2021 Arizona Desert Bighorn; Lefty the Miracle Ram

[Kevin Dill]

Well, well.....well.

I recall the day you sent me the text message that you'd been drawn. I didn't think....I knew absolutely....a fine ram was in trouble. I've known you long enough to know how you prepare and how you laser focus on things. Obsessive. Restless. Detailed. Driven. Thoughtful. Those are all words I'd use to describe you. Amazing probably fits in there somewhere too. But what I really appreciate is your absence of self-pride, ego and bravado. Humility is a very positive force.

What a great adventure end-to-end. Such a superb ram killed with hard work and respect for the animal. I'm completely thrilled for you, while being just as completely unsurprised by your success. Thanks for carrying us up a mountain many will never climb. You're a hell of man in my book Steve.

Kev

 

[Clarktar]

What a great adventure. Thanks for taking the time for such a well though out post. Made my Friday morning!

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[wildwilderness]

Do you have Video of the shot? Did I miss it?

 

[Steve O]

Nope, no video of the shot. While there was a lot of time before the shot, there was NO movement on our part and a lot of cud chewing by Lefty.

 

[adamkolesar]

Simply amazing. A case study in perseverance. Congrats and sincere thanks for taking the time to document your journey in such detail!

 

[robby denning]

I use a lot of tools to plan my hunts and one I’ve relied on more and more is Epic Outdoors. The magazine is great, the information in the tables they provide for each hunt are very helpful, and being able to contact Jason Carter and Eric Bronson directly to get their input when trying to make your final application decision is priceless. Being able to talk with previous tag holders after you draw is a huge benefit as well.

I knew I needed to book Craig immediately, but being what I am, I sent a note to Jason and let him know I had drawn and did he have any recommendations. He told me he was out checking cameras but to get ahold of Lee Murphy at Exclusive Pursuit Outfitters. A soothing feeling washed over me. Lee was Craig’s partner in the outfitting business. I let them know to save me a spot and we would get the details worked out after my wife got the rest of her vacation.

I'm to post #10 and can't wait to get back.

 

[CoHiCntry]

I think someone already said it… but I’ll say it again. One of the best threads I’ve ever read on Rokslide!

 

[ETtikka]

Awesome story Steve, you could make squirrel hunting sound epic !

 

[LIWolverine]

Outstanding hunt. Outstanding story. Outstanding message. Congrats on such an amazing hunt and thank you so much for taking the time to share it with us.


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[Usmcinfantry1988]

Congratulations, man what an amazing hunt ! It was obviously meant to be . Very happy for you brother !

 

[Like2hunt]

That was a way cool story and sounds like a pretty dang fun hunt too!!

 

[Mt Al]

Thank you for sharing the WHOLE story, fantastic and the witness of how the Lord was in the details, He was the real Guide and was/is happier than you in getting the beautiful ram. We are all better people for reading your excellent story.

On 'wild' horses and burros: IMHO it should be Federal law that they are referred to as 'Feral' in all Federal and State documents. We can't control what people call them, but the Feds can (and probably won't) control their language. The terrible impact that have in the Pryor's in Montana and all through the West has to be documented, have to start chipping away at the narrative. They need to die to protect native species, especially wild sheep.

Thank you!

 

[Steve O]

Al, first of all, thank you, and secondly, you make a great point. I’m going to go back and fix that properly. It absolutely should be “feral” and not “wild” to describe the burros and horses taking over the area unchecked.

 

[GreenNDark Timber]

Like Kevin, seeing the inReach message that you had a big ram down came as no surprise, but it sure made my day! I'm so glad you took the time to share the story with us, because as impressive as that ram is, the story is the best part. No doubt, things were just meant to be on that hunt.

As I said in my text, a ram like that deserves to be earned. You earned him buddy! Congrats again.

 

[Chris D]

Great stuff Steve! I knew some of the backstory but this thread connected all the dots! So happy for your success with this ram!

Chris <><

 

[Steve O]

Daughter is home from college amd we were going thru my hunt pics and video. Thought this was a good one:

 

[Tmcgarrigle]

Spectacular write up Steve. I just finished reading it all and I saw some of Craig's posts too. Well done and congrats on a beautiful, mature, ram. I am continually disgusted by the feral burros, horses, goats, and domestic sheep that continue to cause problems for wild sheep herds.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Thanks for sharing the story and photos. That is one heck of a ram. I am also really impressed with your Arizona bull and the use of a longbow for that hunt.

 

[live2huntelk]

Congratulations on an awesome adventure and well deserved Arizona Desert Bighorn. Thanks for taking the time to write it up and sharing your stellar hunt with us.

 

[dukxdog]

Lifetime memories. Thanks for sharing!