I watched a rifle hunting video recently that was filmed last year. It took place in Tajikistan. They were hunting Marco Polo sheep. Super high elevations and very steep open country.
It got me thinking, has anyone ever taken a Marco Polo sheep with a traditional bow? In my search on the internet I couldn't even find that someone with a compound had taken one.
The Marco Polo is a magnificent animal and would be a very challenging and expensive bowhunt, but what an experience.
P.S. Just read that Jack Frost (compound) has taken one. I'm guessing maybe a couple of others?
I believe Tom Hoffman and Gary Bogner both have. Archie Nesbit might as well. I'm not certain. Definitely would be a cool hunt to try someday. I've seen some youtube videos and definitely looks like tough bowhunting terrain.
Not many firsts left when it comes to traditional bowhunting. It would be great to see a recurve shooter and or a longbowman take a Marco Polo.
Thanks for your post Trenton G.
On my bucket list, but will have to hit the lottery first cause I think guided hunts cost like a 100 grand... :goldtooth:
Honestly they're not nearly as bad as what I thought they would be. Not nearly as expensive as hunting a desert bighorn in NA. That's not including travel and what not though.
from what i've seen on youtube it is very open country with little opportunity to get tradbow close. it would be very difficult but not impossible. if it was something you could hunt alot and spend many days over multiple years, eventually the stars would align and circumstances would allow an opportunity. might happen on the 1st day, might happen on the 100th day. getting it to happen on a single 14 day hunt would be the hard part.
It sure would be a great hunt, along with ibex.
I would think that plenty of Tajiks and Kyrgyz have done it before center fire rifles became widely available to them.
Lots of examples of archery gear in museums in Eurasian. They lived by the bow and horse.