Tajikistan

There is nothing ordinary and everything magical about hunting in Tajikistan. Each hunt is a journey into a realm where the line between hunter and explorer blurs. The Pamirs feel like a surreal world wrapped in stark beauty, snowy peaks, and the ghosts of history – tales of Marco Polo, the explorer, forging into the unknown during the 13th century along what became known as the ancient Silk Road and the resilient Tajik tribes who still live in harmony with this raw land.

Tajikistan's most noble game species, the Marco Polo Argali, two species of Ibex, the Bukharan Markhor, and the Afghan Urial, are creatures of legend and mythical prizes for hunters. The Marco Polo symbolizes the high-altitude wildness of Tajikistan. Its flaring horns signify what many consider the pinnacle of mountain hunting pursuits. The sheer scale of this wildlife kingdom is amazing with peaks towering up to 17,000 feet and high valleys where a hunter might see several hundred sheep lingering or marching in procession in a single day. Marco Polo hunts are generally carried out at altitudes ranging from 10000-12500 feet (3200-3800 meters) and 14500 -16500 feet (4500-5000 meters) depending on the area we are hunting.

Adding to an already surreal experience of hunting Marco Polo are its companion species – the iconic Pamir Ibex and Mid-Asian Ibex. Sharing the same territory, either Ibex hunted along with Marco Polo presents one of the most popular combination hunt opportunities available across the Asian continent.

Although perceptions of Tajikistan's landscape defaults to images of sky high valleys and extreme mountain peaks, its terrain is considerably diverse. The southwestern region of the country is marked with lower altitudes and rich vegetation favored by the stunningly beautiful, white-maned Afghan Urial.

The sought-after Bukharan Markhor, known to some as the Tajik Markhor, inhabits the sandstone cliffs and scrub forests of the southwest, also. These majestic Markhor occur in strong numbers although hunting permits are limited. Both the Afghan Urial and Bukharan Markhor are typically hunted at altitudes of 5000-8000 feet (1500-2500 meters). However, hunting can occur as high as 8000-12000 feet (2400-3600 meters) in certain areas, depending on the season and animal movement. During early winter (December), Markhor often descend to lower elevations for greener forage, making them more accessible.

Caprinae Safaris has a long history of successful hunting in Tajikistan. Because Ovis and Capra hunts as are so strategically important to collectors and mountain hunters alike, we have been vigilant and selective in developing our Tajikistan hunt portfolio.

We monitor population densities and movements, and pre-scout for the highest quality trophies obtainable. We have proved to be agile and can pivot through the usual uncertainties that mother nature serves up. Patterning the mountains and the sheep over the years has resulted in securing two record-class producing hunting areas. One is located in the far east close to the Chinese border and the other is more central in the Pamirs.

Both areas are equipped with clean, comfortable camps and each is staffed by a time-tested local professional hunting team that makes hunting as much of a "sure thing" as possible. Our hunters have enjoyed 100% success for 20 consecutive years, thanks to the efforts of our local partners. They leave camp every morning of the hunt with the goal of finding the biggest trophy specimen available. They are patient, discerning in judging trophy attributes, and allow the hunter to be selective and never rushed.

During the MarcoPolo hunt, our team will cover the hunt area using specially equipped vehicles that can traverse snow and rugged terrain. The vehicle will stop at various glassing stations, and once a suitable trophy is spotted, the stalk on foot will begin.

The most crucial aspects of preparation are 1) consulting with a doctor about medications that counter potential effects of altitude sickness (e.g., Diamox) and 2) the ability to make an ethical long-range shot between 400-600 yards on average and possibly beyond. We will ensure you are hunt-ready with all the insights, logistical planning, and gear that has been proven over time to work best.

Availability is tightening ever more because the US Fish & Wildlife Department has thankfully resumed issuing Argali trophy import permits. And when compared to the price of North American sheep hunts, Marco Polo Argali hunting is a relative sheep hunting bargain. So, please contact us for an in-depth exploratory discussion about hunting in Tajikistan.