< 1,000
ca. 300 pounds
Up to 57 inches
* Information may vary. Please refer to our terms and conditions page and/or call for the latest details on prices and conditions.
Littledale Argali hunting offers a rare opportunity to pursue one of the most prestigious and elusive argali subspecies in the world. The Littledale Argali (Ovis ammon littledalei), named after British sportsman St. George Littledale, is known for its massive, spiraling horns and distinct “low-brow” appearance, making it a prized trophy among hunters. Native to the Tian Shan Mountains of China’s Xinjiang province, Littledale Argali were hunted in the remote, rugged terrain that required skill, stamina, and perseverance.
Historically, the species could only be hunted in China, with the season spanning from March to April and September to December. However, China closed to foreign hunting in 2007, halting all international access to this species. Despite this, Littledale Argali hunting remains a coveted chapter in trophy hunting history, representing the pinnacle of sheep hunting experiences. For those fortunate enough to have participated in these hunts, the challenge and prestige of pursuing this rare argali are unparalleled.
The Hunting Consortium Ltd. played a key role in organizing Littledale Argali hunts before China’s closure, and we continue to preserve this legacy while remaining committed to reopening these opportunities if restrictions are lifted.
The Littledale Argali is native to a small and highly specific range within China’s Xinjiang province, primarily in the eastern Tian Shan Mountains. Its distribution is limited to the rugged areas east of the Bogda Shan range and north and west of Hami (Kumul), a region known for its harsh landscapes and extreme climate. This geographic range is distinct from the habitat of other argali subspecies, such as the Altai Argali to the northwest and the Gobi Argali to the south.
While some scientists believe Littledale Argali may overlap with populations in the Dzungarian Mountains along the Kazakhstan-China border, Chinese authorities maintain that the true Littledale Argali is found exclusively in the Tian Shan Mountains. Historically, this precise region was the only location where Littledale Argali hunting took place, making it a unique and highly sought-after destination for international hunters prior to China’s closure in 2007.
The isolated and remote nature of this habitat adds to the mystique of Littledale Argali hunting. The rugged terrain, characterized by steep mountain slopes and high altitudes, demanded a high level of physical fitness and endurance from hunters. Today, despite the closure of hunting in China, the region’s legacy as the home of the Littledale Argali remains an iconic part of sheep hunting lore.
The Littledale Argali is celebrated for its impressive physical features, particularly its massive, spiraling horns, which are among the most majestic in the argali family. Though not the largest of the argali subspecies, its horns are notable for their tight curls and exceptional mass, making it a highly prized trophy among hunters. The horn length and structure often rival those of the Altai and Hangai argalis, with the Littledale’s horns holding a unique balance of length and mass that distinguishes it from other argali sheep.
In addition to its impressive horns, the Littledale Argali has a distinctive “low-brow” appearance, which sets it apart from other argali subspecies. This characteristic adds to the animal’s rarity and uniqueness as a trophy. Males, like other argalis, display a robust, muscular build suited for life in the steep, rocky terrain of the Tian Shan Mountains.
The combination of these physical traits makes the Littledale Argali one of the most prestigious and sought-after trophies in the world of sheep hunting. Hunters who were fortunate enough to pursue this species before China’s closure describe it as a prime example of nature’s beauty and strength, with the challenge of hunting such an animal adding to its appeal.
Littledale Argali hunting was one of the most exclusive and sought-after experiences for trophy hunters, taking place in the remote Tian Shan Mountains of China’s Xinjiang province. These hunts were organized in two primary seasons: March to April and September to December. With China’s closure to foreign hunting in 2007, Littledale Argali hunting became part of a rare legacy, with only a few hunters able to experience the challenge of hunting this majestic species in the wild.
The rugged and mountainous terrain around Hami, where Littledale Argali hunts were held, made for an incredibly demanding hunt, requiring both physical stamina and perseverance. These 8-day hunts, within a 12-day itinerary, often involved traversing steep, rocky landscapes at high altitudes. The remote location added to the allure and difficulty of the hunt, making it a test of both skill and endurance.
In addition to Littledale Argali, these hunts were often combined with other species to create a more diverse and rewarding experience. Hunters could pursue game such as:
These combination hunts allowed for a more comprehensive and adventurous expedition, maximizing the opportunity to hunt a variety of species in some of China’s most isolated and breathtaking landscapes.
Although Littledale Argali hunting is no longer possible due to China’s restrictions, the legacy of these hunts lives on. The Hunting Consortium Ltd. was a key organizer of these expeditions, offering hunters the chance to engage in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Should regulations change, The Hunting Consortium Ltd. will be ready to lead these prestigious hunts once more.
Littledale Argali hunting was a rare and prestigious opportunity due to both the physical demands of the hunt and the strict regulations enforced by the Chinese government. The hunting of Littledale Argali was highly controlled, with permits and quotas tightly regulated by China’s Forestry Administration. Only a limited number of foreign hunters were allowed access each season, making this hunt a coveted experience.
In 2007, China closed its borders to foreign hunting, effectively ending all international access to species like Littledale Argali. The reasons for the closure were tied to broader conservation efforts and a reevaluation of wildlife management policies. Since then, international hunters have not been able to legally hunt Littledale Argali or other species in China.
The terrain itself presented another challenge. Littledale Argali were found in some of the most remote and rugged areas of the Tian Shan Mountains, where high altitudes, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather made the hunt both physically and mentally demanding. Hunters needed to be in excellent physical condition to navigate the harsh landscapes and endure the extended durations of these hunts.
Despite the closure, conservation organizations and hunting operators like The Hunting Consortium Ltd. continue to advocate for responsible hunting practices and are engaged in research efforts to explore the possibility of reopening regulated hunting in the future. While there are no immediate indications of policy changes, The Hunting Consortium Ltd. remains committed to staying at the forefront of any developments regarding Littledale Argali hunting.
Littledale Argali hunting holds a special place in the world of big game hunting due to its exclusivity, the prestige of the trophy, and the remarkable landscapes in which these hunts occurred. The Littledale Argali is known for its massive, spiraling horns, which make it one of the most sought-after trophies in sheep hunting. These hunts took place in some of the most remote and challenging environments, where only the most experienced and physically fit hunters could succeed.
The significance of Littledale Argali hunting goes beyond just the physical trophy. The experience itself, involving high-altitude treks in the rugged Tian Shan Mountains, made this hunt a true test of endurance, patience, and skill. The combination of the species’ rarity, the difficult terrain, and the tight regulations governing hunting access created a sense of adventure and achievement that few other hunts could match.
Furthermore, Littledale Argali hunting is significant for its role in conservation and sustainable hunting practices. Before China’s closure to foreign hunting in 2007, regulated hunts helped contribute to local economies and conservation efforts. Today, the legacy of these hunts serves as a reminder of the balance that can be achieved between wildlife management and responsible hunting.
Although Littledale Argali hunting is no longer possible, its significance in the hunting community remains strong. Should conditions change in the future, The Hunting Consortium Ltd. is ready to facilitate these iconic hunts once again, ensuring that future generations of hunters can experience the challenge and reward of pursuing this remarkable species.
The future of Littledale Argali hunting remains uncertain due to China’s ongoing closure to foreign hunting since 2007. This closure was part of a broader effort to regulate wildlife conservation and management practices, and there have been no official signs of the country reopening its borders to international hunters. However, should these restrictions be lifted, Littledale Argali hunting could once again become a possibility for those seeking to experience one of the most prestigious and challenging sheep hunts in the world.
If China’s policies were to change, The Hunting Consortium Ltd. would be among the first to organize these hunts, drawing on its extensive experience and long history of operating in the region. Having been instrumental in arranging Littledale Argali hunts in the past, The Hunting Consortium Ltd. is uniquely positioned to offer the highest-quality experiences for future hunts. With established relationships, expertise in the logistics of hunting in remote regions, and a commitment to conservation, the company remains dedicated to ensuring that any future hunts are conducted ethically and sustainably.
While the current restrictions prevent Littledale Argali hunting, the species continues to be of great interest to trophy hunters worldwide. The demand for these hunts, combined with the efforts of conservation and hunting organizations, may lead to future opportunities for regulated and sustainable hunting in China. As the situation evolves, The Hunting Consortium Ltd. will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for the responsible reopening of this historic hunting opportunity.
Q: Can Littledale Argali still be hunted?
A: Currently, Littledale Argali hunting is not possible, as China closed its borders to foreign hunting in 2007. The species remains protected under Chinese wildlife regulations. However, The Hunting Consortium Ltd. continues to monitor any potential changes in regulations that might allow future hunts.
Q: Where was Littledale Argali hunting historically offered?
A: Littledale Argali hunting took place in the Tian Shan Mountains of Xinjiang, China, primarily in the remote regions east of the Bogda Shan range and north and west of Hami. These hunts were extremely challenging due to the rugged terrain and high altitudes.
Q: What made Littledale Argali hunting prestigious?
A: Littledale Argali hunting was considered prestigious due to the rarity of the species, the challenging environment, and the massive, spiraling horns of the argali, which are prized by trophy hunters. Only a limited number of hunters were granted access to these hunts, further adding to its exclusivity.
Q: What species were typically hunted alongside Littledale Argali?
A: Hunts for Littledale Argali were often combined with other species found in the same region, including Goitered Gazelle, wild boar, Mid-Asian Ibex, and Tian Shan Wapiti (Maral). These combination hunts added diversity and excitement to the expedition.
Q: What is the future of Littledale Argali hunting?
A: While China remains closed to foreign hunting, there is hope that future changes in regulations may allow the reopening of Littledale Argali hunts. The Hunting Consortium Ltd. is prepared to facilitate these hunts if restrictions are lifted, ensuring ethical and sustainable hunting practices.
Q: How physically demanding was Littledale Argali hunting?
A: Littledale Argali hunting required a high level of physical fitness due to the remote and rugged terrain of the Tian Shan Mountains. The hunts involved long treks at high altitudes and steep climbs, making them both physically and mentally demanding.
