The High Altai argali (Ovis ammon ammon) is the largest wild sheep on earth, inhabiting Mongolia’s western Altai Mountains. Adult rams can weigh over 400 pounds and boast horns up to 70 inches long. The combination of immense size, sweeping horns and dramatic mountain scenery makes the Altai argali one of the most sought‑after and challenging trophies.
Altai argali hunts are conducted in Mongolia’s Altai Mountains from July through October. Hunters and guides travel by vehicle or horse to high basins, then glass for bachelor groups and plan long stalks across open ridgelines. Shooting distances can exceed 300 yards, and rams move to higher elevations in summer before descending as winter approaches. Physical fitness and acclimatisation are essential, as hunts may involve long climbs and rapid weather changes.
Mongolia strictly manages Altai argali through a national quota system overseen by the Ministry of Nature and Environment. Permits are limited and issued only to licensed outfitters; trophy fees and licence revenues support habitat protection, anti‑poaching and local communities. Conservation organisations assist with population monitoring to ensure quotas remain sustainable, and harvests are restricted to mature rams. By linking hunting revenues to conservation, Mongolia aims to secure the long‑term survival of this iconic mountain sheep.
High Altai argali live in small bands; rams form bachelor groups except during the rut. They graze on alpine grasses and must travel long distances between feeding areas, making them difficult to intercept. Weather in the Altai can change rapidly, with snowstorms even in midsummer, so hunters should prepare for extreme conditions. Hunts often include cultural experiences such as staying in traditional gers and sharing meals with nomadic herders, adding a rich cultural dimension to the adventure.
High Altai Argali can be found in the following location:
High Altai Argali has the following variations:
- (Varieties to be confirmed)
