Blanford Urial

Blanford Urial (Ovis vignei blanfordi)  is one of the smallest sheep of the world. Shoulder height up to 30 inches/76 cm. Weight up to 80-90 pounds/36-41 kg. Similar to the Afghan Urial, but smaller, with a lesser bib and neck ruff and no distinct saddle patch. Trophy size is 25-30 inches/ 65-75 cm. Distribution in Pakistan, south of Quetta and west of the Indus River. May possibly extend into southeastern Iran. Boundaries with the Kerman hybrid sheep to the west are unclear. Feeding activity is confined to the early morning and evening in the summer months, often commencing well before dawn. During the day they rest, usually under an overhanging bush or rock where they are well concealed. Their sight, hearing and sense of smell are all acutely developed. Habitat is arid hills.

Area

Blanford urial - southern part of Pakistan, province Baluchistan and Sindh (Dureji Hills)

Hunting Season

The  official hunting season starts from mid October till end April. However, this season varies in each province. For example, in southern Pakistan is November 15 - March 31. The best time for the hunt for Urials is between mid December and end February. Early season considered to be a poor period for hunting because of hot weather.

Route

You can fly to Islamabad via many European cities. There are daily direct flights to Islamabad, for example from Frankfurt and London. Or you can fly directly to Karachi. The hunter will be met in Islamabad or Karachi by our representative and be accompanying whole trip. After arrival in Islamabad you will :
Blanford Urial area - fly to south part of Pakistan Karachi (1 hour),  drive by vehicle to the hunting area (app. 2,5 hours).

Camp & Accommodation

Depending on your hunt and hunting region the accommodation may vary from the very high quality guest houses, best hotels to comfortable camps to simple huts. Food on all trips is plentiful, healthy, wholesome and varied, prepared by  high experienced cook. You will find a very good food and a quality service. The guest house compared to many places, is like a small palace with the availability of hot shower and television etc.

Hunting

Punjab and Blanford Urials area - these land are arid low hills and average altitude of these areas ranges from 650 feet/200 m on the road head to the 4000 feet/1200 m in the meadows. Hunters are will drive about 30-40 minutes every morning in comfortable 4x4 trucks to get to the hunting area. Since the animals are in good numbers it does not take long before the first bands of rams are spotted. Hunting is generally done by stalking while observing the feeding and rest areas. As soon as you spot the desired trophy you complete the stalk on foot. Long range shooting, 320-380 yards is normally, we recommend caliber 7mm Rem. Mag, 300 Win Mag., 300 Weath. Mag.

Climate

Blanford and Punjab Urial areas  the weather may be around 60-75⁰ F/+15+ 25⁰ C at day time. The most preferable weather conditions are in late winter or early spring as the weather warms up to comfortable temperatures.

Schedule

Day 1     Arrival in Islamabad, depending on the destination: fly to Karachi (1 hour) and drive to the hunting area (3-4 hours) or fly to Quetta and drive to the hunting area (6 hours) or  drive to Kalabagh, overnight.
Day 2-6   Hunting 3-5 days.
Day 7     Back to Karachi or Quetta and fly back  to Islamabad or drive back to Islamabad from Kalabagh. Overnight or departure.
Day 8     Departure from Islamabad.