Have spent the last 10 days hunting Sindh Ibex and Urial in Baluchistan and Sindh.
A wonderful experience, and specatcular landscape. I came away humbled by the tough mountain people of this troubled region, and with a couple of nice trophies to boot.
Here's a few pictures to enjoy.


Landscape


Urial Country



Urial Sheep on the skyline.

Guide glassing for Urial



My Urial Ram






http://i70.photobucket.com/alb...ersnz/UrialSheep.jpg

IBEX TERRAIN





ON THE TOPS:

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ON THE TOPS:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Excellent photos and urial. Is that the Blanford Urial that is from the Baluchistan region?

During the day we sheltered in Caves to escape the searing heat. (35+ or 100+ for you yanks.)

We sat joking and communicating without speaking. I couldn't speak a word of their language.
We drank Chai (Sweet milky tea) made on a fire.
And ate firebaked bread balls. Scrape the charcoal off and eat the center.
We also chewed on the gum of some desert tree.
Probably much the same as these guys and their ancesters have done for the past thousands of years.

They wore simple flowing robes and sandels made of Ibex hide and soles of Car Tire, or coiled rope.
I wore Meindel Boots and Hi-tech Air mesh clothes from Stoney Creek.
Thye carried water in Gourds and Plastic Oil cans covered in sacking, hung by a string over their shoulder. Their few bits of gear and food were wrapped in a shawl and draped over the shoulder.
I wore a Camelback Pack.
They used their eyes, I used Swarovski Binoculars..... So Who got it right????

And in the end my ultimate prize, a beautiful big old Sindh Ibex. 11 years old.
This hunt had all the hallmarks of a true Mountain Hunt. All the emotions: Frustration, disapointment, dispair, exhaustion and in the end....... ELATION on the last day of a 10 day hunt.

I'm on my way home now, stranded in Dubai by fog. But with me goes a memory that will last with me forever.
A unique experience in country that seldom gets a visit by outsiders. And a humbling experience to live for 10 days, amongst tough hardy mountain people, who have a huge skill set and knowlege to survive in the mountains, which are their home.
Leading uncluttered lives.
So.... who's got it all worked out???

FLESHING OUT THE CAPES, BACK IN KARACHI

Kathi: Yes these were Blandford Urial.
However there is some influence of Afghan Urial in the area. Especially so with conflict in Afghanastan being not too far away, and pushing animals over the border

That ibex is unbelievable!

What a hunt. Looks like pretty desolate country. Like the way the locals carry their animals...

Did you not have an english speaking guide with you? And how do you tip these guys?

Thanks for the report and pics. Absolutely true trophies.

WOW, congratulations,
looks like a fantastic hunt with the locals, way to go!

Killer ibex

WOW what a hunt.
This Ibex is simply Awesome.

Must have been an awesome adventure.

Amazing. I'm glad you some nice animals!
Thx for sharing.

What an adventure!
Can you tell us more about shot distances to expect?
What rifle/optics etc?
Did you see a lot of animals?

Thanks for sharing!
We "need" more Asian reports like this!

tim congratulations i hope u enjoyed every moment we were waiting to meet u but ur tight sechdule may b next time when u come, have a nice flight .

congrats!

Amazing pics, beautiful trophies.

What an awsome hunt. Congratulations on the fine animals taken.

What an amazing hunt and experience!Congratulations. I also admire the fact that you chose to try to understand the people whom you hunted with.Their values,traditions,hospitality etc.Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures.

Best-
Locksley,R.

Thank you Sikander. I am sorry I missed you this time..I was looking forward to sharing a Black label with you in that fine bar that you have. Next time... I will be back in January.. I still have an appointment with some other members of your wildlife in Pakistan.

TrackersNZ,

I too would like to hear more about what rifle and caliber you used. How did you setup the hunt?

Congrats on both animals, but I'm taken back by that ibex. Ibex are a truly regal animal. Are you doing life-size mounts or shoulder mounts?

What animals are you going back for in January?

I used a borrowed Winchester .270, with a very nice VX7 Leupold Scope.
My longest shot (Urial) was 350 yards.
Ibex was about 100 yards.
Long Shooting capacity is definitely a plus when hunting Urial. They, like a lot of Wild Sheep, are very testy. Incredibly alert and don't hang around. When they make their exit, they do not stop. No second chances.
Ibex on the other hand, are like all Goats, just a little goofy under pressure. But they live at higher elevations.
It's quite possible, with plenty of foreplanning, to take your own Rifle into Pakistan, for purposes of hunting.
Animal numbers were not high. We hunted 3 different areas. First was good for Urial only, however in two days we saw none. Second area was good for both Urial and Ibex. We saw plenty Urial, but only a few very distant Ibex in 6 days. The third area was good for Ibex only, and it was loaded.
yes I did have a chap who could speak english accompanying me, and another that had a few words, enough to get by.
Tipping: I suggest knife sharpeners (Jewel stick or similar) or Binos.
I started sharpening knives, and attracted quiet a crowd. The "Magic" Jewel Stick was popular.
I'm doing shoulder mounts.
If you're interested in doing one of these hunts PM me.

quote:

Originally posted by TrackersNZ:
Thank you Sikander. I am sorry I missed you this time..I was looking forward to sharing a Black label with you in that fine bar that you have. Next time... I will be back in January.. I still have an appointment with some other members of your wildlife in Pakistan.

What is on your list in January?
It sounds like a very cool hunt, I love adventures hunts!