Hume Argali
The Hume Argali of Kyrgyzstan represents a fascinating population within the broader Marco Polo complex, reflecting the natural variation that occurs across the species’ vast Central Asian range. Its distinctive characteristics, impressive horn development, and geographical origin make it a particularly interesting animal from both a hunting and biological perspective.
Specie / Hunt Description
The Hume Argali of Kyrgyzstan is certainly a Marco Polo ram, although a genetic variant for record keeping purposes. So, understanding them is integral to understanding the choice of where to hunt Marco Polo – Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan? The answer is largely determined by preferences.
- The size of the Marco Polo in Tajikistan will average larger. Approximately 80% of rams taken in Tajikistan have lengths of 54”-58” and 20% average 59”-63”. Approximately 80% of rams taken in Kyrgyzstan have lengths of 49”-53” and 20% average 54-60” with 60” considered exceptional.
- Marco Polo hunts in Tajikistan are vehicle-assisted in contrast to the hunts in Kyrgyzstan which are essentially all conducted by horseback.
- Lastly, the Marco Polo hunts in Kyrgyzstan average almost $20,000 leas than those in Tajikistan. Considering the cost of the better Dall sheep hunts and other North American sheep hunts, a Marco Polo hunt in Kyrgyzstan is considered the best international sheep hunt in the world. Even when adding an Ibex, there can be change left over when making cost comparisons between these Kyrgyzstan hunts and other sheep hunts.
Getting There: Hunters will be met in the VIP lounge at Bishkek Airport and assisted with firearms clearance. The flights from Istanbul arrive about 02:00 (2am) and we usually start the drive to the hunting area in comfortable SUVs soon after exiting the airport. We stop for food along the way.
Hunt Strategy: This is classic remote spot & stalk hunting by horseback penetrating deeper and higher into broken rocky faces and wide-open valleys led by experienced Kyrgyz guides. Glassing is the key to success as is the ability to walk when necessary to park the horses and make the final stalk.
Early hunts (September/October) will likely utilize tented camps due to rams being more scattered. November/December hunts are conducted from comfortable permanent base camp structures with meals prepared by dedicated cooks. Limited spiking (1-3 days) could still prove valuable during the late season.
Season: September to mid-December. Our guides apply time-tested hunt strategies for temperatures and seasonal patterns of movement during the entire season.
Length of Hunt: 7-day hunt plus 2 in-country travel days.
Options: The iconic Mid-Asian Ibex is almost always the combo species of choice with Hume Argali. They are found in the same area, and the hunt strategy is the same.
Please inquire about individual Marco Polo hunt and comb hunts with Ibex.
