usa - PROFI HUNT

Marco Polo Argali
Ovis ammon polii
Tajikistan. Average trophy size runs from 55 to 56 inches with several 60-62 inches rams taken every
season. Outstanding 68-inch-Marco Polo ram was taken in 2003 by our client Sheik Mohamed.
Kyrgyzstan. Average trophy size is 49-50 inches with occasional 60 inches trophy taken. Among the
best trophies there is 55-inch Argali taken by our client Mr. Satovskiy.
General Characteristics. The general coloration of Pamir argali is variable. In summer the hair on
the body is short and coarse and of a sandy-reddish colour. In winter, because of thicker underwool,
the animal looks bulkier and slightly greyer, with much white about the neck and chest in old rams.
Adult males carry two enormous corkscrew-like horns, which can reach 6,3 feet when measured
along the spiral. In a mature ram, the horns curve outwards describing more than a complete arc,
their distal quarter or third, forming another turn. Pamir Argali has cross section of horn is a triangular
base with sharp angled edges.
Distribution. The eastern part of the Vakhan (or Wakhan) Corridor in Afghanistan; the Pamir Plateau
in eastern Tajikistan; extending north into southeastern Kyrgyzstan south of the Naryn River; and
the adjacent Pamir (Tagdumbash) region of far western China. The northern limit for the Marco Polo
Argali is the Naryn river (Kyrgyzstan). The southern limit is in the Northern Pakistan.
How to get there. The most convenient and reliable way to Bishkek is via Istanbul by Turkish
Airlines. We meet you in Bishkek and our crew assists you through the customs. If you hunt in
Kyrgyzstan we take you from the airport to the hunting camp by car, transfer lasts around 10-11
hours. If your hunt in Tajikistan, you take 45 minutes flight from Bishkek to Osh. 4x4 van takes you
accompanied by ProfiHunt manager from Osh to the hunting area in Tajikistan. This rout from Osh
to the hunting country is rather tiresome but you gradually adapt to high altitude during your travel.
Hunting season. September 1 - mid-December; February and March.
Hunting. In Tajikistan you get into your jeep in the morning. Horseback hunt is not available there.
During the day you explore the upper edges of the mountains and the hillsides, feeding and resting
areas through the field glasses. Once the trophy is located you complete your stalk on foot. In
Kyrgyzstan we use horses for hunting. Expect extensive horseback riding and considerable walking
there. Ride before the trip! A long range shooting up to 400-500 yards is usual thing.
Duration of the trip: 14 days trip, 10 days hunt in Kyrgyzstan.
10 days trip, 6 days hunt in Tajikistan.
Additional trophies: Mid-Asian Ibex, Wolf.
Base camp. Argali camps are located at 11,000-13,500 feet. In Tajikistan we operate in the best
areas, Murgab (Hot Springs camp) & Karakul. All base camps are warm, clean and comfortable with
separate areas for dining, bathing and sleeping and have electrical generation. In Kyrgyzstan base
camps are traditional Asian yurts or cabins. Spike camps are extensively used there.
Equipment. Daypack, knife with stop (pocket size), binoculars 10-12x, spotting scope 60x & tripod
of medium size, rangefinder, flashlight, sunglasses, white camo, mountain boots – not new – 2
pairs, thermal top, sleeping bag (for Kyrgyzstan)
Possible combinations. Hume Argali, Mid-Asian Ibex, Wolf in Kyrgyzstan; Bezoar Ibex or Wild Boar
in Turkey.
Jeff Meyerl (USA)
Arthur Gutierrez (USA)
Michael Stough (USA)
Manuel Alvarez (Spain)