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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[schmalzy]

im an hour east of Houston. One of the flattest spots in the country. i plan on making a drive to the mountains 4-5 times before the trip. closest are about 6 hours from here. Until then its weighted step up & bleachers ect.. Im looking at new boots right lol. im not dead set on anything. i'd rather not gamble

I lived in Houston when I went on my sheep hunt. Walking in drainage ditches and hiking/backpacking in the SHNF felt like it had a positive impact for me. Parking garages another good alternative to bleachers.

Strongly recommend doing any sort of trip you can with your gear before going. Super pumped for you! The train up was as impactful if not more in my life than the actual hunt.


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[ColeyG]

Sweet tag and congrats!

I am supremely jealous. A Chugach sheep tag has been at the top of my wish list for a long, long time.

Lots of good advice here. Best thing you can do to train is walk up hill with a heavy backpack on. The steeper the better.

I've never had a pair of "barefoot" boots or shoes on, but taking a quick look at the model you mentioned, I think trying to pull off a sheep hunt, especially in the Chugach, in those would either 1) really limit the type of terrain to you travel in and manage, 2) create a legitimate safety issue if you get into any technical terrain, or 3) totally wreck your feet.

There is a huge different between moving through this type of terrain "light and fast" and slogging through it for days on end under big loads. Of primary concern, with regard to footwear, are traction, sole stiffness, and ankle support.

Without a half or 3/4 length shank, you won't be able to toe into steeper terrain or plunge step very effectively going down. Without a well defined heel, you won't have much for traction descending steep, slippery, or hard packed terrain. Going down is where most accidents happen, especially if you are coming out heavy.

I'd highly recommend finding a good pair of mountain boots and start getting your feet used to logging miles and elevation gain in them ASAP. I don't think you will find the transition too bad if you are able to find a pair that fit well out of the box.

La Sportiva makes a number of models that have worked well for me with a relatively low volume and average width foot. Scarpa, Crispi, Lowa, Arcteryx, Kayland, Asolo, Garmont, and others all make suitable models. Finding a retailer that carries them in your area will likely be the crux.

As for gaiters, I usually don't pack them on sheep hunts unless I know I am going to be doing a lot of small stream hopping on the approach. You won't notice the strap underfoot if wearing a pair of boots with a heel. You'd probably notice the strap and further reduced traction in a flat-soled footwear.