Markhor....what's the big deal?

Ragman said:

I guess I'm kind of in the minority here with @TOM. While they are a cool animal (aren't they all?), they are likely the least appealing to me of all the mountain species. I think the sheep species, our NA mountain goat and the tahr are all more attractive, but the most impressive for me is the different ibex varieties. They are incredible looking creatures. However aside from having a lunch bucket budget there is one other thing that would prevent me from hunting the sheep/goat species and that is sheer terror of falling to my death up in those mountains! Makes my blood go cold!

If I were to pick an extreme hunt that would be more for me, I think it would have to be muskox up on the tundra. That would be cool.

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Cold!! I thought about musk ox until I read about the ride in the snowmobile trailer.

Philip Glass said:

Markhor is the ultimate mountain game for many reasons. If you watch the most recent Jim Shockey Uncharted the hunt is truly extreme and dangerous. It takes place in beautiful country (to each his own) and very exotic and dangerous (ever heard of the Taliban or Mujahadin?). There is no comparison of the expense or danger (perceived) in hunting Markhor. Oh yes and I can say firsthand it is likely the smelliest goat on the planet, you get that stuff on you and it doesn't wash off!
That said for a very reasonable price you can have a wonderful adventure hunting Ibex in Kyrgyzstan and it is beautiful and exotic in its own right.
Regards,
Philip

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Thanks for the tip on Jim's show. Had not seen that one yet. Pulled it up and watched it last night. What an incredible experience.

I bet most of us have hunting goals. I could not hunt markhor because of the cost and the terrain. But I am going to the gym to prepare for hunting Spanish ibex ... maybe in five years. Lots of weight to lose, and not getting any younger.

I just watched Shockey's show, both segments and I really have to say hats off to him, what an honor to hunt a Markor!

I am not in shape for that hunt and suffered elevation sickness at much lower altitudes. And although I would not spend the money at this time... It would be great to get into that type of physical condition and be ready if opportunity presented itself! And as a US citizen it may a bit more risky than a Canadian... But damn it would truly be an honor to have that experience!

Smelly goat, maybe... But one heck of a big deal!

BRICKBURN said:

For a horn hunter, it looks like they might have something to offer.View attachment 198245

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OOOHHHHHHHH.....I like that critter !

TOM said:

I will start off by saying I enjoy all hunting and would never criticize or otherwise be negative about someone's choice in hunting. That being said, I don't get why hunting Markhor is so cool?

The animal itself looks like a stinky goat to me (you know they have to smell awful), the countryside that it resides in is rugged but not overly beautiful (at least from my research), and the cost of the hunt is exceptionally expensive (six figures plus).

What is the draw to the hunt? Is it the relative rarity of the hunt? The experience of the mountains? I would just think that there are a lot of awesome places and amazing animals to be hunted for the same or lesser cost than a stinky goat hunt in the middle east....but that's just me!

Anyone here hunted one?

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Seems like you need to be a mountain goat to be able to hunt one.

I find this an amusing topic for a site that is primarily an African hunting site.
I'm sure that the vast majority of the people on this site will not be found on a Forbe's list, so we all strive to get the most for our hunting dollars.
Of the three species of Markhor available to hunt, the CHEAPEST carries a trophy fee of 130K. As we all realize, the trophy fee is not the bottom line. So let's add another 20K to that for the hunt, travel, overnight stays at those lovely bungalows before and after the hunt. Tips, bribes, etc.
I have no idea how the tax system works in Canada for Jim, but here in the U.S., a business can write off a lot of expenses in making their hunting T.V. show.
For the rest of us, we look at our options in hunting. 150K and hunting in Africa ? Are you kidding me ? Mountain Nyala, Lord Derby, another elephant . . .
AND, instead of 10 days in the mountains eating who knows what, you could hunt in Africa eat great food, be in Africa, not worry about some jihadist, be in Africa, well you get the picture.

Hutch01 said:

Tom- Not sure why you can't appreciate the absolute magnificence of the Markhor. Hell, all the critter we hunt are 'stinky' as you put it. No other animal on the planet has ribbon like horns and are a true mountain hunt where you have to pay the govt substantially to hunt the them. Sounds like they may be out of your price range and your grouchy about it?

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I think the real challenge would be in walking and climbing their countryside.
I wouldn't be able to climb those areas and would be extremely concerned about hunting in places such as Afghanistan.
The horns are incredible though.

The Markhor is a great trophy, but let's be honest, you're venturing into the belly of the beast. Jim is a Canadian. I'm sure they know the difference.
Like everyone else, I would want the biggest bang for my buck.
I do not want to test fate and go to Pakistan. President Trump could drop another huge bomb or invade someplace and now your SOL.
Africa is so much more comfortable

MartyJ said:

The Markhor is a great trophy, but let's be honest, you're venturing into the belly of the beast. Jim is a Canadian. I'm sure they know the difference.
Like everyone else, I would want the biggest bang for my buck.
I do not want to test fate and go to Pakistan. President Trump could drop another huge bomb or invade someplace and now your SOL.
Africa is so much more comfortable

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Marty, not sure why it should offend you so much that a Markhor hunt looks fascinating. Sure, from an expense perspective, it falls into the "if you have to ask category", but I enjoy mountain hunting every bit as much as I do Africa. I travel abroad to hunt places other than Africa. I have interacted with a number of other folks on this site who do the same. And I am perfectly happy to pay the tariff for Ibex or mountain goat - that one opportunity at such an animal is, for me, enormous "bang for my buck." "Comfort" is pretty far down the checklist. I was in Spain last year, will be again next year, and back in BC the year after. Markhor, or perhaps argali, would be sort of the ultimate extension of that mountain hunting experience for many. I get that. I suppose it is something like Lord Derby for most with regard to the African experience. My own, potentially obtainable, bucket list mountain hunt is the Mid-Asian Ibex. I doubt that I will ever hunt Lord Derby.

Red Leg, you misinterpreted. I'm not "offended" by Markhor at all. Yes, I do enjoy my comfort, but I've had many hunts that were roughing it.
As for danger, I was a narcotics supervisor in Manhattan North for a dozen years and did my time in the sandbox. I've been in shootings before, I just don't want to pay 150K with the potential to be in another shooting.
I've come to a point where I want to enjoy my time, my hunts, and my kid.
If you ever have to deal with a radical you'll know what I mean

I may could have climbed those mountains 25-years ago, but I certainly could not have afforded it......then or now. But those of you that can and do, I am all for it. About Jim Shockey. IMO he has the best hunting shows by far on TV. I have access to Outdoor Channel and Sportsman channel. I think he could hunt a sewer rat in NYC and it would still be worth your time to watch. The majority of the shows are bow hunting whitetails. I can only take a little of that per week!

Cool horns, remote & rugged Location..... personally I'd love to hunt an alpine or Nubian Ibex. However, between the price, Location, unrest in the region..... probably out for me.

i like the looks of the markhor,but not enough to spend that kind of money on a hunt in its country, also at 78 and being battery powered dont think i could make it up the hill.this statement is not to open a fence or no fence discussion,thats been beat to dust and the horse aint getting up,just my thought,if i wanted a markhor i would probably go to the indian head ranch in texas and take one there,in 2004 they were going for about 10,000.00.they have about ten thousand acres of open land that looks a lot like africa.sad to say but at my age that kind of operation might be the best i can do sooner than later,and no,i wont give up hunting until im dead.

Definitely an interesting looking animal with some magnificent horns, but good lord at the price for that hunt! And in Pakistan to boot!

I've got two things on my hunting bucket list. Hunt Africa and complete the North American Super 10 Slam. If I can do those two, I'll die a happy hunter.

Is it really going to be that more dangerous than Congo, CAR, Ethiopia?

Aaron Nietfeld said:

Is it really going to be that more dangerous than Congo, CAR, Ethiopia?

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Probably not, and I'm only speaking for myself, but I'm not going to Central Africa either.

TOM said:

You sound like the type of guy who is very fond of goats

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@gizmo???

MartyJ said:

Red Leg, you misinterpreted. I'm not "offended" by Markhor at all. Yes, I do enjoy my comfort, but I've had many hunts that were roughing it.
As for danger, I was a narcotics supervisor in Manhattan North for a dozen years and did my time in the sandbox. I've been in shootings before, I just don't want to pay 150K with the potential to be in another shooting.
I've come to a point where I want to enjoy my time, my hunts, and my kid.
If you ever have to deal with a radical you'll know what I mean

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Wasn't questioning your judgement, experience or courage. I thank you for the hard work and sacrifices you obviously have made. I won't ever hunt a Markhor, but it will be an issue of expense, rather than location. I really do intend to hunt a Mid-Asian Ibex. That hunt likely will take place in the Stans. And no, Pakistan would not be a first destination choice as an American hunter.

I don't believe I mentioned danger. I haven't worked narcotics in the big city, but I suspect I have logged as much time as anyone here in the Middle East, and I had an interesting and varied military career. But let's look at that danger thing a moment. Your profile indicates you have been to Namibia. I assume that meant racing up country on gravel roads at eighty miles an hour? I wonder what and where the real highest odds of injury or death are - somewhere east of Cairo or a rolled Toyota Land Cruiser? And, of course, Zimbabwe doesn't strike me as the most stable destination in the world. And as recent posts have indicated, J'burg is looking ever iffier as an off airport excursion.

We all play this game of hunters' roulette when we travel to the Third World (with apologies to friends in the RSA). Bush planes, automobiles, second rate airlines, thugs, and upset buff and leopards. I am not sure the Asian table stakes are any worse - just different. But you are correct that neither the accommodations nor food will likely be as good.

cagkt3 said:

@gizmo???

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Finally! Someone got my joke!!