2025 Alaska Dall Sheep permit 14C

[NCNinja]

As luck would have it I won the only permit for DS030(non resident Unguided Dall sheep in 14C Northwest)..Maybe the only one who applied? I have second of kindred in AK so this being an unguided hunt opened the door for a guy like me to make a dream become a reality! I never really thought Dall sheep would be on the table but here I am! I lived in Wasilla about 15 years ago so im familiar with the area but not from a hunting standpoint so im seeking any advice that would point me to finding a mature legal Ram! Being a whitetail hunter in NC and targeting/chasing only specific mature bucks has been my mindset and while Sheep are completely different chase I have a conservation mindset so im studying what a legal ram is, how to age them and be as prepared as possible to make a confident decision on a legal mature ram if the opportunity comes! All this to say, I have experience hunting the alpine of SE Alaska for blacktail deer and Elk hunting in Colorado but im looking for any direction on this pursuit in August! Season dates are 10th-22nd. I have a couple buddies joining me who have all been very successful big game hunters but none of us have every hunted Sheep. Are bears an issue? Any specific gear to take or leave at the trailhead? Tactics for finding Rams or judging age?( I am doing a deep dives into this specifically) Thanks in advance!

 

[Theringworm]

From what I have been told from a very reputable guide in that unit is, the luxury of holding out for a mature, legal ram has now been supplanted with the mentality of needing to shoot the first legal ram you see, mature or not. You might not see another legal ram during the hunt. Sheep quality, even in 14C is no where near what it used to be. Aside from that, kudos to you for drawing a tag. The adventure alone is worth the price of admission. Good luck to you. I hope you take us along on the adventure by updating on here after the hunt.

 

[NCNinja]

From what I have been told from a very reputable guide in that unit is, the luxury of holding out for a mature, legal ram has now been supplanted with the mentality of needing to shoot the first legal ram you see, mature or not. You might not see another legal ram during the hunt. Sheep quality, even in 14C is no where near what it used to be. Aside from that, kudos to you for drawing a tag. The adventure alone is worth the price of admission. Good luck to you. I hope you take us along on the adventure by updating on here after the hunt.

Thanks for the information! I The Ram count being low aligns with the consensus I have read on these sites and the more I see that the more encourage ill be to take the first legal ram(If we find one). Building confidence in how to tell a legal ram is at the top of my priority list. While I want to optimize my chances at an opportunity to fill the tag, just being there with the group of guys will be work every dime spent! A Ram would be a bonus! Alaska is majestic place!