<1 club international winner for mid Asian Ibex

[huntstrong2850]

I wanted to see if any of you guys had any advice or experiences hunt in Tajikistan or neighboring countries whether it was for ibex or Marco Polo. I won the drawing at the sheep show last week and chose the mid Asian Ibex. Going with asian mountain outfitters Bryan Martin. Just wondering a bit of what to expect and what to prepare for. Hunted lots of places but never over seas. Thanks guys


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[JP100]

Awesome!

Call Bryan and chat with him. He has hunted everything everywhere and will be able to tell you all should need to know gear and prep wise.

 

[Jordan Budd]

Legit! Congrats! My colleague filmed a hunt for the show with Bryan that I think will be about the same thing your going on... I'll attach a link for you. Might help! [video=youtube_share;IhdZ2ubP9RM]https://youtu.be/IhdZ2ubP9RM[/video]

 

[Kimbersig]

you were one LUCKY SOB that the 1st drawn guy had no idea what to pick. LOL who pics tahr over an ibex!! super jealous and happy for you man. I'm sure its going to be an awesome hunt!!

 

[Travis Bertrand]

Congrats! I wanted that hunt so bad! I can’t remember, were you the first or second name drawn?

 

[Trial153]

congrats

 

[Wapiti1]

AMO has a good reputation. I've not hunted with them, but know guys that have and they were happy with the hunts.

This is based on my experience in Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan, but with other operators. Sorry, this will be a little long for a post.

First, roll with whatever comes your way. The best laid plans, blah, blah. You're there for fun, so make that a priority. I've seen guys take it so seriously they missed the whole trip. This is an adventure. You just get to hunt on it, too.

What time of year? Could be anything from bluebird sunny days to blizzards and brutal cold. It is amazing country, but unforgiving.

Of course, get in touch with Bryan and get their packing list. They have them on their website too. I'm sure they will answer any questions you have as well if you give them a call.

You need a kindle or 2-3 paperbacks. An ipod or phone full of music and earbuds. The drive to camp is usually long, like 6 hours or more long. They don't listen to music that you will enjoy for that long a time, if the vehicle has a radio. This is after the 14 plus hour flight. Pay the extra for better seats on the plane. 14 hours in coach can be BRUTAL.

Most of these are horseback hunts to some extent. The ponies are incredible, and the saddles are likewise incredible, but not in a good way.

Take a pad to sit on while riding the horses. A foam seat cushion, or fleece blanket to fold up. I used a blanket, it has multiple uses.

One thing to ask about is bringing your own stirrups. I know that sounds odd. The stirrups they have are often small and hunting boots don't fit well. You don't want to be attached to a galloping horse. That is bad juju. You can buy large ones for not much coin.

You might base camp out of a house/shack/hut, or may need sleeping bag and pad to spike camp. Ibex are at lower elevations, but ask about altitude and be prepared for that. Take antacids, and drink a lot of water over 12000 feet. Consider altitude pills.

Prepare for food that is anywhere from great to not your cup of tea. Eat it anyway. You're there for the experience. Bring some freeze dried extra meals just in case, and a few candy bars/protein bars. DO NOT drink vodka with them. They are damn good at it, I am not. I suspect you are not as well. They will have clean water, so you should only need a water bottle.

Expect a long shot. 200-500 yards. Take a rangefinder, but don't hand it off. The guides will be good, but they usually don't speak english past a few words. Don't count on them to read out an accurate yardage. Also don't count on them to judge your ibex well. They are more about success than horn size. Consider bringing an extra set of binocs for your guide to use. Just some lower end ones that are usable and you can leave there. Chances are they won't have binocs and will cob onto your Swarovski's every chance they get (if you have Swaros). If I wasn't using my Leica's, they were. I didn't mind, and found it a fun quirk of the hunt.

Think about communication. Is the billy you want third from the left? Use pebbles, marks in the dirt, etc to communicate when you need to.

Treat it like a goat hunt or sheep hunt. Layering system for clothes and good boots. I used Hanwag Alaska's and they worked perfect for me.

I can't think of any other details off the top of my head.

Have fun, and if you can spend a day in the city you fly into be it Bishkek or another. Their markets are neat and they have history that can be hard to fathom.

Jeremy

 

[Kimbersig]

Congrats! I wanted that hunt so bad! I can’t remember, were you the first or second name drawn?

he was the 2nd. First guy took the tahr

 

[Travis Bertrand]

you were one LUCKY SOB that the 1st drawn guy had no idea what to pick. LOL who pics tahr over an ibex!! super jealous and happy for you man. I'm sure its going to be an awesome hunt!!

EXACTLY what I was thinking!!!

 

[Boiler]

Wapiti, that was the most informative post I've ever read!! Very good info, wish I were using it! Congrats huntstrong!

 

[dotman]

Congrats!

 

[huntstrong2850]

you were one LUCKY SOB that the 1st drawn guy had no idea what to pick. LOL who pics tahr over an ibex!! super jealous and happy for you man. I'm sure its going to be an awesome hunt!!

I Literally sat there at the table and told the guy next to me I can’t believe he chose a tahr over an Ibex. I’d of chose the Ibex. And then they call my name lol... I was shocked and never hesitated to spit out Ibex when he asked me. I don’t think I let him finish before I said Ibex.


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[huntstrong2850]

Congrats! I wanted that hunt so bad! I can’t remember, were you the first or second name drawn?

As said I was the second guy and even more surprised he chose tahr. Who does that, but he said his dream was to hunt NZ so can’t fault him there, I’m sure he can add a stag hunt cheaper than I can a Marco Polo lol...


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[huntstrong2850]

AMO has a good reputation. I've not hunted with them, but know guys that have and they were happy with the hunts.

This is based on my experience in Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan, but with other operators. Sorry, this will be a little long for a post.

First, roll with whatever comes your way. The best laid plans, blah, blah. You're there for fun, so make that a priority. I've seen guys take it so seriously they missed the whole trip. This is an adventure. You just get to hunt on it, too.

What time of year? Could be anything from bluebird sunny days to blizzards and brutal cold. It is amazing country, but unforgiving.

Of course, get in touch with Bryan and get their packing list. They have them on their website too. I'm sure they will answer any questions you have as well if you give them a call.

You need a kindle or 2-3 paperbacks. An ipod or phone full of music and earbuds. The drive to camp is usually long, like 6 hours or more long. They don't listen to music that you will enjoy for that long a time, if the vehicle has a radio. This is after the 14 plus hour flight. Pay the extra for better seats on the plane. 14 hours in coach can be BRUTAL.

Most of these are horseback hunts to some extent. The ponies are incredible, and the saddles are likewise incredible, but not in a good way.

Take a pad to sit on while riding the horses. A foam seat cushion, or fleece blanket to fold up. I used a blanket, it has multiple uses.

One thing to ask about is bringing your own stirrups. I know that sounds odd. The stirrups they have are often small and hunting boots don't fit well. You don't want to be attached to a galloping horse. That is bad juju. You can buy large ones for not much coin.

You might base camp out of a house/shack/hut, or may need sleeping bag and pad to spike camp. Ibex are at lower elevations, but ask about altitude and be prepared for that. Take antacids, and drink a lot of water over 12000 feet. Consider altitude pills.

Prepare for food that is anywhere from great to not your cup of tea. Eat it anyway. You're there for the experience. Bring some freeze dried extra meals just in case, and a few candy bars/protein bars. DO NOT drink vodka with them. They are damn good at it, I am not. I suspect you are not as well. They will have clean water, so you should only need a water bottle.

Expect a long shot. 200-500 yards. Take a rangefinder, but don't hand it off. The guides will be good, but they usually don't speak english past a few words. Don't count on them to read out an accurate yardage. Also don't count on them to judge your ibex well. They are more about success than horn size. Consider bringing an extra set of binocs for your guide to use. Just some lower end ones that are usable and you can leave there. Chances are they won't have binocs and will cob onto your Swarovski's every chance they get (if you have Swaros). If I wasn't using my Leica's, they were. I didn't mind, and found it a fun quirk of the hunt.

Think about communication. Is the billy you want third from the left? Use pebbles, marks in the dirt, etc to communicate when you need to.

Treat it like a goat hunt or sheep hunt. Layering system for clothes and good boots. I used Hanwag Alaska's and they worked perfect for me.

I can't think of any other details off the top of my head.

Have fun, and if you can spend a day in the city you fly into be it Bishkek or another. Their markets are neat and they have history that can be hard to fathom.

Jeremy

That’s gotta be the most well thought out and informative thing I’ve ever read on here lol. Thank you for all that! Greatly appreciated! I have talked to Bryan and met him but at the sheep show he had guys left and right coming up so the conversations were forever interrupted. I just wanted personal experience from some more normal guys/women as well. Cause what I learned about Bryan in 2 hours of being around him is that’s no normal man lol.


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[Wapiti1]

You'll have a great time. Please keep us in the loop as things get closer, and of course post the results. Pictures or it didn't happen. Wish I had your luck for winning a drawing. That is pretty sweet!

Like I said, it is an adventure with hunting involved. A couple of things I didn't mention.

I spent a day in Istanbul on the way over and toured the city. Impressive city. My last layover allowed time for it. Safety wasn't a problem in 2015, YMMV in 2018. Many good flights thru Istanbul, and a few through Moscow if I recall.

Taking a rifle was painless. Decide on your rifle (flat shooting 6.5mm or bigger, ibex are not big critters) and get your 4457 done fairly soon. You want to be ready when the permit paperwork needs to be submitted and the 4457 will be part of that. Put your optics and camera on the 4457. Not required, but it takes 5 more minutes, and could save you a hassle coming home.

Take everything, rifle and optics to the customs office, but DON'T carry your rifle into the customs office. Go in, tell them you want to get a 4457 signed, then go get the rifle when they ask. They aren't keen on people with guns just walking in. Go figure.

Take a good amount of American dollars. Credit cards work in only a few places over there. Dollars work everywhere. I only converted a couple hundred into local currency for gifts and souvenirs. It is really hard to convert it back to dollars after the trip and you don't need $50 worth of souvenir money.

I use a double rifle case, pull out most of the foam, put my rifle in a soft case, then pack all sorts or goodies around it in the case. Otherwise it is hard to pack trekking poles and shooting sticks which you may want. Hard luggage is not a good idea if you transfer to horses and ride to camp.

Consider a short bipod, or shooting sticks. Shots will be prone, or off rocks. Take an extra scope and wrenches to change it.

You will probably have the option of bringing the horns/cape home as baggage. I did this and it was really easy. Seemed like a hassle at first, but it's no issue. Just have the import forms filled out and the vet certificate. AMO will know what you need.

I took a 60L duffel with all my gear and an extra 80L one. Towels covered the horns, and a game bag for the cape. Into a big trash bag, duct tape it all together, then into the 80L duffel with my boots and other gear. Your ibex will need a longer bag because you will shoot a huge one. Two tennis balls to duct tape over the horn tips.

I've not met Bryan. Talked with him on the phone once, and know his reputation thru guys that hunted with or through him. On the phone, you could tell he gets excited about mountain hunting.

Jeremy

 

[wyosteve]

A little off topic, but I always wondered. When you draw a tag/hunt in one of the raffles that is worth a lot of money, do you have to declare the value and pay tax on it similar to winnings at a casino? And, does WSF send/give you a 1099 for it? Just curious if anyone knows.

 

[idig4au]

Congrats on your good fortune. Shoot me a PM if you have questions as I have extensive experience in Kyrgyzstan and hunting in Central Asia.

 

[huntstrong2850]

You'll have a great time. Please keep us in the loop as things get closer, and of course post the results. Pictures or it didn't happen. Wish I had your luck for winning a drawing. That is pretty sweet!

Like I said, it is an adventure with hunting involved. A couple of things I didn't mention.

I spent a day in Istanbul on the way over and toured the city. Impressive city. My last layover allowed time for it. Safety wasn't a problem in 2015, YMMV in 2018. Many good flights thru Istanbul, and a few through Moscow if I recall.

Taking a rifle was painless. Decide on your rifle (flat shooting 6.5mm or bigger, ibex are not big critters) and get your 4457 done fairly soon. You want to be ready when the permit paperwork needs to be submitted and the 4457 will be part of that. Put your optics and camera on the 4457. Not required, but it takes 5 more minutes, and could save you a hassle coming home.

Take everything, rifle and optics to the customs office, but DON'T carry your rifle into the customs office. Go in, tell them you want to get a 4457 signed, then go get the rifle when they ask. They aren't keen on people with guns just walking in. Go figure.

Take a good amount of American dollars. Credit cards work in only a few places over there. Dollars work everywhere. I only converted a couple hundred into local currency for gifts and souvenirs. It is really hard to convert it back to dollars after the trip and you don't need $50 worth of souvenir money.

I use a double rifle case, pull out most of the foam, put my rifle in a soft case, then pack all sorts or goodies around it in the case. Otherwise it is hard to pack trekking poles and shooting sticks which you may want. Hard luggage is not a good idea if you transfer to horses and ride to camp.

Consider a short bipod, or shooting sticks. Shots will be prone, or off rocks. Take an extra scope and wrenches to change it.

You will probably have the option of bringing the horns/cape home as baggage. I did this and it was really easy. Seemed like a hassle at first, but it's no issue. Just have the import forms filled out and the vet certificate. AMO will know what you need.

I took a 60L duffel with all my gear and an extra 80L one. Towels covered the horns, and a game bag for the cape. Into a big trash bag, duct tape it all together, then into the 80L duffel with my boots and other gear. Your ibex will need a longer bag because you will shoot a huge one. Two tennis balls to duct tape over the horn tips.

I've not met Bryan. Talked with him on the phone once, and know his reputation thru guys that hunted with or through him. On the phone, you could tell he gets excited about mountain hunting.

Jeremy

I think you’ve nearly covered every travel and return question I could even come up with. Thank you for all that


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[huntstrong2850]

Congrats on your good fortune. Shoot me a PM if you have questions as I have extensive experience in Kyrgyzstan and hunting in Central Asia.

I absolutely will. Thank you!


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[Zackman]

Bryan is a beast!!! Be in great shape. And I mean GREAT shape!!! Congrats and thanks for supporting the Wild Sheep Foundation!!