Ibex hunting in Tajikistan - Australian Hunting Consultants

Ibex hunting in Tajikistan
Tajikistan is a landlocked country in central Asia with 90% of its surface
covered by mountains the most famous mountain range is the Pamir
Mountains that stretch across Tajikistan and into neighbouring China.
Tajikistan is most famous for its population of Marco Polo Argali but it also has
some exceptional mid Asian Ibex as well.
Hunting
Hunting is done with the aid of horses and it’s not uncommon to cover some
20 to 30 klm on horseback each day. You will get an early start, some times
before daylight depending on the situation and if you have spotted some good
trophy animals bedding on dark. The final approach/stalk will be done on foot
usually from above the ibex until you can close the distance to 300 to 400
meters for a shot. You will have 1 and sometimes 2 guides to help you with the
hunt, most guides have some English skills enough to get by.
Accommodation
In the base camp which is at just under 4,000 meters altitude there are
permanent stone building that can accommodate several hunters with a
kitchen, sleeping and eating areas as well as a traditional Russian sauna for
washing. Whilst hunting there are several small hunts and camps scattered
around the many valleys that are used for overnights or a few days at a time.
During the hunt your guides will supply you with food and drinks mostly green
and black tea. It’s a good idea to pack some snack foods as these are difficult to
find in Tajikistan.
Getting there
Best way is to transit via Istanbul Turkey (gun friendly) and arrive in Bishkek or
Osh in Kyrgyzstan from here it’s around a 10 hour drive to the mountain pass
where the guides will meet you with horses and equipment for the 1 day ride
into camp.
Seasons
August to November and February. Best time is October
Weather
In October there is usually little snow on the ground with pleasant sunny days
and cool nights. Daytime temps are from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius and night
are from 5 to – 5 degrees Celsius. Cold and snowy weather can come at any
time so you should pack some suitable clothing for this event and a white
overall is very helpful for camouflage if there is snow on the ground.
Price
14 day tour including 1 trophy ibex US$6,000
Additional ibex
US$3,000
Price includes
1 trophy ibex
Guiding 1 x 1 and horses during the hunt
Field preparation of trophies
Accommodation and meals during the hunt
Ground transfers from Osh to hunting area
Vet certificates and export documents
Price does not include
Airfares
Accommodation before and after the hunt
Additional trophies
Rifle rental and ammo
Rifle permits if required
Visas and VIP service in airport
Tips to your guides and camp staff (optional)
Person items
Summary
This hunt is a great opportunity to take an above average ibex, the camp can
only be accessed by horse so has very little hunting pressure. I have personally
spent 6 weeks in this camp and can confirm the good numbers and trophy
quality of ibex there.