I have been home a few weeks from last sheep hunt, so wanted to get off a quick report on last two sheep hunts and how the 340 wby. "Shadow" performed.

Tajikistan - Marco Polo

I have been trying to complete this hunt the last 2 years, and after 4 attempts, I finally was able to complete this hunt in February earlier this year.

After 2 days in Moscow, 4 days of travel and delays through Bishkek and Osh, and after 10-hour drive and 10 checkpoints through Pamir mountains, I was finally in Yuri Matson's camp on Karakul Lake in Tajikistan.

During the first few days of the hunt I saw numerous rams, may in the 50-55" class, but elected to pass. I had no problem with altitude, so wanted to hold out for an exceptional Marco Polo trophy, even if it took 12 days.

After glassing and completing several stalks, it became obvious that when I found the "right" Marco Polo, any shot attempted would be at long range.

Later in the hunt we completed a stalk on 6 rams, and I realized the one ram was exceptional, 57-60", and was what I had been looking for. We got within 350 yards and they spooked and started to run. I squeezed off a shot at estimated range of 450 yards and hit him, but he did not go down. The ram was hit hard, but managed to move up a drainage and finally materialized, stopped, and turned broadside. I estimated range at 600 yards and squeezed off another 225 Swift-A-Frame, this time he went down for good. The altitude was 18,125' and the distance of the final shot was 627 yards!

A few days later I also shot an Asian Ibex, which was at a distance of 425 yards. Back in March, I sent you a photo of Marco Polo with rifle, but I have enclosed another photo of Marco Polo trophy in the field. By the way, the Marco Polo was exceptional, over 59" with 16" + bases, it scored 224 ¼.

Siberian Snow Sheep

In October of this year, I completed a hunt in Siberia for snow sheep. I took 2 sheep on this hunt, both out of the same herd.

As usual my 340 wby. "Shadow" provided plenty of reliability, under some very demanding weather conditions: rain, snow and extrememly cold temperatures. Both sheep were taken with one shot kills, but for a change, this hunt did not provide any real long range challenges for "Shadow," both sheep were shot at less than 250 yards.

Also enclosed pictures of Snow Sheep.

I plan on again putting "Shadow" to the test next 12 months; Iranian Red and Armenian Sheep in January, Blue Sheep in China in March, Ibex in Spain in May, Kamchatka Big Horn in August, and Hangay Argali in Mongolia in October.

I will send additional reports and pictures in future.

Sincerely,

Gary Parker