~Edward R.~
Hunt Journal

Sept. 24 - Oct. 14, 2003

Tajikistan Hunt Notes, Oct. 30 - Nov. 13.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Arrived in Istanbul after 2 plane rides. Spent the next day touring the former Sultan's Palace, Blue Mosque, and the Harbor area. Left for Dushanbe via Turkish Air.

DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN

Arrived at 4:00 a.m. at Dushanbe airport. Initially passengers were confronted with under staffing and the admin burdens of security, obtaining Visa's, and locating baggage. Miraculously, after much confusion, the Minister of Wildlife and Parks appeared. He summoned 3 American and 2 Mexican hunters, and personally took us all procedures. Then we were chaffered to meet our local hosts and Russian interpreter - Anatoli. Due to bad weather I was unable to fly to Khorog. We then experienced a 20 hour vehicle ride along mountain roads paralleling the Afghanistan border.

MURGAB, TAJIKISTAN (Camp)

Upon arrival I met my guide - Kenesh, and driver - Turdabek. We used a Russian 4X4 for daily transport to hunt along the Afghanistan border. While hunting at 16,000 feet I took Diamox as recommended by my Doctor to prevent altitude sickness. After 2 days of scoping sheep with my 60X scope we decided to stalk a small group of large male sheep. Kenesh and I changed into all white attire blending with the small amount of snow. Unfortunately the Marco Polo sheep saw us. I had to settle for a long 575 yard shot looking directly into the sun. After firing my 30-378 Kenesh noted the sheep stumbled, and ran south into Afghanistan. He and several local shepherds quietly retrieved the Marco Polo while I remained in Tajikistan. We were lucky. The next day another hunter's sheep also ran into Afghanistan. Upon retrieval border guards sighted the party and required a barter payment of all the meat.

The next two days were spent locating, stalking, and bagging an Ibex goat. The hunting method used was to walk up the opposite side of a mountain and observe from above. At 16,000 feet I walked with slow and deliberate steps, but was able to climb up the mountain. Unfortunately the Ibex have keen eyesight and I settled for a 400 yard shot.

Lack of air transport necessitated a 20 hour mountain road trip to Khorog and on to the capital at Dushanbe. Along the route I noted several Russian tanks destroyed during the 1990's civil war. Also, I saw a Swiss Company contracted to clear old land mines. Back in Dushanbe a real bed, a good meal, and indoor plumbing was especially appreciated.

The next two days were spent returning to Istanbul, JFK, and Rochester airports. It took fully 7 days to fully recover from the trip.

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