Differences in Dall, Stone, RM Bighorn, D Bighorn hunts

[Peter638]

I’m in the same boat. Dreamed of going sheep hunting since I was a kid. Could only dream of getting the grand slam. I called several outfitters and found Alaska the cheapest option going for Dall sheep. The gentleman I spoke to said he guided five sheep hunts last season. One successful hunt. Two had opportunities but were clean misses. One guy wounded a Ram which ended his hunt. The fifth guy didn’t see any rams but I think he mentioned leaving early on in the hunt for whatever reason.
Everything said and done came in under $40k.
I’m wondering if you train hard and are in great shape, how much does that increase your odds of taking a ram?

 

[OMB]

I’m wondering if you train hard and are in great shape, how much does that increase your odds of taking a ram?

Two of the most in shape Cross Fit Games type people I've ever met both missed huge Dall sheep under 200 yards in a guided, controlled shooting situation.

 

[dallen]

I’m in the same boat. Dreamed of going sheep hunting since I was a kid. Could only dream of getting the grand slam. I called several outfitters and found Alaska the cheapest option going for Dall sheep. The gentleman I spoke to said he guided five sheep hunts last season. One successful hunt. Two had opportunities but were clean misses. One guy wounded a Ram which ended his hunt. The fifth guy didn’t see any rams but I think he mentioned leaving early on in the hunt for whatever reason.
Everything said and done came in under $40k.
I’m wondering if you train hard and are in great shape, how much does that increase your odds of taking a ram?

Not sure being in great shape would necessarily increase odds of killing a ram directly…..but what being in great shape (physically and mentally) does is allow you to keep charging hard day after day. A lot of times, that’s what it takes. It can be a freakin grind. I often find myself asking the “what the hell are you doing this for” question at some point during a sheep hunt. But I keep going back. I had a guide friend once tell me, sheep hunting is a disease, either you got it or you don’t.

 

[wildwilderness]

Mexico high fence deserts, there are private land high fence hunts in Mexico that count for Boone and Crocket. These are cheaper.

Mexico free range deserts these are slightly more

To my understanding High Fence animals do not qualify under the Boone and Crockett Fair Chase rules. They would under SCI estate category.

 

[bojangles808]

I would try and find stone outfit in the Yukon or NWT. they appeal the most to me for some reason. That part of Canada seems the most remote too

 

[wildwilderness]

As to the preferred sheep hunt it definitely depends on your goals- Do you want the hunt to be successful? or is the adventure the most important part? Is the trophy itself the most important?


Personally I would say a September Stone sheep may be the best! The most beautiful sheep, longer hair in Sept and great country and the leaves changing. Every sheep has individual coloration. The hunts are usually horseback or backpack. On average the horns are a bit heavier than Dalls. Be careful who you go with, not a slam dunk or guaranteed hunt…



Second I would go for Dall’s sheep. A full curl Dalls is amazing, a great trophy. The far north and the rugged country they live in to me is the iconic “sheep hunt” it is often the first and only sheep hunt most go on. Historically it was the cheapest and relatively successful option. Unfortunately Dall’s population have plummeted raising prices and killing success rates - especially in Alaska. IMO the best Dall’s hunts are in NWT where numbers are still good and Helicopter access is an absolute game changer- success rates are very high. Very different than my first successful Dall's hunt in AK which was walk-in Solo!

Rocky Mt bighorn has become very expensive and difficult to get a tag. I was lucky to draw a Colorado archery tag and kill one. I like the mountains the Rockies live in better than the country most Cali bighorns are found. Rockies are bigger on average as well. Hunting in the area I lived was nice to scout etc, but wasn’t quite the trip or remoteness the far north sheep provide.

Desert Bighorn- I have not hunted yet, (will soon) I guess I am not drawn to the desert- have been many times and even lived on the northern border of desert sheep (Colorado monument) the spectrum of hunts is wide- easy to super tough. Mexico is a mixed bag but the game ranching (and subsequent releases to the wild to supplement the free range populations) has kept the prices in check. Has also increased the horn size and accessibility to the sheep- depending on where you hunt.

 

[Truaxdw]

I went to the NWT this year for Dall. Here are some variables to consider. Some outfitters have the ability to freeze meat in the field. It may not be an issue, but this year was warmer than normal in the NWT. Also some outfitters may charge a flight fee to move areas. Let’s say you clear an area over a couple of days and don’t see what you’re looking for, there may be a charge to move to a new area. Or if you go back to camp after killing a ram and want to go back out for a Caribou. Just something to be aware of each outfitter may have different rules. To factor in when comparing.

 

[Weldor]

Good info, thanks guys.

 

[ReddingArcher]

My only sheep hunting experience is with Dall's in the Mackenzie Mountains. I did a horseback hunt and cant think of a better way to do it, although I would like to experience a backpack hunt there too. Those mountains are unlike anything I have ever seen. They get into your soul and change you. That would be my recommendation.

 

[Peter638]

Not sure being in great shape would necessarily increase odds of killing a ram directly…..but what being in great shape (physically and mentally) does is allow you to keep charging hard day after day. A lot of times, that’s what it takes. It can be a freakin grind. I often find myself asking the “what the hell are you doing this for” question at some point during a sheep hunt. But I keep going back. I had a guide friend once tell me, sheep hunting is a disease, either you got it or you don’t.

The stories that I’m hearing from outfitters is often the reason someone goes home empty handed is for not staying out the duration of the hunt or missed/wounded and never recovered shots.
I would make sure I’m well versed in shooting and capable of covering any distance the guide is willing to take me in order to be successful. Is that the biggest reason for failure or is it often lack of rams?
my desire is mostly for the experience, but a set of antlers or other trophy does much more. It reminds me of the details I otherwise would’ve forgotten after some time and also makes me imagine how the animal lived, actually free. It’s amazing how jealous I am of them to witness every sunrise and sunset under the open sky.
My soul needs to be in sheep country at least once in my life. Not sure it will ever happen but hoping to go for my 50th birthday. Have eight years to plan so I’m following the thread for insight.

 

[cbeard64]

I started sheep hunting at 42. My last sheep hunt I was 59 (and it was by far the toughest hunt of all). Being in shape is definitely a factor that will increase your odds. Just like knowing your rifle, knowing your way around horses, knowing your gear, etc….

That said, there is probably more macho BS spewed about needing to be an uber-Ironman in sheep hunting than in any other type of hunting. I have never been an athlete. I do some physical preparation for my hunts, but nothing like many will say is required. I have seen super fit guys give up the ghost and also seen old men keep it slow and steady without one word of complaint. A positive attitude and the will to keep going when things get tough is way more important than being Cam Hanes IMO.

Of course, on a straight up backpack hunt being in top physical condition does move to the forefront.

 

[Mojave]

I have not heard about it in a while. There was an issue of guys in BC selling more hunts than they were given tags for. Some guys just got walked in circles for days.

I can afford do a guided Dall hunt, I really fear getting skunked at that price. Taking a ram means more to me than the experience of being up there. I have hunted all over the world as cheaply as I could. Lived north of the Brooks Range and have been all over the Yukon and NWT. I love that country, but paying any amount of money to go on an expensive camping trip is lost on me. I am most likely moving back to Alaska again next year, and hopefully I'll be hunting sheep again on my own. Probably unsuccessfully again, but that experience is the cost of sheep hunting on your own. That and not killing anything on a self guided hunt is just fine.

For me the higher the financial investment, the more I need that animal to die. Just what it is. One of my favorite aspects of hunting Europe and Africa over North America is that I know if I don't kill something I don't have to pay for it.

I hunted chamois twice last year and didn't take one. So my hunt cost was cheap!