Where Did Donald Trump Jr. Hunt in Mongolia? The Altai Argali Story
Updated: November 2026
Mongolia's remote mountains have attracted adventurous travelers, wildlife photographers, and big-game hunters for generations. Among the most widely reported visitors is Donald Trump Jr., whose hunting expeditions to Mongolia in 2019 and 2026 drew international attention.
But where exactly did he go? What did he hunt? And which companies were involved?
Here is what publicly available reporting tells us.
Where Did Donald Trump Jr. Hunt in Mongolia?
Donald Trump Jr. traveled to Western Mongolia in August 2019, where he hunted an Altai argali, one of the world's largest wild sheep.
According to a December 2019 investigation by ProPublica, his expedition took place in the remote mountain landscapes of Bayan-Ölgii Province.
In August 2026, he returned to Mongolia for another hunting expedition.
The Financial Times reported on October 27, 2026, that his latest journey included a hunting camp in Uvs Province, followed by a visit to Bayan-Ölgii, where he hunted Altai ibex.
A guide interviewed by the Financial Times also reported that Trump Jr. killed an Altai argali during the 2026 trip.
These western provinces are known for their rugged mountains, vast wilderness, and remarkable wildlife.
Photo: Rachel White / Imaggeo, CC BY-SA 3.0.
What Is the Altai Argali?
Altai argali (Ovis ammon ammon) are among the most impressive wild sheep in the world.
Adult males are famous for their enormous, spiraling horns and powerful build. The argali is widely recognized as the world's largest living wild sheep species.
Some argali relatives, particularly Marco Polo sheep in the Pamir Mountains, are also famous for exceptional horn lengths.
The Guinness World Records listing for the longest recorded wild sheep horn gives a measurement of approximately 191 centimeters for a Marco Polo sheep.
Argali inhabit remote mountainous landscapes across Central Asia, including Mongolia's Altai region.
Despite their imposing appearance, they face considerable conservation pressures.
The IUCN classifies argali globally as Near Threatened, with a declining population trend. Conservation status and legal protection can differ between countries and populations.
Which Company Organized Donald Trump Jr.'s Mongolia Hunting Trip?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about his expeditions.
According to ProPublica's 2019 investigation, the trip was arranged by Jandos Kontorbai Ahat, whose company, Marmara International LLC, was associated with the Mongolian hunting and wildlife sector.
The investigation also identified Turkish hunting guide Kaan Karakaya as a participant.
In its October 2026 reporting, the Financial Times described Karakaya as a hunting organizer involved in arranging Trump Jr.'s Mongolia trips.
However, the full contractual arrangements and the identity of every local service provider involved in the 2026 expedition have not been publicly established.
It is important to distinguish documented organizers from unrelated tour operators working in Western Mongolia.
Was Donald Trump Jr.'s Argali Hunt Legal?
Mongolia regulates hunting of certain rare wildlife species through special permits, annual quotas, designated hunting areas, and seasonal restrictions.
The 2019 expedition attracted controversy after ProPublica reported that an argali hunting permit had been issued after the hunt.
A spokesperson for Trump Jr. disputed suggestions of wrongdoing and maintained that the necessary permits had been arranged through a third-party outfitter.
The case prompted questions about permit transparency and wildlife conservation.
For any contemporary hunting enquiry, the applicable legal requirements must be checked for the particular species, location, season, and year.
Can Trophy Hunting Support Wildlife Conservation?
This remains a debated question.
Supporters of carefully regulated trophy hunting argue that fees can help fund conservation programs and provide income for remote communities.
Critics question whether sufficient revenue reaches local communities and conservation projects, and warn that weak enforcement or poorly managed quotas may harm vulnerable wildlife populations.
Responsible wildlife management requires scientific monitoring, legal compliance, transparent permits, and genuine conservation benefits.
Mongolia's wild sheep, ibex, snow leopards, and other mountain wildlife form an extraordinary natural heritage that deserves long-term protection.
Can International Travelers Arrange Private Argali Hunting Expeditions in Mongolia?
Yes. Mongolia is internationally recognized for its remarkable Altai argali, spectacular mountain landscapes, and specialized big-game hunting expeditions.
Nomadic of the Blue Sky LLC, established in 2010, has experience organizing private argali hunting expeditions in Mongolia, working with experienced local hunting guides and regional partners.
Our past hunting expeditions have brought international hunters into Mongolia's remote mountain regions, combining professional local support, transportation, accommodation, and carefully planned field logistics.
A photograph from one of our previous argali hunting expeditions is featured below, showing a successful hunt organized by our team.
This photograph is from our company's own hunting expedition and is unrelated to Donald Trump Jr.'s reported visits to Mongolia.
A successful argali hunting expedition organized by Nomadic of the Blue Sky LLC in Mongolia. Photo: Company archive.
Planning a Legal Argali Hunting Expedition
All hunting arrangements are subject to applicable Mongolian laws, official permits, annual quotas, authorized hunting areas, and seasonal regulations.
Our team can assist with planning and coordinating private expeditions where the necessary legal authorizations are available.
We also organize wildlife photography and cultural journeys for travelers interested in experiencing Mongolia's extraordinary mountain wildlife without hunting.
Explore our Mongolia hunting expeditions:
https://www.journey.mn/mongolia-hunting-expeditions
Discover our photography tours:
https://www.journey.mn/mongolia-photography-tours
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Donald Trump Jr. hunt in Mongolia in 2019?
Yes. ProPublica reported that he hunted an Altai argali in Western Mongolia in August 2019.
Did Donald Trump Jr. return to Mongolia in 2026?
Yes. According to the Financial Times, he visited Mongolia in August 2026 for another hunting expedition involving Uvs and Bayan-Ölgii provinces.
What animal did Donald Trump Jr. hunt?
Public reporting identifies Altai argali among the species hunted during his Mongolia expeditions. The 2026 trip also included an Altai ibex hunt.
Which outfitter organized his Mongolia hunting trips?
Reporting identifies Jandos Kontorbai Ahat and Marmara International LLC in connection with the 2019 expedition, while Kaan Karakaya has been identified as an organizer involved in Trump Jr.'s Mongolia trips.
Did Journey.mn organize Donald Trump Jr.'s hunt?
Journey.mn has no verified connection to the organization of these expeditions, and this article does not claim otherwise. Our company provides independent travel information and arranges its own private Mongolia experiences.