Ultimate Ibex Hunt 2021 / Tadschikistan

Tajikistan ibex: Adventure of a lifetime

In September 2018 I hunted ibex in the Parcham Conservancy of Tajikistan through H&CAT. This hunt is not for everyone. But if you are in good shape, love the mountains, and want to truly experience the culture and lifestyle of central Asia, you will find it to be the experience of a lifetime. I will never forget the kind, generous people, the amazing wildlife, and the stunning beauty of the high Pamirs. I have a fair amount of mountain-hunting experience in North America and elsewhere, and this was by far the most physically difficult hunt I have done. My hunting partner and I were both successful on ibex, taking them at an elevation of more than 16,000 feet after several days of tough climbing and hiking. Ibex are magnificent game animals. Get in good hiking/climbing shape. Prepare for long shots. The time of year you go makes a big difference--early in the season it is much more difficult. We were there at the end of September; it was still warm and there was no snow, and the ibex were very high. Once the snow flies, ibex will move lower, and you won’t have to climb as far. The conservancy guides in Parcham were outstanding. They know these mountains intimately, but just as important, they understand visiting hunters. They have an excellent feel for the pace at which you can hike, and will adjust and care for you accordingly. We stayed in a home in the village, and also spent several nights camped out high on the mountain in a small tent. Even in the village, do not expect indoor plumbing, a great deal of privacy, or other comforts you might be used to. Do, however, expect the kindest, most generous people you have ever met to open their homes to you, share with you what they have, and be your hosts and your friends. The people of Tajikistan are welcoming to hunters and to visitors in general. They take pride in their country and their culture. Everyone we met, in the airport, in the villages, and in the city of Dushanbe, made us feel safe and welcome. Be prepared for a very long, rough drive from Dushanbe to the conservancy and back on the infamous Pamir Highway—an adventure in itself. By participating in this hunt, you will be supporting one of the finest hunter-funded conservation projects in the world. H&CAT’s work in setting up and supporting local conservancies has resulted in healthy and thriving populations of ibex, snow leopards, and other species. The money you pay goes directly to the local conservancy where you hunt—not to an outfitter or middleman--providing direct financial support to the local villages, whose inhabitants are now the greatest champions and protectors of Tajikistan’s mountain wildlife.

Challenging but rewarding hunt!

The people I encountered were all very friendly and very happy to engage with me as a visiting hunter from another country. The team of professionals who assisted me could not have been more helpful and attentive. They worked extremely hard to make sure my hunt was successful and that my experience was positive. I spent a couple extra days seeing Dushanbe and had a wonderful tour guide who again, went above and beyond to insure my stay was memorable. The history of Tajikistan is fascinating and the Tajik people I encountered are proud and very hard working... I would definitely hunt again with Conservation Hunting and I consider it a great value in mountain hunting. I very well may return for other hunts if I can afford to hunt some of the other game that they have available. I will be in better physical shape and do more distance shooting at steep angles before returning... Oh, another thing, I loved the food! There were always fresh fruit and vegetables available and the soups and main courses were delicious...

Conservation Hunting has a few different hunting areas depending on what animal/s you are hunting. Ibex was my quarry and they can be found in a couple of different hunting areas. For several reasons I ended up going to an area that was extremely physically demanding and we had a big snow storm dump over a foot of snow on the valley bottoms, followed by sub freezing temperatures. During other times of the year they are able to use horses and trucks to get closer to the actual hunting area which would make a huge difference. I was able to ride a horse some, but mostly it was extreme hiking/climbing. Also, this area is particularly challenging to get close to the animals so the shots are very long and often at extreme angles. I ended up connecting on two large ibex and a large wild boar, but it was the hardest hunt I have undertaken.

Amazing amazing experience hunting Ibex in Tajikistan!

Everything about this hunt was professional and an absolute adventure! The food, people, and entire experience was just beyond words great! The entire team here works extremely hard to make sure you have success. From the time I landed in Dushanbe to the time I was back at the airport heading home, I was in good hands. You need to prepare for this hunt as it will challenge you physically in the mountains. Also, prepare for shots from 300-400 yds. The guides will work with you to accommodate your abilities though. We saw a LOT of ibex! Outstanding opportunities. If you can hike you will get a change at a big ibex! Listen to this outfitter when he recommends a minimum 300 win mag. These ibex are bigger than I expected! I enjoyed the Tajikistan food and culture SO much! It is almost impossible to describe the beauty of the Pamir mountains. Feels like you are on another planet! If you are going to Tajikistan, I HIGHLY recommend them!!!!

It is very difficult to list anything I didn't like. It is a fairly long drive to the hunt area from Dushanbe but the scenery along the way more than makes up for the hours spent in the vehicle.

Fantastic Markhor

Great help from everybody. Very warm welcome et fantastic seeneries. THe mountain range is impressive especially with the wolves howling in the background. Many trophy animals. Get ready for long distance shooting.

Accomodations a bit rough when camping at the top of the mountain.

Ibex Hunt 2019

Honestly, I don’t have any complaints. I was hoping for a great mountain hunt and that is exactly what I got. We saw plenty of ibex covered a lot of ground and I was able to shoot an exceptionally good ibex. I would definitely recommend this hunt to anybody who is looking for a great mountain adventure. Everything from the planning of the hunt to the actual hunt and all the paperwork involved in getting my trophy back into United States went flawlessly. The camp staff, guides and interpreter were all extremely friendly, courteous and kind. Overall just a wonderful experience.

From what I understand, this year there was an exceptional amount of snow in the mountains. I would have liked to experience this hunt without as much snow, LOL, at times the snow was anywhere from 12” to 24” deep which made the hiking difficult at times.

GREAT HUNT!

VERY FRIENDLY ! THE HUNT IS WHAT I EXPECTED. VERY HARD, MANY MILES OF HIKING. A LOT OF GAME

Two great hunts in Tajikistan: markhor and urial

This is a very unusual and exciting hunt. It is community based and promotes conservation and sustainable development.

Nothing

2018 Ibex hunt Pamir Mountains

This hunt was as challenging as any hunt I have been on. Our guides worked extremely hard for us and we're very patient with me to help me be successful.

The thin air made it very difficult to climb but I just had to go at my pace.

I was overwhelmed by the fact that after this strenuous climb and the last days I could have the chance to kill this amazing Ibex. It was incomprehensible, I can hardly believe it and i´m really gratefull about everything.

the heartwarming people, the landscape, the hunting days and the night sky

sometimes the food

A great experience

Personnel were very helpful

At 77 years old the mountains are getting harder

Good hunting experience

My friend, a German architect, and I, a farmer from the Black Forest in Southwest Germany went on this Ibex-hunting expedition to the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan in March 2015. Quality and comfort of lodging arrangements were quite satisfying and presumably would match the expectations of the majority of foreign hunters who come to such a remote place in search for adventure. All services provided by the site manager’s staff reflected an extremely “authentic” hospitality and the desire of everybody to do his very best. The hunting guides were extremely motivated to lead a successful hunt, they were also perceptive to adjust their working speed at any time to the limits of our physical conditions. Those Kyrgyz and Pamiri guides/hunters have outstanding knowledge about the distribution and localisation of wildlife resources in the hunting area. Their extraordinary competence for targeting potential males to extract was beyond any expectation. In one week on top of the world we both managed to harvest an ibex without stress and hurry. Apart of the numerous ibex we saw a lot of argalis, wolves, eagles etc. Overall it was an exciting challenge and a unique experience to hunt in that remote and unspoiled place. I hope that it will remain for long time as it is ...

Abundant game, challenging hunt, all at a very reasonable price.

Game was plentiful, guides were focused on clients needs and took into account hunters shortcomings. Very genuine,very friendly, and very focused on your success.. H&CT has been very effective at bringing ibex, markhor, and Marco Polo back to sustainable numbers. From the time we landed in Dushanbe to the time when we left... we felt at all times very safe and very welcome. Entry and exiting of country was extremely well organized and very efficient. Drivers were very good and vehicles had seat belts and good tires. People were very kind, helpful, and treated my wife and I like royalty.

went in january had a lot of snow made it hard to get around i think it would have been better in november or december. the crew worked very hard and i had a great time hunting with them. they seen to my every need we had a lot of fun. took two nice ibex would like to go back and try and get the giant we were after

the whole experience was jus awesome would definitely do it again

Excellent hunting experience