This discussion is to explain the differences between the two types of Marco Polo sheep, ie. The Marco Polo found in the Pamirs in Tajikistan and the Tian Shan Marco Polo found in the Tian Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Essentially they are one and the same animal, similar to North American whitetail deer which differ in body and antler size as one goes from Alberta in the North to say Texas in the South.

There is further confusion in Kyrgyzstan as the Naryn River is used as a boundary to further distinguish between three varieties of sheep, as recognised by GSCO, ie, the Tian Shan Argali, Marco Polo and Hume Argali! A practical word about the Naryn river - in the winter it freezes over and sheep easily cross over from one side to the other. So if you shoot a sheep on one side you can call it a Tian Shan Argali or Hume Argali and on the other side you can call it a Marco polo!

So when we come down to the main difference between the true Marco Polo found in the Pamirs v/s the Tian Shan Marco Polo found in Kyrgyzstan, it all boils down to a few inches and mass of the horns! Marco Polo in the Southern Pamirs have the widest horns and a good trophy is one in the high 50" range. As one moves from the Southern Pamirs to the Northern Pamirs, towards Kyrgyzstan the horn length decreases and the mass increases. The Tian Shan Marco Polo found in Kyrgyzstan generally have shorter horns but heavier mass. A trophy here is an old ram with heavy mass and broomed tips. A good Tian Shan Marco Polo trophy is in the low 50" range. In terms of body size there is no difference. Coloration and fullness of the coat varies and depends upon the time of the year.


Some trophies of Marco Polo from the Southern Pamirs in Tajikistan:









A Marco Polo from the Northern Pamirs in Tajikistan, note the heavier mass and shorter horn length:



Trophies of Tian Shan Marco Polo from Kyrgyzstan - Note the heavier mass and shorter horn length.











What then are the other main differences between the two hunts?

1. Price - Our Tian Shan Marco Polo hunt is currently 17k Euros v/s 24K Euros for the Marco Polo from the Pamirs.
2. The hunt for the Tian Shan Marco Polo is done between 3,000 and 4,000 meters max. It is a 7 day hunt on horseback and there are no problems with being out of breath and the hunt is very enjoyable. Depending on where you hunt you can expect to see a 100 animals or so a day. The Pamir Marco Polo hunt is done between 4000-5000 meters max, at that altitude breathing can be difficult due to the lack of oxygen and one is often out of breath, and headaches and nausea are part of the game! Some hunters suffer from high altitude sickness. Medication is generally required. The hunt is typically 3-5 days and mostly conducted by 4wd vehicle. Although we also offer horse back hunts as well. The terrain is very open and in some places one can even spot a 1000 sheep in a day!

Note:
1. For American hunters both Marco Polo can only be imported by obtaining a CITES import permit.
2. On both hunts Mid Asian Ibex can be hunted. Here again the Ibex trophy is cheaper in Kyrgyzstan than in the Pamirs. Generally speaking the trophies are better as well.

VIDEOS

Marco Polo from Tajikistan:

http://youtu.be/SwrUmXtn8KI

http://youtu.be/hMtAJU1aT30

Tian Shan Marco Polo from Kyrgyzstan:

http://youtu.be/YHJ-Oth8_yg


Take your pick they are both great hunts and some of the greatest trophies in the world.

Renaud Desgrees du Lou our partner on these hunts and owner of Seladang is a very well known french operator and has been hunting the mountains of Asia for close to 30 years. He has had umpteen articles written on him in European magazines, produced several videos and written "En passant par les Monts Célestes" - a 272 page book with 800 photos of his experiences over 20 years (when the book was written) of conducting hunts and expeditions in the mountains of Asia.

To book either of these hunts. Contact:

Arjun Reddy
www.huntersnetworks.com
30 Ivy Hill Road
Brewster, NY 10509
Tel: 845 259 3628

Great info!

Some awesome rams there! One day...

Thx for the infos, Arjun. Those are magnificent animals.

Dennis

Thanks for the clarification. Someday......

Basically you're looking at paying $10k US more for 8 to 10 inches in Taj v Kyrg.

quote:

Originally posted by lde:
Basically you're looking at paying $10k US more for 8 to 10 inches in Taj v Kyrg.

Kyrg. 18-20
Tadjikistan - 30-35

Compared to $60K for an Argali in Mongolia

Folks guaranteeing you a 60"+ Marco Polo is equivalent to a 100lb elephant---RUN AWAY NOW.

quote:

Originally posted by reddy375:
Folks guaranteeing you a 60"+ Marco Polo is equivalent to a 100lb elephant---RUN AWAY NOW.

I will not argue with you about Elefants. .
The discussion may lead you, as soon as you can even see with your eyes what can and can not be guaranteed.

regards
Igor