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?

 

[chizelhead]

Greg Brownlee may not respond right away—especially this time of year—as he often travels with clients.

 

[TMA805]

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.

Thanks for sharing this info. What months did you go to Kyrg vs Taj? Asking weather wise. Curious about boots and what levels of insulation. Have on the books a Nov in Kyrg hunt and then a Jan in Tajik.

 

[Coteadam]

Thanks for sharing this info. What months did you go to Kyrg vs Taj? Asking weather wise. Curious about boots and what levels of insulation. Have on the books a Nov in Kyrg hunt and then a Jan in Tajik.

Wow!! You’re one lucky SOB. You might as well just stay over in Asia from Nov-Jan . Good luck!!!

 

[S-3 ranch]

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?

My buddy had a fabulous female interpreter in Tajik, this is where I would go again , she made the best “ guide “ from airport to airport

 

[thinhorn_AK]

My buddy had a fabulous female interpreter in Tajik, this is where I would go again , she made the best “ guide “ from airport to airport View attachment 940279View attachment 940280

I'd want to go with her.

 

[Coteadam]

My buddy had a fabulous female interpreter in Tajik, this is where I would go again , she made the best “ guide “ from airport to airport View attachment 940279View attachment 940280

Dude looks very happy for some reason….

 

[Coteadam]

Dude looks very happy for some reason….

What guide service ?

 

[Doc Holliday]

I have a. Buddy who has researched it for years and he booked with Arcqos

Arcqos

arcqos.com

 

[idig4au]

Thanks for sharing this info. What months did you go to Kyrg vs Taj? Asking weather wise. Curious about boots and what levels of insulation. Have on the books a Nov in Kyrg hunt and then a Jan in Tajik.

I used Kennetrek 1000 gr Mt Extremes.

Kyryz - November
Tajik - February

Didn't have issue with cold feet as walking plenty.

 

[idig4au]

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?

I've used Caprinae on multiple occasions, but not for these hunts. Mehmet and Riza are top notch and I would recommend them in general for most hunting locations. Fantastic communication and well organzied. Not a fan of Hunting Consortium as they seem to want to cater to the elite clientele with their arrogance following suit.

For Kyrygzstan, I used Natalia Beck with Beck's Hunting. She is based in Spain. Top notch and would recommend again. Trip was very well organized and great communication all the way through to trophy shipment.

For Tajikistan, I used Yuri Matisen both times I hunted there. No complaints and he always did right by me but hear he has a colorful reputation. I always avoided the hot springs camp as I've heard a lot of questionable things over the years. It was very commercialized. That camp was stupid for awhile over trophy size with obnoxious trophy fees for anything approaching or over 60 inches. Not sure how it is today. As mentioned, 56-57" will be the average size and that is a beautiful trophy. I might ask about trophy fees or any other hidden fees.

Usually there will be someone, either a translator or camp staff that speaks enough english to make it work.

 

[MosquitoCoast]

Thanks to all the guys who have shared their experiences. A few questions for the group here:

1.) I've wanted to do this trip but have had reservations about going to any country that ends in Stan. Did you feel completely safe at all times and if so who was your outfitter?

2.) I have a friend who went 15 years ago with another friend of his that I don't know and his friend developed a severe case of HAPE and almost died from it. I have heard at those extreme elevations that can be common. I'm 52 and healthy just finished a 27 day hunt in the wilderness of Northern BC for Stone Sheep, but I'm also a flat lander on the southeast coast so I've wondered about how I would do in extreme elevations.

3.) How many days from door to door of my house do I need to prepare for if I was to do this hunt eventually?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Thanks to all the guys who have shared their experiences. A few questions for the group here:

1.) I've wanted to do this trip but have had reservations about going to any country that ends in Stan. Did you feel completely safe at all times and if so who was your outfitter?

2.) I have a friend who went 15 years ago with another friend of his that I don't know and his friend developed a severe case of HAPE and almost died from it. I have heard at those extreme elevations that can be common. I'm 52 and healthy just finished a 27 day hunt in the wilderness of Northern BC for Stone Sheep, but I'm also a flat lander on the southeast coast so I've wondered about how I would do in extreme elevations.

3.) How many days from door to door of my house do I need to prepare for if I was to do this hunt eventually?

The rolling bones outfitter podcast had some great review and comparisons of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for ibex and sheep hunts. Lots of good info. Worth a listen.

 

[Aoudaddy]

My buddy had a fabulous female interpreter in Tajik, this is where I would go again , she made the best “ guide “ from airport to airport View attachment 940279View attachment 940280

She was my interpreter on both my trips to Tajik! Great country.