Of all the sheep species, the Marco Polo (Ovis ammon polii) is arguably one of the most popular to sportsman, especially among die hard sheep hunters. They stand as a captivating and esteemed representative of argali, the magnificent giant sheep of Asia. They can be found in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. Their most notable characteristic is their large spiraling horns, gracefully extending over 70 inches in length. The Marco Polo argali claims the title of the most awe-inspiring trophy of wild sheep worldwide, and we proudly work with the best outfitter available.
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Marco Polo Sheep Hunting
Hunting Marco Polo sheep gained popularity in the hunting world in the 1950’s, but were initially only allowed to be hunted by Afghan royalty. It wasn’t until the late 1960’s when the first American Hunters were allowed to hunt them. One of the most fascinating things about them is how big they can actually get. The World Record Marco Polo was 71 7/8 inches on one side and 73 inches on the other with a whopping final score of 256″. The Godfather of Marco Polo Sheep hunting is a man by the name of Hossein “Soudy” Golabchi. He is the proud owner of seven of the 10 largest Marco Polo ever harvested.
Early Season Hunts
The early season in Tajikistan runs from September through October. On these early season hunts you will spike out to give you the best opportunity to get on trophy rams.
Throughout the autumn months of September and October, temperatures in the Pamir Mountains typically fluctuate between the mid-20s and mid-40s Fahrenheit, intermittently accompanied by snowfall and freezing temperatures. In November, temperatures plunge further, with average lows settling in the mid-teens Fahrenheit.
Marco Polo Rut Hunts
The Marco Polo rut in Tajikistan runs Mid-November through December. The latter half of January also presents favorable conditions.
During this time, the arrival of snow urges the sheep to descend, enhancing the prospects of glassing up a trophy ram. Although the rut subsides by then, it is common for previously unseen sheep to emerge during this period.
Late Hunts
Marco Polo hunting Tajikistan winds down with the late hunt, which runs January 1 through March 1. On the late hunts you will usually return to base camp each night as the temperatures get quite cold. Typically you will travel to and from camp by either vehicle or foot.
Marco Polo Sheep Range
Marco Polo sheep are found in Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The war in Afghanistan precludes hunting there at present, and China closed the door on Marco Polo sheep hunting there as well. Now only Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are viable choices for a Marco Polo sheep hunt. Kyrgyzstan Marco Polo hunts are cheaper than Tajikistan hunts. They are done at slightly lower elevations, and result in somewhat smaller trophies as a rule. The World Record Marco Polo came from Tajikistan.
Marco Polo Huntin is a High Altitude Mountain Hunt
They can be found in elevations from 10,000 feet to almost 16,000, feet. They will typically stay in groups of a few dozen sheep during the winter and break up into smaller groups during the summer months. During the rut, adolescent rams steer clear, as only mature rams fight for the right to pick their ewes.
Generally hunting camps are located around 10,000 feet above sea level, with the actual hunting taking place at elevations up to 15,000 feet or more. Acclimatization, or adjusting to altitude, requires special techniques and medication. Experts recommend really taking it easy the first few days at altitude, and for the duration of the hunt, drink plenty of liquids and take prescription medication Diamox or generic form Acetazolamide, 250 mg tablet each morning and each evening. And a couple 200 mg Ibuprofen tablets each morning and evening as needed will help with headaches and sore muscles.
This is an extremely physical hunt and requires the hunter to be in peak physical condition. The altitude alone is enough to humble even toughest guys. It is recommended that you use something which limits your oxygen while training up for this hunt as that will be one of your biggest hurdles.
You’ll usually be hunting from horseback.
Marco Polo sheep are usually hunted using small, sturdy, surefooted horses, especially in Kyrgyzstan. Be sure that you pack a rifle scabbard in your hunting gear, else you will spend many days bouncing around in the saddle with your rifle slung on your back, and this is definitely not comfortable. If you are hunting with horses, you’ll find these people to be remarkable horsemen. These little horses are incredibly tough, and in some cases, they can get the hunter right to the animal.
In Tajikistan, you’ll probably be hunting from a Russian jeep called a Bigfoot. Be sure to pack a white camo outer garment as most, if not all, of your hunting will be done in snow.
Most hunters combo their Marco Polo hunting trip with Mid-Asian Ibex.
Hunters typically see many Mid-Asian ibex on a Marco Polo sheep hunt. Game densities are generally quite high and vary from area to area. Making your hunt a Marco Polo, Ibex hunting combo is a good idea, especially if you want to get it done all in one trip.
Best Caliber for Hunting Marco Polo Sheep
Best Caliber for Hunting Marco Polo SheepThe hunting terrain consists of very high and wide alpine valleys separated by mountain ridges. Rams are often spotted in locations where it is impossible to get real close, forcing the hunter to make shots of 300 to 500 yards or more. Considering that a wounded and lost ram ends the hunt, practice as much long range shooting as possible before leaving home. Experts recommend calibers of .270 Winchester or higher, with some of the belted cartridges such as 300 and 338 magnums being ideal.
Marco Polo Hunting Permits and Licenses
Marco Polo sheep are CITES trophies, requiring a great deal of permit and license preparation be done before a Marco Polo hunt can actually take place.
- Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan guides must purchase a hunting licence for every individual hunter they take afield.
- Then they must insure that every US hunter’s name is on the Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan List of Official Hunters which is sent to US Fish & Wildlife each spring.
- Each US hunter must then apply for an Argali Import Permit from US Fish & Wildlife Permitting Office.
- The outfitter must secure a CITES Export Document and a Veterinary Certificate after you take your ram.
Importing Your Trophy into the United States
Requirements for importing a Marco Polo trophy into the United States:
For residents of the United States, the acquisition of a federal import permit becomes mandatory. It is crucial to clarify that this requirement arises from the U.S. Endangered Species Act, unrelated to CITES regulations. Our outfitter supports our clients throughout the application process for these import permits, with the understanding that the hunt itself must be booked before initiating this procedure. A special license, specifically assigned to the hunter’s name, must be allocated prior to the approval of the import permit application by the USFWS. These licenses are issued to outfitting companies based on designated areas. When a hunter confirms their booking, we reserve a license in their name and promptly provide the relevant information to the USFWS.
- Hunting License
- Cites Export Permit
- Argali Import Permit
- Veterinary Certificate
SHEEP HUNTING GALLERY
Here are a few Outdoors International sheep hunting clients from over the years:
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If you’re looking for a challenge, and these mountain monarchs are on your list, then this is a great time to go after Marco Polo sheep. And we just happen to have some of the best Marco Polo hunts in the world!
Thousands of people have trusted Outdoors International to help plan their hunt.
We have a team of hand-selected hunting experts to help you book your next trip. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great adventure with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.
My hunt was absolutely top notch.
The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.
Wade Zuver
Our hunt was excellent.
We saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was amazing. Outdoors International did a great job of finding exactly what we were looking for.
Jesse Neveau
What an amazing experience!
The hunting lodge was out of this world!, Rooms, food and the scenery were all A+. Our guide was exceptional and had us on Shiras moose all five days. We saw over 30 total with at least 10 bulls. They had a plan for everything including taxidermy and game processing.
Kayla Redmon
I hope that I have to consider these things soon….
maybe you should kill some of the other sheep before??
Justin Sparks maybe….. a Marco Polo would be a nice bit of icing on the cake.
yes but anti-climatic when taking the rest of the sheep family…lol
My name is haris qureshi and I am 14 & i.
hope some day that I am hunting.
Para una buena selecci