Jack Brittingham's 2003 Tajikistan Marco Polo Hunt
Field Report #3, September 22, 2003
Hello Everybody:
I know it has been several days since my last update and apologize for not being more regular with my reports.
This has been the most arduous hunt I have experience since the last time I was here. Each morning we have been up at 4:00 AM and arriving back around 9:30 at night. Temperatures have been warmer than expected but lack of snow has made stalking nearly impossible since we have not been able to utilize our snow camouflage which is the only truly effective camo in this environment. Too, the sheep are spending their afternoons much higher than normal (around 17,000 to 18,000 feet).
We have made several climbs into the heads of several valleys, starting at 13, 500 feet and climbing up to 16,500 feet. These have been exhausting affairs but have produced sightings of some magnificent rams. Unfortunately, the wind has often been in the sheep's favor, resulting in their climbing beyond our reach where they would stare down at us as if we were some kind of joke! These have been very demoralizing experiences which we will continue to try to overcome in the short amount of time we have left.
My friend and hunting partner, Michael Viljoen managed to take an outstanding ram two days ago, at last light when a group of rams came down to from their bedding area to feed in the valley. His ram measured 60 x 59 with very good bases. I will expand on that story when I return. Hopefully, I will have a story of my own to post as well!
I hope you are all well.
Take care,
Jack Brittingham