Marco Polo Hunting in Kyryzstan

There is no more dreamed species for the mountain hunter than Marco Polo argali. Divided by the Naryn River and Isisk-Kul Lake, there are two recognized subspecies in Kyrgyzstan: those who live north of the river are considered ovis ammon karelini or Karelini argali (also called Tian Shan argali), and ovis ammon polii, the famous Marco Polo, to the south. Both sub-species are very similar, although generally the Karelini’s horns has a tightest curvature and its base is thicker. The average size of the trophy is from 48 to 52 inches. The outfitter runs camps both in the north and south of the Naryn river. GSCO (Ovis Club) also recognice a third sub-species of argali in Kyrgyzstan, the Hume Argali (ovis ammon humei): the distribution area is considered Naryn River as the northern boundary and the height of land of the Ferganskiy Mountains as the southern boundary. We can also offer some licenses each year for this argali.

Hunting is due by horseback, in the amazing landscapes of the legendary Tian Shan mountains. The base camps are located around 3,000 meters of altitude above the sea level. In both areas also inhabits the Mid Asian ibex, which can be hunted as a main species or in combination with the argali. The maximum hunting altitude is from 3,500 meters for the ram and up to 4,000 meters for the ibex.

Each camp can accommodate a group of two hunters, who will be assisted by a hunting guide and an assistant each. Starting from the base camp, the hunters leave on horseback to spend several nights in a tent. Temperatures vary from 8-10ºC in August and can reach -10ºC during the day and -20ºC at night in December.