Marco Polo Sheep hunt

[Coteadam]

I am considering a Marco Polo hunt within the next couple years. I have talked with a couple outfitters. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to good reputable outfitters? In addition suggestions on a Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan hunt?

Thank you

 

[Spiral Horn]

For the largest specimens of true Marco Polo Tajikistan. A number of very good outfitters operate there - so I’m pretty certain you’ll get a few responses. If I were going I’d probably book with Caprinae.

 

[chizelhead]

I would talk to Greg Brownlee at Neal and Brownlee. They've been doing that hunt for a long time and have it dialed.

 

[Northern Safari]

From everything I’ve read and heard, Tajik has the larger Marco Polo, Kyrgyzstan has the larger ibex.

Tajik has the lengthier drive in and you generally hunt from vehicles at higher elevations that in Kyrg. The drive is something like 23 hours.

Kyrg is more of a horseback hunt and is at lower elevations.

Kyrgyzstan sounds to be the more developed of the two countries with modern airports, modern cities, less repressive etc.

The drive into the hunting grounds in Tajik gives you front row viewing seats of the Taliban across the river.

 

[idig4au]

I've done both....both completely different experiences and depends what you are after.

Kyrgyzstan is horseback with spot and stalk. A bit lower elevation. Lots of glassing. Sheep are smaller and have different horn configuration. The capes in my opinion are more beautiful as more tan, brown in color. I stayed at a hunting lodge and also in a more remote "sheep herder" cabin as a "fly camp" where we packed in with horses to hunt areas not accessable from main lodge. Saw fewer sheep. Big ibex typically not in the same area where hunting sheep but certainly can get an opportunity at a representative species. Sheep will be more often than not, more representative of the species from a trophy standpoint. Sheep size will be in high 40's to lower 50 inches as common.

Tajikstan. Depends on where you hunt. I hunted northern part from Lake Karakul. Actually flew to Kyrgyzstan and drove across the Tajik border. More vehicle based hunting with spot and stalk leaving from the valley floors. Higher elevation and more remote. Sheep are bigger body and horns with capes having a lot more gray color tones. Saw a lot of sheep each day. A lot. Saw lots of ibex as well. Was able to take a larger than representative species in the same area hunting sheep. Sheep trophy size will be 56-57" on average. Sheep over 60" are harder to come by and often will have to pay additional trophy fee.

Both are cold, with Tajikistan being colder with avg temps being around -15 F.

Booking agents use the same local outfitters for the most part, especially for the the most popular hunting camps.

Both require proficiency at long range, 600 - 800 yards common (this is long range shooting for me)

Kyrgyzstan was about 1/2 cost of Tajikistan.

Kygryzstan felt more of a mountain hunt and better overall hunt experience.

 

[BCDJR]

I say Takjikstan. Bigger sheep but it’s work. High elevations , long trip to camp and cold. When you go just be comfortable with judging sheep as every guide will tell you “ 60 inches shoot! “.

 

[Coteadam]

I've done both....both completely different experiences and depends what you are after.

Kyrgyzstan is horseback with spot and stalk. A bit lower elevation. Lots of glassing. Sheep are smaller and have different horn configuration. The capes in my opinion are more beautiful as more tan, brown in color. I stayed at a hunting lodge and also in a more remote "sheep herder" cabin as a "fly camp" where we packed in with horses to hunt areas not accessable from main lodge. Saw fewer sheep. Big ibex typically not in the same area where hunting sheep but certainly can get an opportunity at a representative species. Sheep will be more often than not, more representative of the species from a trophy standpoint. Sheep size will be in high 40's to lower 50 inches as common.

Tajikstan. Depends on where you hunt. I hunted northern part from Lake Karakul. Actually flew to Kyrgyzstan and drove across the Tajik border. More vehicle based hunting with spot and stalk leaving from the valley floors. Higher elevation and more remote. Sheep are bigger body and horns with capes having a lot more gray color tones. Saw a lot of sheep each day. A lot. Saw lots of ibex as well. Was able to take a larger than representative species in the same area hunting sheep. Sheep trophy size will be 56-57" on average. Sheep over 60" are harder to come by and often will have to pay additional trophy fee.

Both are cold, with Tajikistan being colder with avg temps being around -15 F.

Booking agents use the same local outfitters for the most part, especially for the the most popular hunting camps.

Both require proficiency at long range, 600 - 800 yards common (this is long range shooting for me)

Kyrgyzstan was about 1/2 cost of Tajikistan.

Kygryzstan felt more of a mountain hunt and better overall hunt experience.

Thank you for your response. This is very helpful. I’ve talked with several outfitters: Arqcos, Hunting Consortium, Safari Pro, etc. I’ve also contacted Neal and Brownlee, Murgab, and Caprinae but have yet to hear back from them. Do
You have any recommendations on outfitters? Seems like they all say there will be English speaking person in camp, most mention they will
assist with paperwork, etc. Any specific questions I should ask that may be dealt with breakers?