Major investigations are going forward in both countries into "bootleg" hunts being conducted without proper permits. What's at stake is the importability of these animals into the US and, longer term, the survival of these hunts as a legal activity. Clearly, individual hunters and agents alike are going to have to work together to bring this hunt into conformance with the law. If they don't, the hunt will likely be shut down.
The underlying problem here is an apparent violation of the Marco Polo quota of 70 sheep in Tajikistan and 60 in Kyrghizia. Though most observers say Marco Polo populations are on the upswing and capable of sustaining a harvest of 200 sheep or more, 70 is the official sheep harvest authorized by the Tajikistan government and accepted by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Sixty is the equivalent number in Kyrghizia. If more animals than that are taken by sport hunters, the hunt is at risk of being redlined by the US. That would result in trophy imports being halted. Globally, the hunt is at risk of coming under increased scrutiny by anti-hunting groups.
At present, most observers are confident that hunts will resume this fall under heightened scrutiny and regulation. The would-be hunter needs to be aware, however,........(continued)
