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Marco Polo Sheep Hunt in Tajikistan

WTA Team
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  • WTA Team

I recently had the opportunity to go on a WTA hosted hunt, with Mark Peterson, to Tajikistan in search of a Marco Polo sheep.  One would think that having my own underground 100 yard rifle range would give me an edge while hunting Marco Polo sheep, but I’m here to tell you nothing could be further from the truth.  Marco Polo shots are out there!

 

My Marco Polo hunt plans started when my wife saw a picture of a Marco Polo sheep in one of my magazines and said, “Why don’t you have one of these?”  My answer was, “Did you read about the cost of the hunt, the long flights and all the driving you got to do to get there?” She knew that I had seen a photo of a Marco Polo when I was 12 or 13 years old and had wanted to hunt one ever sense then.  So, my dear wife added the costs up and said “I think you need to go regardless of whatever.”   Those were her words and that was good enough for me.

 

I have heard about some of the horror stories told by hunters going after sheep in third world countries, and decided that I needed assistance to make my trip successful.  I called Worldwide Trophies Adventures and what an excellent decision that turned out to be. The OA staff at WTA was excited to talk to me about the trip.  They answered every question I had and knew what was going on. Then I was told that Mark will call you the next day and he did. Mark kept using the phrase “hosted hunt”, and said he was personally hosting this hunt.  Mark honestly described what would happen on his hosted hunt.  I was hooked and soon booked for the adventure of my life time.

 

Not long after, I received 13 pages of instructions on how to travel, what to bring and other useful information.  I started planning and putting things in order. Mark has an extremely well organized group of people at WTA who made my planning easy.   Our group, for the hosted hunt, met in Chicago and headed East on Turkish Air.  We arrived in Istanbul after a long flight and then took another flight to Dushanbe, Tajikistan.  Then it was more than a day traveling in Toyota Land Cruisers to reach our base camp.  I didn’t know what to expect, but our base camp was one of the finest I have ever been in.  We had great food and clean rooms and a friendly staff with smiles.

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Traveling to base camp in Tajikistan

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After a short first night, breakfast was at 7.  Then we went to the range to check our rifles.  The range had two-foot square steel swinging target, painted yellow, with a painted black diamond in the center.  They were at 300, 400, 500, and 600 meters, so we knew that short shots were probably not much of a possibility.

 

Heading out of our camp, there were Marco Polo sheep everywhere.  They were on the mountains and in the valleys.  There were herds of a few sheep and herds of several hundred. We got within several hundred yards a herd of maybe 200 or so.  My guide and the interpreter were excited about one of the rams in the group.

 

It was not easy trying to find that one trophy sheep out of such a large herd, but I found him in my binoculars and then in my scope. My guide and my interpreter were helping me keep on him.  Then my ram stepped left and stopped and looked down at me. They were giving me yardage as he kept climbing.   He stopped at 720 yards and I was sure glad that I practice long shots back in Idaho.  We were at the base of a hill that was so steep that my bi pods were extended all the way out and I still could not get enough lift.  I was shooting up hill at a steep angle of about 65 degrees and the wind was blowing left to right at about 50 miles an hour.  I held into the wind at what I thought was true and squeezed the trigger.  He dropped on my first shot.  I hit a little bit low in the front shoulder but he was my sheep soon after that. My guide kept saying he’s a real trophy at 60 inches plus. Later when we put the tape on him, he actually measured 61 inches.  My first day hunting Marco Polo couldn’t have gone any better.   I just can’t say enough good things about my dream team who assisted in the hunt.

Marco Polo
Kerry and his Marco Polo Sheep

 

On day 2 of the hunt, we were traveling and looking for Mid Asian Ibex. There are a lot of them around but they were mostly up high in the rocks.  We found this small herd of females but it also had a single dark male.  His color made him easy to track as the herd moved up the mountain.   We first saw him at 300 yards but he just kept climbing as the wind was swirled.   At 660 yards he stopped for the first time, turned left and looked straight down at me. The wind was so crazy but I thought it mostly was in my face, so I just held dead center and squeezed the trigger.  My dream team started yelling and giving me the high five.  We could see that he was hit and I figured hit hard but he never went down.  All of the Ibex ran but him and he was moving slower and slower to reach the rock ledge where he went down.  My guide and interpreter thought that he was 40 plus, but to my complete amazement he measured a full 44 inches. What an amazing Ibex he was!   What an amazing adventure it is in Tajikistan!!

Ibex
Kerry and his Mid-Asian Ibex

The staff working at this camp were the best professionals I’ve ever seen when it comes to capping, fleshing, salting and caring for our trophies.  They are amazing to say the least.

 

The bottom line facts describing this amazing hunting adventure are simply this.  During my time in Tajikistan I saw over 5000 Marco Polo sheep, about 1500 Ibex, 13 wolves, 1 fox and 1 Snow Leopard.  I had a great time with the hunters assembled for Mark’s hosted hunt and made many new friends.    WTA and Mark Peterson gave me my hunt of my life time.  Integrity is the word that comes to my mind.    Putting it simply, if you are not using WTA as your outfitter, you are not using the best.

 

Thank you very much WTA for doing and being all that you promised!

 

Morgan Kerry Phillips

 

If you’re interested in learning more about WTA’s hosted hunts, click here.

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Building a Quail Hunter’s Paradise: Habitat Improvements and Day Hunts at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters

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Expanding into quail hunting was a natural fit to complement Salt River Outfitters’ already thriving deer hunting operation. With a clear vision and a commitment to quality, we set out to create a quail program that could stand among the best in the region. Drawing on the expertise of skilled dog handlers, seasoned habitat specialists, and our experienced guides and habitat managers, we’ve built something special.

Over the last few years, we’ve been steadily transforming Stonewall Plantation’s land from cattle pasture to high-quality bobwhite quail habitat. We aimed to create hunts that feel as close to wild as possible, and unlike confined shooting preserves, our hunting grounds span diverse terrain including ridges, hollows, and rolling hills. That transformation hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. A huge part of that effort has focused on the removal of invasive fescue which had taken over much of the pasture. Fescue chokes out native grasses and eliminates the natural cover and food sources that the quail depend on. Through persistent spraying and management, we’ve brought back the native species and laid the groundwork for wildlife to thrive.

In addition to native grasses, we’ve planted food plots throughout the property—carefully selected mixes of grain sorghum, millet, sunflowers, corn, and Korean lespedeza. These plots not only support healthy quail populations, but they’ve also created a boom in other wildlife. Watching our dogs lock up on a big covey of birds is a rewarding moment, and those moments are coming more frequently each year.

Our last season proved that the work is paying off. Hunters enjoyed productive days in the field, with strong bird numbers and multiple coveys flushed during most outings. Many visitors left with full game bags, big smiles, and stories they’ll tell for years. Based on the success of a limited trial last year, we’re also excited to expand access with guided day hunts this upcoming season. In October and December, we’ll offer morning and afternoon hunts for up to three hunters at a time. Each hunter will have the opportunity to harvest up to 30 birds, with lunch included in the hunt package. It’s a new way to experience Salt River, whether you’re a first-time guest or a returning visitor.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard: “My dad and I hunted quail when I was younger, but with quail numbers down, we haven’t hunted them in years.” Last season, a gentleman booked a hunt for his father, his son, and himself—three generations in the field. The stories they shared around the dinner table that night were moving and unforgettable. The joy in their eyes and the bond they rekindled through the hunt reminded me why we do this.

Being part of such an experience—where a grandfather and father can introduce a young man to something they’ve cherished for decades—is priceless. Our goal at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters is to continue creating new memories for many seasons to come.

The habitat is stronger. The lodge is more comfortable. The birds are flying better. And our program now has a proven track record of delivering exceptional hunts. Whether you’re coming for a full three-day experience or joining us for a day hunt, we can’t wait to share this quail hunting heaven with you.

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Authentic Quail Hunting in Kentucky’s Heartland

If you’re looking for a genuine quail hunting experience paired with southern hospitality, our Kentucky operation delivers. Nestled in Bourbon Country in partnership with Worldwide Trophy Adventures, we’ve built an experience that honors upland hunting traditions while showcasing our stunning landscape.

Our historic property, once a cattle farm, has been carefully transformed into prime Bobwhite quail habitat. We aimed to create hunts that feel as close to wild as possible. The centerpiece is a fully restored pre-Civil War farmhouse, now a comfortable lodge accommodating up to 6 hunters.

Unlike confined shooting preserves, our hunting grounds span diverse terrain including ridges, hollows, and rolling hills. We’ve designed multiple routes across the property, ensuring each hunt feels unique and exciting. Guests often tell us that it’s the closest they’ve come to wild quail hunting in years.

We don’t impose bag limits. Arrivals are typically on Wednesdays, with two and a half days of hunting concluding on Saturday afternoon. Our philosophy is simple: create an authentic and enjoyable experience for all skill levels, free from the pressure of quotas.

Days begin with a hearty breakfast at the lodge. By mid-morning, you’re in the field with our skilled dog handlers and guides. We hunt until lunchtime, break for a meal, then head out for an afternoon session. Evenings bring cocktails, appetizers, and a delicious dinner followed by relaxation and camaraderie at the lodge.

We keep our group sizes intentionally small, usually two or three hunters, each paired with a handler and a guide. This ensures personalized attention and ample shooting opportunities. Our guides also will try to get some photos and videos for you to take home.

We take immense pride in our birds. Through an exclusive partnership with an experienced breeder, we offer mature, strong-flying quail that truly challenge hunters. Our dogs and handlers are also top-notch, crucial elements in creating memorable hunts.

A really cool added perk of our location is its proximity to Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Trail. Many of our guests combine their hunt with distillery visits. It’s the quintessential Kentucky experience. That’s also a great backup plan if weather disrupts hunting.

As another season approaches, we’re eager to share our creation with more bird hunters. With limited availability, now is the time to secure your spot. For details and bookings, contact us! Come experience Kentucky’s finest Bobwhite quail hunting!

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Quail Hunting in Sonora Mexico - The Journey Within, A Bird Hunter’s Diary

The last stop of my Upland Slam journey was in Mexico’s northern state of Sonora. Sonora is just across the border from Arizona and a bit of New Mexico. For the slam, we would be seeking Elegant quail and doves. In a later blog, I will cover our amazing dove hunting in Sonora. Sonora has always been one of my favorite hunting destinations as the people, culture, terrain and plentiful game ensure that my hunts there are always memorable. In February, leaving the snow in Michigan for Sonora’s warm desert, is another plus.

The main reason we chose Sonora for the Upland Slam was that the state is home to Elegant Quail. Elegant Quail are a New World species of quail that is only found in northern Mexico. Their range reaches from Sonora and Chihuahua into Jalisco, but the majority of the birds are in Sonora. They are commonly found in thorny scrub brush areas inter-mixed with open ground and are usually near cultivated fields. Because these birds are in northern Mexico, which makes them harder to hunt for US hunters, they are not as well-known as the other northern species of quail. Elegant Quail are also the least hunted species of quail. This is not because of low population numbers, which are stable and growing. It is solely because it is more difficult for bird hunters to get to them, especially if the upland hunters want to use their own dogs. Adding to the difficulty is that you need to hunt on private ground and only a small handful of outfitters offer Elegant Quail hunting.

WTA works with great outfitters from all over the world and we have some great ones in Sonora, where our team has personally hunted and vetted the operations. One outfitter, in particular, specializes in dove, quail, and waterfowl hunting. This team knows what they are doing and have numerous areas to hunt. This past spring, while seeking my World Turkey Slam in a single season, I was with this outfitter and hunted with them for Gould’s turkeys. I took two big toms while enjoying some great Mexican cuisine along the way. It was during this spring trip that I started to make plans for my February return trip for doves and quail.

The process for bringing dogs into Mexico is extremely simple, as is the process for returning your dog back to the US. In late 2019, the Mexican laws were changed, starting in 2020, so that no formal documentation was required to bring your dog from the US into Mexico. However, having travelled to Mexico numerous times in the past, I always want to be prepared, just in case there is a snag with customs while crossing the border. As a result, to avoid any potential problem, I obtained a veterinary certificate for each of the dogs. These certificates identified each of my dogs and showed that they were each up to date on all of their shots and vaccinations. I was asked, at customs in Hermosillo, to see the veterinary certificates and I was happy to have the documentation, so we cleared customs without a problem. Our outfitter did all of the necessary gun paperwork, in advance, and met us at the airport to assist in the process. Within an hour of landing, we were on the road to the lodge. The lodge is located on the outskirts of Hermosillo, which is perfect as it allows for easy travel to the different hunting areas scattered in different directions in surrounding Sonora.

There are two species of quail that are open to hunting in the areas around Hermosillo. These are Elegant Quail, the main reason for this trip, and Gambels Quail, which we had earlier hunted in Arizona. We would split our time in Sonora and hunt for both quail on this trip. Our main focus was Elegant Quail and we decided to target them first. From Hermosillo, we headed by vehicle about two hours northeast, which brought us into a rural agricultural/cattle grazing area. There were both Elegant Quail and some Gambels in the area, but the area was preferred by Elegant Quail. When hunting quail, it is not good to start early in the morning as the quail need time to get off the roost and start moving around. We targeted to be at our hunting areas around 9:30 in the morning and to have the dogs down and hunting by 10 am. This would give us a couple of good hours of hunting before the afternoon temperatures would get high enough to cause heat troubles for our dogs. We would take the mid-afternoons off to rest, as the temperatures were just too hot for the dogs to run. Later in the afternoon, when the temperatures started to drop, we could again hunt the last couple of hours before sunset.

After the long travel from Michigan to Sonora, our dogs were excited to be back in the field. It didn’t take long for the dogs to get birdy and, just like all of the other quail species, Elegant Quail like to show off their legs and run like crazy. After a bit of teamwork, we got our first covey cornered and got them in the air. As the cover was fairly thick, I didn’t have a shot on the initial break up of our first Elegant Quail covey. We then set out after singles, which tended to hold tighter and not run as much as the large covey. Both Arrow and Shooter locked up in front of me. I slowly walked up and two quail were in the air. I raised my Benelli Ethos and covered the first bird. After a quick trigger pull, I watched the bird fall. My first Elegant Quail was a gorgeous male. The pressure was now off for the trip as my last quail for the Upland Slam was in hand.

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