Description

Hunters coming to Tajikistan want to make sure they are in good physical condition for hiking steep hills and mountains at altitudes between 14,000-16,000 feet. Camp is at 13,700 feet. The hunt is conducted by spot and stalk. Hunter will not shoot from a vehicle. Medications such as Diamox are recommended to avoid and treat altitude sickness. Outfitter will sometimes utilize spike camps during September and October when high quality rams are spotted and the best chances are first thing in the morning. Hunters are responsible for bringing their own water filter, personal camp stove and meals for spike camp. Personal range finder, spotting scope and binoculars are also recommended. All guides have their own spotting scopes, binoculars and range finders. Every hunt is pre-scouted by our most experienced guides. Shots on Marco Polo are typically taken between 300-600 yards. Hunters are encouraged to bring a long-range rifle that is capable of making accurate shots to at least 600 yards. This Wakhan(Vakhan) corridor is the historic trading route where the Venetian marchent Marco Polo first documented the sightings of a new species of ovis which now bears his name. Our lodge and hunt area are located on historic passageway through which sheep regularly migrate providing consistent opportunities to hunt different herds. We are very conservative with the number of rams we hunt per year in order to maintain strong trophy quality and ensure the conservation of these sheep populations. Hunters enjoy the experience of seeing plentiful mature rams in pursuit of the ideal trophy. This is a 1:1 fully guided 10 day hunt. The total trip will be 14 days with travel. Most hunters will have killed their ram in 4-6 days which makes adding an ibex a great option. The ibex populations are very strong and in the same area as the sheep. Always a challenge, these billies provide a noticeably different experience than a Marco Polo; a perfect addition after a successful sheep hunt. The camp house is a brand new hard structure with modern amenities. A full kitchen, indoor plumbing and heating throughout the camp house are just a few of the considerations we’ve taken to ensure that our hunters are comfortable and able to prepare well for their hunt.The day you arrive in camp will be spent familiarizing yourself with the hunting area, meeting your guide team, preparing gear and acclimating to the high altitude. Our dedicated chef prepares all meals in base camp and is quite capable of taking special requests within reason and with advance notice. If hunter would like to leave camp after their ram is killed, they can make those arrangements. This outfitter will manage the skinning, trophy preparation, permitting and shipping of your trophy until it reaches your taxidermist of choice. Marco Polo trophies typically ship 1-3 months after the hunt date. During this time, we coordinate with your taxidermist to ensure the proper handling and routing of your trophy. We use fresh salt for every cape of our hunted rams. Your cape will be salted 3 times to ensure the highest quality trophy. There is no additional charge for hunters who are successful early and would like to leave camp before the end of the planned hunting period. If hunters are traveling back through Istanbul, This outfitter is happy to arrange for a few extra days to enjoy this iconic Eurasian city. Weapons storage and professional guided tours of the city are available upon request. Whether you are headed straight back home or choose to enjoy some time in Dushanbe or Istanbul after your hunt, This outfitter will manage the handling of your trophy until arrival at your home or taxidermist of choice.

HuntX Scale (Low 1 - 5 High)

• Lodging & Accommodations: Cabin/Lodge
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  Lodging & Accommodations Scale

  5 - Cabin/Lodge

  4 - Bunk House/Trailer

  3 - Wall Tent

  2 - Backpack Tent

  1 - Client Provided/Hotel

Completed in late 2021, this outfitter's new private lodge is built with modern amenities and the discerning hunter in mind. Heated floors, individual bedrooms, western bathrooms, a full kitchen, hot water shower and a sauna are just a few of the features our hunters enjoy at The River Lodge.

• Menu & Food: Full Kitchen
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  Menu & Food Scale

  5 - 5 Star Catered

  4 - Full Kitchen

  3 - Field Kitchen

  2 - Backpack Food

  1 - Client Provided

Meals will be served at the lodge or in the field depending on the hunt. Hunter can expect hot meals during the hunt.

• Physical Conditions: Heavy Hiking
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  Physical Conditions Scale:

  5 - All Vehicle Access

  4 - Light Hiking

  3 - Moderate Hiking

  2 - Heavy Hiking

  1 - Extreme Back Country

Hiking at high altitudes. Guides carry hunters gear but it is difficult hiking especially if their is snow in Nov and later hunts. This is a difficult hunt, especially in the winter. Better physically fit conditions will provide better shot opportunity. Early season hunts will be more physically demanding.

Transportation (To/From Basecamp)

Hunter will fly into Dushambe, Tajikistan. Full concierge service is provided to meet hunters at the airport and help with rifle permits and receiving. Outfitter will provide all field transportation to camp. Transportation will be by 4x4 vehicle once hunter has arrived at camp.

Photos

• Lodging & Accommodations
• Menu & Food
• Physical Conditions

Description

Most of the guides in this camp have backpacks, and optics but hunters need to bring a spotting scope and tripod, range-finding binos, etc. Hunters can bring a small tent for Sept or Oct hunts but the rest of the year, the outfitter will use more permanent camps. A complete equipment list will be provided by the outfitter. Trip insurance, firearm insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance and more. We have partnered with the best providers in the insurance industry that cater to the outdoor adventurist. We also help you to choose the best options and secure your coverage for you through our concierge service. Gear lists, passport renewal, import permits, visas, Global Rescue memberships, baggage restrictions, foreign currency procurement and much more. All of the things that keep you awake the night before leaving home on your trip, no longer have to. Hunt Price Includes: Reception at customs, immigration and weapons declaration at Dushanbe airport, Hotel in Khorog on the way to and back from hunt, Full accommodation in base camp, All meals in base camp with camp cook, Non-alcoholic drinks, Bottled water in base camp, Hunting licenses and permits Rifle declaration permit, Veterinary inspection and certificate, Full outfitting with 2 experienced guides per hunter, Skinning and field preparation of trophies and Concierge service of trophy handling and import. Hunt Price does not include: International flight to Dushanbe, US tourist visa for travel to Tajikistan, Additional nights in Dushanbe after hunt, Gratuities (min. 10% recommended), Excess baggage, and Hotel in Dushanbe.

What Outfitter Provides

• Skinning and trophy preparation
• Airport Concierge Service
• Expert Guide Service
• Meals
• Lodging

What to Bring

• Moderate to Cold Weather Hunting Gear-Layering system recommended
• Durable & Comfortable Hiking Boots-Insulated for later season hunts
• Day Pack
• Sleeping Bag
• Binoculars & Rangefinder
• Gaiters
• Garmin Inreach or Sat phone
• Game bags and knives for trophy care
• Rifle with 40 rounds of ammunition

Recommended Items

• 20 Quart Badlands Cooler
• 45 Quart Badlands Cooler
• Canyon Lightweight Boot Sock
• Mountain Extreme Men's
• Badlands Precision University Academy I - South Dakota

Photos

• What Outfitter Provides
• What to Bring