Marco Polo
The Marco Polo Argali stands among the most iconic wild sheep of the high mountains of Central Asia. Renowned for its massive frame, sweeping golden horns, and ability to thrive in some of the world’s most remote terrain, it has long captured the imagination of mountain hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Specie / Hunt Description
The Marco Polo Argali is arguably one of the most elite and coveted species in worldwide hunting. The broad sweeping curve of their golden horns and robust frame approaching 180 kg. in weight (400 lbs.) has lured hunters ever since their namesake discoverer, Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer, documented their existence in the 12th century. They are regarded by many destination sheep hunters to be the signature trophy of mountain hunting.
The high-altitude Pamirs of Tajikistan is where they thrive. We have 3 strategically located camps in high-potential areas that consistently produce trophy-class rams. Expert professional hunting teams know sheep patterns for each part of the season and are skilled at judging trophy quality.
Getting There: Dushanbe is the jumping off point for airlines, which is accessible directly from major European cities or the primary hunting gateway airport for all Asian hunts, Istanbul. Hunters will be driven to Khorog in comfortable SUVs where they will spend the night and complete the second segment of the journey to camp the next day. Base camps are normally located around 3,700-4,000 meters (12,000 -13,000 ft.).
Hunt Strategy: This is a specially equipped vehicle-assisted hunt that enables a lot of vast open territory to be covered with multiple stops to glass for sheep. Most sheep are taken between 4,000-5,000 meters (approx.13,500 -16,000 ft.). Shots are typically long – from 350-550 meters (approx. 400-600 yds.) on average.
Season: September through February. The rut extends from about mid-November through mid-December. But pre-rut and post-rut hunts are very successful and have certain advantages.
Length of Hunt: 5-day hunts (Marco Polo only) on a schedule of 8-9 days including in-country travel.
Options: The Pamir Ibex is one of Asia’s most iconic mountain species that coexist with Marco Polo, making it one of the most popular combination hunts in Asia.
Other Major Species: Bukharan Markhor, Bukharan Urial, and Bukharan Ibex. Please inquire about individual and combination hunt options in Tajikistan.
