Hunt Marco Polo Argali in Kyrgyzstan

2024 / 2025

Hunt Marco Polo Argali in Kyrgyzstan!

Marco Polo 1 X 1 ONLY $26,000

You can add an ibex for only $5,000!

Combination Marco Polo & Ibex Hunt $31,000

10 Full Hunting Days in Kyrgyzstan

Trophy Fee Included for:

1 – Marco Polo Argali

Hunt Package Includes:

• Meet and Drop-off at Bishkek Airport
• R/T Transportation from the Bishkek Airport to the Hunting Area
• Accommodation and Food
• 1x1 Services of a Professional Guide
• All Serving Staff
• 1 Interpreter per Group/Camp
• Trophy Care and Packing for Shipment

Extras:

• VIP Service at Airport Both Ways $300
• International Veterinary Certificate and CITES $500
• Hotels and meals in Bishkek

So the all-in price is $26,800!

A second ibex may be taken for an additional trophy fee of $4,500

THE MARCO POLO HUNTING AREA

This hunt will take place in the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan's Arpa Valley. This hunt will use horses to access remote areas.The hunt takes place at elevations that range from 8,500 -12,500 feet above sea level. Being in good shape will significantly increase your chances of success on this hunt. You should be able to ride a horse for several hours at a time and be able to shoot from 300-500 meters.

HUNTING SEASON DATES

August 15 - December 01 with the best time being October and November

This is your chance to hunt for Marco Polo sheep in one of the best hunting areas In Kyrgyzstan, which also has good Mid-Asian ibex hunting. The Marco Polo sheep found in Kyrgyzstan average 45"-48” with an occasional exceptional trophy reaching up to 53”. This outfitter has had a very high success rate for Marco Polo Argali. If you are in good shape, can ride a horse, and can shoot, you can expect to have success on this hunt.

MARCO POLO ARGALI HUNTING METHODS

This hunt is done on horseback, traveling several hours a day along with significant walking. The sure-footed mountain horses allow you to access and explore the upper edges of the mountains. Once there you will glass the hillsides and feeding areas looking for a suitable trophy Ibex. Once a trophy is spotted, a temporary tented fly camp is set up with the specific goal of hunting that animal or area. These rams are usually located at about 9,000 feet or higher. You will make your final stalk on foot, so conditioning is important for this hunt. The long-range shooting of up to 500 yards is normal. The average shot will be about 300 meters.

Being familiar with your rifle and having a custom turret that is set for your load's ballistics and the area’s altitude can greatly add to your success.

Kyrgyzstan hunts are typically more enjoyable than Tajikistan hunts as the hunting areas are normally closer, and horses and lower elevations contribute to the hunt's overall enjoyment. Hunters will typically see many animals on these hunts and a spotting scope can be a useful accessory in looking for that special trophy.

The panoramic scenery of being in this remote area is part of the magic that surrounds this hunt. Having your trophy photo taken of you and your Marco Polo sheep with these majestic mountains in the background creates a memory that will never be forgotten!

WEATHER

Normally the weather is quite favorable and predictable in this region during the Ibex hunting season. In October during the daylight hours, the temperature ranges from 45°F to 57°F and at night from 14° - 23°F. In November the temperature ranges from 5°F to 14°F in the daytime and from -4°F to +5°F at night. You should expect chilly and windy early morning and evening conditions.

MARCO POLO HUNTING ACCOMMODATIONS

The hunting base camp is located at 8,500 feet.  This outfitter uses traditional Asian Yurts or wooden cabins with beds.  They are clean, warm, and comfortable with separate areas for dining, bathing, and sleeping. Electrical generators provide power to the camp.

The food will be good in the base camp. Fly camps are used extensively during this hunt and the food will be heated meals that can be prepared quickly. Nutrition will be adequate, but do not expect gourmet dining in the fly camps.

Fall Hunt Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Bishkek and overnight at the hotel

Day 2 - Drive to base camp (7-8 hours from Bishkek by car)

Day 3 - Test rifle and acclimatization

Day 4-11 - Hunt

Day 12 - Drive back to Bishkek - Overnight Hotel

Day 13 - Tour Bishkek - (Cites and Veterinary certificate prep)

Day 14- Fly back to the USA with the trophies

GETTING THERE

The most reliable way to get to Bishkek is by Turkish Airlines from Istanbul, Turkey. You will be met by the outfitter’s representative at the Bishkek airport and assisted through customs. Everything possible will be done to assist you to have a trouble-free arrival. It is recommended that you utilize the VIP service at the airport to facilitate your clearance (approximately $150 each way) Your Visa will be issued at the airport upon arrival if you are a US citizen. Citizens of some countries may require advance Visa application.

Alternative ways to get to Bishkek are through Frankfurt or Moscow but traveling with firearms is easier through Istanbul.

On your return, you will drive to Bishkek and overnight in a hotel for 2 nights while your export paperwork is being prepared. The outfitter or his brother will tour you in Bishkek and accompany you while you eat at a couple of the area's better local restaurants.

HOTELS

The outfitter will recommend a hotel for before and after the hunt ($70-$150)

IMPORTING MARCO POLO ARGALI

US Residents will need to apply for a federal import permit from USFWS. To apply for a permit, first, a hunt must be booked. A license that lists the hunter by name must first be issued and must accompany the import permit application. This permit has nothing to do

with CITES, but rather is a requirement of the US Endangered Species Act.

BOOKING AND DEPOSIT POLICY

An $8,000 deposit is required to reserve your hunt date. The deposit for a combination of Marco Polo and Mid-Asian Ibex hunts is $10,000. Final payment is due 60 days before the hunt starting date, or the balance must be brought with you and paid in US cash before the start of the hunt.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Marco Polo hunts can be rescheduled for a subsequent year due to serious health issues. If travel is prohibited by governmental action due to COVID-19, the hunt can be rescheduled for the following year.

All rescheduled hunts will incur a $200 administrative fee payable directly to the agent.

EXCLUSIONS: Visa (if needed, depending on your citizenship), Airline tickets to and from Bishkek, Hotels, and Meals before and after the hunt, Excess luggage Fees, Sightseeing, Additional Hunting Days, Non-hunter Fee, Additional Trophies, Taxidermy, Shipping of Trophies, Alcohol, Personal Items, Gratuities to the Professional Hunter and Staff, Veterinary Certificate and CITES Export Permit (Ibex - $300, Marco Polo - $500), Airport VIP ($150 each Way)

Hunt # - KY-AMP-Marco Polo