This majestic animal can be seen in some of the remotest cliffs in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. Its diversified habitat ranges from the sea level along the Makran coastal range to the towering cliffs of the Ko-e-Maran Range in Balochistan, at altitudes exceeding 3,350 meters (10,990 ft) above sea level.
One of the main privileges of hunting in these meadows is that all of these areas are quite close to the bustling city of Karachi as compared to the far-flung Northern regions. Our access to these areas will be through good roads (+ freeways) on which we run our first-class air-conditioned motor coaches. The average driving time from Karachi to these habitats is approximately, 02 hours, however, upon arriving the road ends of these habitats, we do need to use 4WD jeeps to go deeper into the meadows but mostly we stalk on foot. The walks are easier on the undulating but dry & small hills, ravines & gorges studded with shrubs & grass.
Since these areas are far below the snow line, temperatures during the peak Hunting Season (Dec-Jan) are pleasantly moderate (an ordinary fleece or jacket is sufficient). By mid-February, it becomes a bit warmer, but still bearable by March. So, jeeping, camping, walking, and stalking are much easier in these areas than in the mountainous habitats of our northern areas.
The Provincial Wild Life Departments auction all permits, which are given to the highest bidding Pakistani outfitters only. The wildlife department of Sindh province grants only 05 hunting permits, whereas the province of Balochistan grants 30 hunting permits. So, one must book the hunts well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Taxonomy & Game Profile
Biological Name: Ovis Vignei Blandfordi
Local Name: Urial in Punjab, Gad in Balochistan & Shapu in Gilgit-Baltistan
Shoulder Height: 76 -to 91 cm (30 -to 36 inches)
Body Length: 127 -to 140 cm (50 to 55 inches)
Weight : 45 -to- 48 kg (99 -to- 105 lbs
Horn Length: 63 -to 105 cm (25 -to 41 inches)
About Blandford Urial
The Urial, also known as the Arkars or Shapo, is a subspecies group of wild sheep. Noticeable features include the long reddish-brown fur that fades during winter; males are characterized by a black ruff stretching from the neck to the chest and large horns. Urial males have large horns, curling outwards from the top of the head and turning in to end somewhere behind the head. The males’ horns may be up to 100 cm (39 in) long. The shoulder height of an adult male Urial is between 80 and 90 cm (31 and 35 in). Females have slender upward curving horns about 12.7cm(5in) long.
Similar to the Marco Polo Sheep in general body proportions and coloring but averaging considerably smaller in size with shorter, less massive horns. The face is generally grayish, the long, slender legs and belly are creamy-white, and the body fur is reddish-grey. There is no extensive white area in the caudal region. The tail is always the same color as the dorsal hair and lacks a longer or terminal tuft. The sub-orbital glands are deep and conspicuous, often exuding a viscous substance that mats the hair. The iris is pale yellowish-grey, with the retina contracting to a horizontal slot.
Reproduction:
Gestation Period: 150-180 days. Single or occasional twin lambs are born mid-April to early May in Punjab and often as early as late March in the Kirthar Range in Sindh. During Rut, Rams show no sign of sexual interest or rut until their third autumn when they are two and a half years of age. Sexual Maturity: At 4-5 years. Life Span: 10-11 years.
Social Behaviour :
Like the Marco Polo sheep, Urials are gregarious, and the biggest herds consist of associations of females with their followers and immature males. Feeding activity is confined to the early morning and evening in the summer months, often commencing well before dawn. During the day, they rest, usually under an overhanging bush or rock where they are well concealed. Their sight, hearing, and sense of smell are all acutely developed. They are excessively wary, depending upon early detection of approaching danger and flight for their survival.
Habitat :
Its habitat consists of grassy slopes below the timberline. Urials rarely move to the rocky areas of the mountains. Their preferred food is shrubs & grasses. In fodder scarcity, they will browse the leaves of acacia modesta and sometimes pink mucilaginous fruits. The Blandford Urial can survive almost at sea level and, in fact, do so
Group Hunt : Up to ? people
Trip Summary
Hunting Season: 01 Dec to 28 Feb
Hunting Areas: Province of Sindh & Balochistan See Area Map
Altitude: 120 meters (394 feet) to 450 meters (1,475 feet)
Average Temperatures: 07 to 20º Celsius (Jan -to- Feb)
Fitness Grade: Easy to Moderate … See Fitness Grades
Arrival & Departure: Islamabad International Airport
Domestic Flights: Islamabad to Quetta or Karachi to Islamabad
Long Haul Driving: 02 hours from Karachi & 04 hours from Quetta X 2
Short Haul Driving: 30 to 45 minutes daily to/from base camp
Stay in Pakistan: 05 to 07 days
Fixed Hunting Days: 03 Days
Lodging: Guest house &/or camp
Meals: All breakfasts, lunches & dinners
Local Sightseeing: Optional at extra cost
Sketch Itinerary: (detailed itinerary available)
Day 01: Islamabad
AM: Arrive in Islamabad. Fly to Karachi or Quetta (02 hours).
PM: Drive to the hunting area (02 to 04 hours).
Day 02 -to Day 04: Hunting Area
03 Full Days in the hunting area for hunting of Blandford Urial with the complete support of our team. All overnights at private guest houses or camps. All meals included.
Day 05: Islamabad
End of hunting safari. Drive back to Karachi or Quetta. Fly back to Islamabad.
Day 06: Home
Fly back to your home.
Services Included : (as per agreed terms)
- Cost of hunting permit of Blandford Urial.
- Car from Karachi or Quetta to the hunting area.
- 4WD Jeeps inside hunting Area (03 days)
- 03 Nights in a room or tents in a hunting area.
- Full board meals in the hunting area.
- Soft drinks, tea/coffee in the hunting area.
- PH, game scouts, porters & security guards.
- Wages, meals & accommodation for staff.
- Liaison with Govt offices for issuance of permits.
- Free baggage allowance of 25 Kg on the trip.
- Free sightseeing in Karachi or Islamabad.
Services Not Included :
- Hotels, meals, transport & other services before & after hunting safari.
- Costs for import of hunting rifle & shooting license.
- Charges for skinning, dipping, trophy export, quarantine, packing & shipping.
- International or domestic air tickets & airport taxes for any client or staff.
- Arm, ammunition, tripod, binoculars, scope, clothing & personal gear.
- Portage, cargo, shipment, and transportation of excess baggage.
- Sleeping bag, rucksack, ponchos, umbrellas, rain gear & hunting gear.
- Phone & fax calls, room service, ala carte meals, and special food.
- Costs of medication, hospitalization & services of doctors.
- Charges for evacuation or rescue by ground ambulance, helicopter, or airplane.
- Hard drinks / Alcohol (liquor), room services, and meals on a la carte.
- Any service or product not agreed to or mentioned in our quotation & contract.
- Tips to servers, bellhops, drivers, and porters at airports, hotels, restaurants & sites.
