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Blue Sheep (Bharal Pseudois nayaur).

Occur high in the north of the northern Pakistan mountain range near the border to China. At an altitude of around 3500 meters (11550 ft) are wide plateaus which form the most western habitat zone of the blue sheep. The Karakorum Highway cuts this habitat zone in 2 sections. A recent survey puts the blue sheep population at 1400 in one, and 360 animals in the other sector. Protected from the local hunters these populations increased steadily and now for the first time a few record size rams may be hunted. The hunting areas can only be reached after extensive trekking tours that range from one and a half to three days, requiring all in all ten to twelve hunting days. These days are well spent for these areas also contain Ibex which could also be hunted if so desired and the blue sheep here produce some particularly strong rams. We expect some old rams to reach world record class horns. The blue sheep reach the rutting season earlier than other wild sheep and for this reason the hunting season starts from November 1.to November 31. These hunts are only for keen and fit hunters used to mountain terrain, sleeping in small tents or primitive shepherd huts. The professional hunters, the mountain guides, the porters and the local game scouts will of course try everything in their powers to make this hunt as comfortable as possible and an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

© The Mammals of Pakistan / T.J.Roberts, Ernest Benn