AFGHAN URIAL (Ovis vignei cycloceros)
INFORMATION
Afghan urial is the sub-specie of Urial. Overall color varies from reddish-buff to yellowish-brown. Rump patch and underparts are white, the face a bluish-gray. Rams have a white bib, long black neck ruff and a small black saddle spot in the winter coat. The horns are homonymous, triangular in cross section, and strongly wrinkled. The longest recorded horns measured 41-1/2 inches (105 cm) (Rowland Ward, 1909). Females have small, straight horns. It is the native of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan: West of the Indus River and north of Quetta, but south of Chitral. Boundaries with the trans-Caspian urial to the west are undetermined.
Altitude and Temperature:
Typical of continental climates, the Quetta region experiences large temperature swings on a daily and seasonal basis. January is often the coldest month of the year, with temperatures dropping below freezing. January daytime highs in the region typically reach 15°C. February weather may be rather warm, with highs around 20°C and lows of about 21°C. The values of December and February are similar. These hills stretch out from east to west and are 500 to 2,000 meters high above sea level. At high altitudes, Afghan urial is pursued.
Hunting season:
The optimal period for hunting Afghan urial is from late March to early November. Midway through November and the middle of January represent optimal periods for Afghan urial hunting in this region, attributed to the favorable weather conditions that prevail during this timeframe. Timing is essential for a successful hunt, as this particular hunt boasts a very high success rate. Hunters should consider this an opportunity that is likely to yield positive results regardless of the season in which they choose to hunt.
Hunting method and number of days required:
The Afghan urial can be hunted using the spot and stalk method. It can be pursued using both rifle and bow. This hunt presents an excellent opportunity for bow hunters. On the other hand, a bow hunt requires 05 hunting days in addition to 02 days for travel, for a total of 07 days of hunting, whereas a rifle hunt just requires 03 days plus 02 travel days.