Hume Argali in Kyrgyzstan
There are two races of Argali in Kyrgyzstan: 1. Hume Argali, 2. Tian-Shan Argali.
Kyrgyzstan has become a famous destination for big game hunters seeking a Hume Argali (Ovis ammon humei). The GSCO trophy classification committee has recently decided (January, 2003) to officially recognize the Hume Argali. Even though the boundaries may change in the future, we are now using the Naryn River as the northern boundary and the height of land of the Ferganskiy Mountains as the southern boundary.
Tian-Shan Argali (Ovis am-mon karelini) is found along the westernmost part of the Tian Shan Mountains of China. These mountains extend into Kazakh-stan and Kyrgyzstan. It is similar to the Marco Polo, but its horns have a tighter curl and are gener-ally thicker.
At the moment there is NO IM-PORT of Tian-Shan argali to USA possible!
So far, we have experienced the 100% success rate.
Route
You may get to Bishkek with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Turkey. Another option is to travel with Aeroflot via Moscow, Russia. You will be met by our crew at the airport before the customs and assisted with all the formalities. Right from the airport you go by car to the camp. During the trip you will stop for breakfast and lunch at the restaurants on the side of the road. Drive to camp takes around 15-17 hours.
Hunting season
The season is from September 1 to December 1 and from January to late February.
Best time is October 20 to November 30.
Climate
Usually, weather is favorable and more predictable in this region during the hunting period. During daylight hours in October the temperature is from 45 to 570F (5 to 150C) and at night 14 to 230F (-5 to -100C). In November the temperature is from 5 to 140F (-10 to -150C) and during nighttime from - 4 to 50F (-15 to -200C). Windy conditions.
Camps & Accommodation
Camps in Kyrgyzstan are located at 10,000 feet (3,000 m). They are wooden structures, trailer lodges and sometimes traditional Asian yurts. They are warm, clean and comfortable with separate areas for dining, bathing and sleeping and have electrical generation. You will find a good food and a quality service. Our cook prepares local, European, and Korean meals. Every camp is equipped with a satellite-phone or radio station, and there is everything for first medical aid.
NOTE: You are required to bring a sleeping bag, sunglasses, white camouflage, spotting scope with tripod, field thermos and trophy bag.
Hunting
In the morning you load onto your horse. In Kyrgyzstan you may have horses and jeep. During the day you may travel the upper edges of the mountains, glassing the hillsides and feeding areas. Sheep will normally be sighted each day. For lunch in the field we offer you hot drinks, sandwiches, salami, dry fruit and nuts. Once the trophy ram is located, you complete your stalk on foot. You will hunt at around 13,000 feet (4,000 m). Physical condition is a factor on the stalking portion of the hunt. A long range shooting, up to 500 yards (450 m) is normal for sheep hunting. Spike camp and horse back riding is a part of your hunt.
Schedule
Day 1 | Arrival in Bishkek in the morning, transfer to the hunting area by van, driving time about 15 hrs, arrival in the camp, accommodation, rest |
Day 2-10 | 9 day hunt |
Day 11 | Return to Bishkek, overnight at the hotel |
Day 12 | Departure home |