Join the Russian Hunting Agency for an Argali Sheep Hunt

TIAN SHAN ARGALI
Ovis ammon kerelini
(Argali del Tian Shan, Tian Shan Argali, Argali du Tian Shan. Also called Tien Shan argali)

DESCRIPTION & TAXONOMY
Tian Shan argali category is divided into two races: heinsii and karelini. The karelini was described from the Ala Tau range north of Lake Issyk Kul in northeastern Kirghizstan (Kirgizstan) and southeastern Kazakhstan, and eastward in the Tian Shan range in Xinjiang, China. It is similar to the Marco Polo, but it's horns have a tighter curl and are generally thicker. The winter coat has light brown upper parts that lighten gradually to the diffuse, grayish-brown rump patch. The yellowish-white belly is separated from the flanks by a wide dark line. A dark dorsal line runs from shoulders to loins. The neck mane is white, shaded with grayish-brown. The record head was reported as picked up (1921) in the valley of the Yuldaz. Its longest horn measured 70-3/4 x 15-1/2 inches (179.7 x 39.4 cm), which is much larger than any other karelini of record.

DISTRIBUTION
The Tian Shan range, from southeastern Kazakhstan and eastern Kirghizstan eastward to about Urumqi in Xinjiang. Boundaries with the Marco Polo argali to the south and west are unclear.

HUNT
This hunt is offered in Kirghizstan. The hunter has to be in reasonably good physical condition. Horse riding skills are important, since riding a horse can greatly improve mobility. The hunt takes place at the altitudes of 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) and higher. Any flat shooting cartridge in 7 mm Mag. to 300 Mag. Range is fine. Shots are expected at 250-350 meters (270-390 yards). It is necessary to bring good quality mountain boots, warm clothing and a sleeping bag. Normal duration of the tour is 10 days from Bishkek. As a rule, the trophy is obtained on the 3-5th day of hunting.

SEASONS
August 15-December 15, January 5-February 28

MARCO POLO ARGALI
Ovis ammon polii
(Argali de Marco Polo, Marco Polo Argali. Also called Pamir argali)

DESCRIPTION & TAXONOMY
Marco Polo subspecies consists of two races, polii and humei. Humei is similar to polii in body size and coloration, but its horns are shorter, heavier, and have less flare. Humei is found to the north of polii in southeastern Kirghizstan and far western China.

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 homonymous, 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
The eastern part of the Vakhan (or Wakhan) Corridor in Afghanistan; the Pamir Plateau in eastern Tajikistan; extending north into southeastern Kirghizstan 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.

HUNT
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 rarely used.

Any flat shooting cartridge in 7 mm Mag. to 300 Mag. range caliber is adequate. Shots are expected at 250-350 meters (270-390 yards). It is necessary to bring good quality mountain boots, warm clothing, sleeping bag, sun glasses and sun screen. The duration if the tour is 9-10 days from Bishkek. As a rule, the trophy is obtained on the 3 - 5th day of hunting.

SEASONS
Tajikistan: from September to March
Kirgizstan: March-April and August15-December 15

• Learn more about Argali sheep hunting.

• Contact us at info@russianhunting.com.