lips and nose opened and salted, the scull boiled and cleaned. The trophies are properly packed.
Camp & Accommodation
Camps are located at 12,000 to 13,500 feet / 4,000-4,200 m) In Tajikistan. We take our clients to famous Karakul and Hot Springs camps. Houses are stone buildings. They are warm, clean and comfortable with separate areas for dining, bathing and sleeping, and have electrical generation. You will find good food and high quality service. Every camp is equipped with a satellite-phone or radio station, and has everything for first medical aid.
Schedule
Day 1 early morning arrival in Dushanbe, customs formalities, flight to Khorog arrival in Khorog, further vehicle transfer to the hunting camp
Day 2 arrival to the hunting camp, accommodation, rest
Day 3-9 7 days hunt
Day 10 return to Dushanbe, overnight
Day 11 departure home
