I was able to pack a salted full-body cape and horns and skull in a 15 gallon bin. I weighed it at the outfitters camp and topped off with frozen meat to my weight limit. I salted the cape in the rental car and the skull was cleaned and boiled then taped to make it look clean
I also went the full custom with the Mtn Hunter Elite a year ago and have been super happy with them. Not the lightest but a great boot. I battled a nagging heel pain for multiple years - plantar fasciitis that was compounded by opposite side knee pain (cortisone shots every 3 months for almost...
Ewe tags are the answer- Once upon a time I picked one up off the leftover list. This year there was a 2nd choice ewe draw which means you could have drawn with 0 points.
Barely used. I only wore them a few times on short hikes. Used my own custom insoles so they are like new inside. Crispi Thor GTX 11/44.5 in Olive and Black. Retail for $310 most places - $200 TYD
I've been to there are with the previous owner 2x. Great area with a long history . New owners are solid but like everything it might take a while to get things dialed in. Some of the same guides are still there so that should be good.
I've had the Colorado Bighorn raffle tag before and it can be overwhelming. Don't stress to much and enjoy the adventure. As you know big rams aren't everywhere but they can be where you find them. That being said you can hunt well after everyone else and I would take advantage of the later...
@7layerburrito I'd confirm the guide has good optics as least comparable to yours. I'm a big fan of glassing myself and helping spot game vs waiting for a guide to show me something then look in their scope.
I don't think I could go on any sheep hunt without top quality glass and both binos and a spotter. The extra weight might find a hidden ram of your dreams or save you miles of walking to a sub-legal white spot.