World Record Marco Polo Sheep
WORLD RECORD MARCO POLO SHEEP
A new world record has been set for Marco Polo argali.! Safari Club International has officially recognized the trophy, which measures an incredible 72 x 71 inches and scores 256. It surpasses the previous Number One by 4 3/8 inches. The sheep was taken by Hossein “Soudy” Golabchi, who also holds the Number Two and Number Three spots in the SCI Record Book for Marco Polo. In fact, Golabchi, who is well known in sheep hunting circles, holds seven of the Top 10 Marco Polo trophies. Golabchi took the ram in Tajikistan in the mountains around Karakul Lake. He simply says this was his 30th time hunting Marco Polo sheep in Tajikistan and he keeps going back.
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Some Facts About Marco Polo Sheep (Argali):
The Marco Polo argali is a large, long-legged, light-boned argali with the most spectacular horns of all the world’s sheep. The summer coat is light, speckled brown, with the face, chest, underparts, rump patch and legs white. In winter, the upper parts are somewhat darker brown and there is a full white neck ruff extending to the brisket. The winter hair is much longer, making the animal appear larger and heavier than it is. The long, slender horns are HUGE, forming 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 open spirals, and triangular in cross section. The longest sheep horn ever recorded is 75 inches, or 190.5 cm
Distribution of Marco Polo Argali
Argali live in Asia. 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.
*The Tian Shan Argali is also considered by most hunters as a Marco Polo.
Marco Polo Sheep Hunting
A member of the Asia 8 for good reason, the Marco Polo is one of the finest wild sheep and is one of the very top hunting trophies. Animals rarely descend below 3,000 m (10,000 ft.) The hunt is usually conducted at altitudes of 4,500 – 5,500 meters (15,000 – 18,000 ft.) Top physical condition is required. High altitude sickness with pulmonary edema, which strikes some hunters, may require emergency evacuation. One should not attempt this hunt without a thorough medical examination. Horses are sometimes used.
Any flat shooting cartridge in 7mm Mag. to 300 Mag. range caliber is adequate. Shots are expected at 270-390 yards (250-350 meters). It is necessary to bring good quality mountain boots, warm clothing, sleeping bag, sunglasses and sunscreen. The duration of the tour is usually 9-10 days from arrival, and the trophy is usually obtained on the 3 – 5th day of hunting. Here are some things to consider before booking your Marco Polo hunt.
Where to hunt Marco Polo Sheep
Tajikistan is the premier destination for Trophy Marco Polo Sheep Hunts, and for good reason, it consistently produce the biggest rams!
Kyrgyzstan is the Marco Polo sheep hunt on the market that we know of. Because of the permitting, this is a hunt you will want help booking. We hand deliver your export permit to the proper US office and see it through the entire process. Ibex and Asian wolves are also available on a trophy fee basis.
- Tajikistan: from September to March
- Kyrgyzstan: March-April and August 15-December 15
