|
Marco
polo hunt in kirgizia |
Tian–Shian Ibex Hunt
Marco Polo
MARCO POLO HUNT IN KIRGIZIA
The Marco Polo is one of the finest wild
sheep and is one of the very top hunting trophies. It lives at high altitudes that no
all hunters can cope with; some persons have been stricken with pulmonary edema and have
required evacuation. One should not attempt this hunt without a good level of cardiovascular
fitness and a recent medical examination.
Two argali subspecies are found in Kirgizia:
Tien Shan argali and Marco Polo. However, many knowledgeable hunters and scientists contend
that there are three different subspecies of argali here. The GSC/Ovis trophy classification
committee has recently decided (January 2003) to officially recognize the Hume argali
(Ovis ammon humei, named after the British naturalist A.O. Hume who was the first to describe
it in the middle of 19th century). The hume argali is similar to Marco Polo
in body size and coloration, but its horns are shorter, heavier and smoother.
Kirgizia is a small Central Asian country
which consists of small valleys, the big mountain lake Issyk Kul and mountain ranges.
Huge, all-absorbing and gorgeous mountains. The hunt is mainly done in the mountains of
the Tien Shan and Pamir chains. The altitude varies from 2.500 to 4.000 m. The mountains
are so manifold in their landscapes that it’s almost impossible to find common words to
describe them. Just to point out approximately the most common features of the animals’
habitats: Argali prefers relatively smoothed long slopes and rather wide valleys of mountain
rivers; Ibex, on the contrary, dwells in rocky mountains; Roe is a typical inhabitant
of foothills abundantly overgrown with thick bushes and high grass. Hunter should be well
fit as it is a hard hunt in a difficult terrain. Usually the mountains hare are so steep,
that the lack of oxygen is felt at the height of 2.500 meters already. The hunt requires
horse-riding skills as it makes moving in mountains much more easier. You will need a
special equipment: mountain boots and warm clothes (especially thermo-underwear), a sleeping
bag, a rug and a small bag pack (20-30 liters).
The air humidity is almost always low. Continuous
rains or snowfalls are rare here and never last more than two days. The stable snow covers
the ground from mid October till April. But one should take into consideration that game
doesn’t like the deep snow even more than hunters, that’s why in the places where the
hunt is done the snow is either completely blown off or is only up to 10-30 cm deep. There
are no extreme temperatures and big amplitudes here. The most unpleasant phenomenon here
is a sharp cold wind. In this regard our main recommendation in choice of the right equipment
is to have warm, wind-proof but at the same time not too heavy clothes. You should take
into consideration that riding on horseback and watching the animals are combined with
long walks and climbing here. Waterproof ness is the main factor. During the “snow period”
white camouflage is recommended. You should pay special attention to your footwear – high,
waterproof and warm mountain boots seem to be the best option.
During the hunt besides the abovementioned
horses, we use vehicles as well (jeeps, trucks) meant for changing of the areas of hunt
and for searching for the fresh spoors. But the main method of hunt here like at almost
every mountain hunt is stalking and approaching the animal.
Accommodation: comfortable main camps and
rather “Spartan” fly-camps. The main camp with the separate rooms for the clients, a dining
room, a kitchen and a sauna will provide a full rest and relaxation after the hunt. It
can be either small houses or classic Kirgiz jurts. Fly camps specially built up close
to the places of hunting to save time, efforts and strengths are either tents or military
trucks equipped with berths. That’s why we’d recommend to take sleeping bags with you.
Pheasant of Duck hunt is done in the area
of the beautiful Issyk Kul lake and on the territory of an exclusive hunting area not
far from Bishkek. Pheasants in Kirgizia aren’t bred but wild, that’s why good shooting
skills are required. Kecklick hunt is also fascinating. It is done both in foothills and
in the mountains. We’d recommend these hunts to you to make your impressions of this wonderful
country complete.
BASIC
TOUR PRICE:
euro 15.990 per hunter ( 2 and more hunters in a group) including all service Bishkek/Bishkek on
the base 1 hunter – 1 guide and one trophy of Marco Polo:
·
airport
service on arrival/depart in Bishkek (international and national flights);
·
auto transfer
in Bishkek from airports to hotels and return;
·
booking
of air tickets and hotel rooms for the tour;
·
transfer
by car from Bishkek to hunting camp and back;
·
full service
on hunt on the base 1x1;
·
jeep and
horse transfers on hunt;
·
guides,
cook and helpers in the camp;
·
interpreter;
·
all documents
needed for a hunt;
·1
Marco Polo (any size);
· accommodation
and meals in hunting camp;
·
field trophy
preparation and packing;
·
alcohol
(limited quantity) and soft drinks.
Basic tour price for non-hunter: euro 2.900
Refund if no trophy: euro 8.000
Group:
2 - 4 hunters
Hunting
season: September-November, February-March
(prime time: late October – beginning of November).
Tour duration
: 14 days (Bishkek/Bishkek),11
hunting days.
Hunting
area: Tian-Shan (Kirgizia): Narin,
Aksai, Mudurum, Issyk-Kul lake.
Transfer:
4 hr flight from Moscow or direct flight from London or Istambul to Bishkek (Kirgizia),
then 10-12 hr by car to one of the camps depending on the area. Or helicopter transfer
by special order only (euro8000 one way) is extra and may be shared between all hunters
(3 hours to one direction).
Accomodation:
hunting houses, yurts, tents with
heating.
Have a lucky hunting!
Marco
polo hunt in kirgizia |
Tian–Shian Ibex Hunt
|
