08/11/2021
Review written by Mr Jorge Pinero after his hunting in our area.
I searched for a location to hunt Mid Asian Ibex in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for 2 years prior to my hunt. I looked for exceptional trophy quality, good value, good equipment, logistics, camp, good guides and reputability of the outfitter.
I chose Central Asian Safari Club to complete my Mid Asian Ibex and Marco Polo Argali and sub Karelini subspecies.
Overall Quality 10/10
Operator Organization 10/10
Communication with language 9/10
Logistics upon arrival 10/10
Hunt Base Camp Quality 10/10
Spike Camp Quality 10/10
Guides Speaking English none to Little.
Operator Translating English 10/10
Trophy Quality of Area 10/10
Trophy Quantity Potential 10/10
Trophies taken 10/10
Food Quality in Base Camp 10/10
Food Quality in Spike Camp 10/10
Trophy and Range Estimation by guides 10/10
Guides attending to client 10/10
Gun Transfer Assistance 10/10
Before and After Accommodations 10/10
Cost to Value 10/10
This is one of the best organizations in Asia. The organization is impecable. The communication exceptional. The quality of game is amazing as much of other Kyrgyzstan companies have over hunted their units. We saw multiple large trophies daily and selected our two Ibex from over 50-60 mature Ibex on our first day hunting. We look a 10 and an 11 year old massive Billy, we saw larger but our ability to stalk is what determined our trophies not the area. The largest taken as on recent is a 55” monster Ibex taken. We did see several Ibex in the 50 plus inch range but preferred mass of horns over length.
The food is as good as a restaurant in Bishkek. Spike camp food is abundant and beat any North American hunts I have done.
The quality of stock for travel is exceptional and very tame trail horses conducive to beginner riders.
The transport is very good with dependable and newer 4x4 vehicles.
This was an extraordinary hunt for the cost.
Travel to this country amidst a world crisis in nearby Afganistán was safe and our party was attended exceptionally well.
A critical part very few outfitters take into account that is very upsetting to me is Rifle re-sight and shooting prior to the hunt. This often distinguishes the truly organized operators from the not so well organized. There was a day if needed devoted solely for this purpose to make certain you are on your game from 100 to 1500 yards. We had ample opportunity to feel comfortable with the equipment.
This has been possibly the best organized mountain type expedition I have ever been on. I have been on many mountain hunts and this has been the best hunt I have experienced for a wild free range animal with a base camp in the wilderness and travel far into the wilderness via horseback to an excellent wilderness spike camp.
Trophy preparation and PreTaxidermy work of your trophy was included in your hunt not an additional added cost. Packaging of your trophy was done to take as checked luggage with all Veterinary Licenses, CITES Permits handled so that you can take your trophy as checked baggage and not have to wait one or two years and very expensive shipping and crating to get your trophies home. Most companies add this as additional costs that can result in substantial expense.
You need to be fit and have much endurance for this hunt. This is not a hotel hunt or remotely near any fenced properties. If you want true hunting and work for your trophy this is your hunt. If you are looking for an easy get out of the vehicle walk a hundred yards and shoot your animal this is not it.
Culturally it is incredible, more of an expedition than just a hunting trip.
I am returning next October for a Marco Polo Argali and plan to return for at least a few more Ibex.
Overall what you are quoted is the fee. There are no hidden or add on costs for trophies other than licenses and CITES
