Justin Ragazzine (March 24)

Justin just completed what he describes as one of the best mountain hunts of his life, successfully taking a Persian Desert Ibex on the first day. Spotted by locals towards the mountain's summit, the challenging winds necessitated a detour, leading Justin and his team to ascend the back side to gain the upper hand. Upon locating the Ibex in a bedded position, it wasn’t long before it stood, allowing Justin to make a well-placed shot at 220 yards, marking his 34th Capra species.

Regarding the country's safety, Justin shares, "Forget what you hear about this country. I never once felt unsafe or uncomfortable. The people were incredibly welcoming and happy to have me there." This statement underscores the discrepancy between common perceptions and his personal experience, highlighting the welcoming nature and hospitality of the local community.

Justin recounts, "After three challenging days battling poor weather and covering extensive distances, we finally located an impressive Kerman Sheep. The guides in Iran are among the finest I've had the pleasure of hunting with. Their skill in assessing trophy and age quality is unparalleled, a rarity in international hunts. This particular sheep, the largest Kerman taken this season, measured 75cm in length, making it a remarkable find."

He adds, "This hunt marked my 31st Ovis species, a testament to the exceptional guidance and expertise provided by the local Iranian guides."

On day 5, Justin's adventure took him back to Yazd in pursuit of the Esfahan Sheep. Despite the previous day's snowfall scattering the sheep from their initial location, a 20-minute drive to a lower, snow-free elevation presented a new opportunity. After roughly two hours without a sighting, doubt crept in over their decision. However, perseverance paid off when, after an arduous climb, they crested a ridge to discover three sheep. Narrowing the gap from 850 to 245 yards, Justin successfully harvested an exceptionally old Esfahan Sheep, a trophy he promised to showcase through age rings in his story. He concluded, "A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in turning this hunt into an incredibly special journey."