09/02/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: USFWS Resumes Issuance of Marco Polo Sheep Import Permits.
Hunting Consortium Leads the Charge in Securing First Permits Since 2020.
Hunting Consortium is proud to announce that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has resumed issuing federal import permits for Marco Polo sheep, marking a significant breakthrough for American hunters after more than four years of regulatory delays.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the government of Tajikistan for organizing and leading the Tajikistan Marco Polo Sheep Management and Action Plan 2025-2035 Validation Workshop, which played a key role in this success. Their commitment to wildlife conservation, sustainable use, and international collaboration was instrumental in addressing regulatory concerns and ensuring that science-based management remains the foundation of Marco Polo sheep conservation.
We also thank USFWS, the Tajikistan Hunters Association, and all other stakeholders who contributed to this process. Special recognition goes to IPHA, Conservation Force, and Grand Slam Club / Ovis (GSCO) for their valuable efforts in advocating for sustainable hunting and facilitating discussions that led to this outcome.
Held during the 9th World Conference on Mountain Ungulates on October 15-16, 2024, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the workshop brought together key conservation and regulatory entities. Representatives from Hunting Consortium, IPHA, Conservation Force, and GSCO actively participated in discussions that established a structured, long-term plan for Marco Polo sheep conservation and sustainable use.
The resulting management strategy directly addressed USFWS concerns regarding population health, conservation funding, and local community benefits. With an estimated 27,000-29,000 Marco Polo sheep in Tajikistan, the workshop effectively demonstrated that regulated hunting is not only sustainable but essential for species conservation and local economic support.
We are thrilled to confirm that our clients have begun receiving their Marco Polo sheep import permits from USFWS. Below is a photo of one of the first approved trophies, a testament to the success of this initiative.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to Amy at Hunting Consortium for her dedicated efforts in facilitating and assisting clients with the permit application process. Her expertise and commitment have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful permitting experience.
Setting the Record Straight:
We want to dispel any misinformation regarding this achievement. Hunting Consortium, alongside IPHA, Conservation Force, and GSCO, was at the forefront of these efforts, actively working to secure this outcome.
While others in the industry have benefited from our work, many had no involvement in these efforts and did not attend the critical meetings that led to this breakthrough. Any claims suggesting otherwise are false.
Hunting Consortium remains committed to ensuring that responsible, ethical hunting is recognized for its vital role in conservation. We will continue to lead these efforts for our clients and the industry as a whole.
This milestone is a major victory for sustainable hunting and international conservation efforts. We will keep pushing forward, working with our partners to secure hunting opportunities and import permits for other species worldwide.
If you‘re interested in supporting the industry and want to take a nice ram, book a Marco Polo sheep hunt with The Hunting Consortium Ltd..
We offer some of the best hunting areas in the world and create customized plans for each hunter. Real consultants are not just booking agents.
