Marco Polo Sheep are unquestionably one of the world’s most sought after big game trophies. A subspecies of the Asian Argali, the horn length of the Marco Polo Sheep are unmatched . The top of the world hunting experience in one of the most unique places on earth makes Marco Polo Sheep hunting a truly unmatched pursuit. These sheep are huge in the body with mature rams weighing in at almost 300 lbs. The longest recorded horn of any Marco Polo measured an almost inconceivable 6.2 feet and weighed 60 lbs. It is not unusual for the typical hunter to harvest 50+ inch rams with multiple curls. Thanks to Greg Rodriguez of Global Adventure Outfitters for use of the photo. Contact Greg directly at http://www.mbogo.net/asia.html for more information on one of these fabulous hunts.
I found it interesting that of all of the Great White Hunter Posts, this is the first post of an Asian hunt. The vast majority of Marco Polo Sheep are found in the Pamir Mountains adjacent the borders of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and China. With the only hunt able populations being found in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. I previously wrote about harvests by the “typical hunter,” however, these animals and these hunts are anything but typical. One of the world’s great adventures, many Marco Polo hunts are conducted at elevations of 14,000 to 16,000 feet. While horses and off road vehicles are helpful, great physical conditioning and a willingness to push oneself are critical to get in range of a mature ram. Given the open country, long range shots of 350 to 500 plus yards are not uncommon. Add to these difficulties the extensive travel, limited number of U.S. import permits and a price tag of $25,000 or more …it becomes clear why a Marco Polo ram is truly the hunt of a lifetime. Add a beautiful and “inexpensive” Ibex, another of the high mountain horned giants, for perhaps the best combined hunt the world has to offer.
If you are lucky enough to book one of these hunts with Greg Rodriguez please let us know. As a outdoor writer and an award-wining wildlife photographer, Greg literally hunts on a constant basis with the best guides and outfitters in the world. Greg has put together an impressive list of the world’s top hunt offerings through Global Adventure Outfitters. Check out his website at http://www.mbogo.net/
The Great White Hunter 