2026 Chugach Dall Sheep

[adamkolesar]

You'll be doing a lot of "simulated" mountain training @ sea level with your pack and boots. Be sure to get to your mountain range fairly early to test how your boots fit with a real grade, under load.
I spent all kinds of time training in my Scarpas which I thought were breaking in nicely until I started rucking at a ski mountain @ 30 a degree grade. All sorts of toe box issues and heel slip. Fortunately I had time to switch to better boots in time for the hunt.

 

[Gstew1930]

You'll be doing a lot of "simulated" mountain training @ sea level with your pack and boots. Be sure to get to your mountain range fairly early to test how your boots fit with a real grade, under load.
I spent all kinds of time training in my Scarpas which I thought were breaking in nicely until I started rucking at a ski mountain @ 30 a degree grade. All sorts of toe box issues and heel slip. Fortunately I had time to switch to better boots in time for the hunt.

That's really good advice, thank you sir

 

[C Bow]

In 2020 I hunted the North Slope of Brooks Range with a guide that hunted in LL Bean Maine hunting boots rubber bottom leather tops said he had been using them kind for years

 

[skierhs]

The gators should be a non-issue for you, but that assumes you’re wearing a boot. Find a semi-light pair that will hold up to breaking brush.

As for footwear, I strongly encourage a stiffer/moderate tall boot. You’re going to be in some steep and rocky terrain and having the structure for your foot will go a long way. But you also need to believe in your gear and so go with what your guide suggest. He does this every year.

Congrats on the tag! It’s a fun area that is my backyard. Just work on your shooting and endurance. You’ll do fine.

 

[Newbie Sheep Hunter]

Couple things gators are kind of a non issue with any interference ( as long as you put them on correctly ) buckles on the outside and straps snug.
Not being close to mountains I would strongly recommend looking into Up-Hill athlete programs, they did just come out with a hunter specific program. They have a long history of working with mountain athletes that do not have mountains to train. Cliff Gray just did a podcast with them that is very informative.
This is the first thing I would start going on now in order to be ready for your hunt in august
hopefully this is helpful good luck

I have a sheep hunt with Matt Snyder in the Tok area this August and I am doing a custom program with these guys (about 6 weeks in now). I'm working with John Frieh. It's been great so far and I highly recommend it. I'm also happy to answer any questions you have. Crossing my fingers it's enough to have me in "sheep shape" for my hunt!

 

[Bdjones]

I was scouting for sheep with my buddy and ran into the dude who drew the only non resident sheep tag last year, there were DIY with non experience and ended up taking a ram.

It’ll be a great hunt especially guided.

Like everyone said fitness is key. Those DIY guys were on mile 50 when they killed the ram.


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