DS 203 DCUA - first timer

[D3adlydoc]

My buddy got the DS203 walk in tag. This will be our first AK sheep hunt. We have both poured over the threads on here to learn as much about gear, etc. A few lingering questions.

1. We both plan to bring tripods and binos. Should we both bring a spotter? I have found most game with binos in the past, but this will be my first foray on AK sheep.

2. What’s the weather like in the Alaska range in August? Typical lows and high. Lots of precipitation?

3. If anyone has insight on entry points, that’d be fantastic.

Appreciate all of the advice!

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

1. You don’t need two spotters or two tripods. No one that seriously hunts sheep with a partner, especially if only one has a tag, does that.

2. 30f and snow/sleet to 70 and sunny.
0” to 6” of rain.

3. Start looking at maps and imagery. Dig into historical info and posts online and you’ll find lots of info that people spilled out to the public domain.

 

[D3adlydoc]

1. I’ve been used to much shorter hunts, so carrying double of everything has never mattered. One less spotter will help the weight significantly. Thanks.

2. Perfect. That’s what I’ve prepared for. Just want to make sure I wasn’t carrying a puffy and it was going to be 60 the whole time.

3. Worth a try to see if anymore could spill. Thanks.

 

[LongWayAround]

@D3adlydoc

Mr Reynolds has a couple podcasts with the Exo guys. I'm sure they would be worth your time to listen. They actually have quite a few sheep podcasts that are good listens.

I've never been on a sheep hunt, but I'm not going anywhere in Alaska without a puffy.

 

[JBrown1]

Just want to make sure I wasn’t carrying a puffy and it was going to be 60 the whole time.

It won't be 60 the whole time! Expect the weather to change at least three times a day. It was wet in there when my daughter drew a tag three years ago. But as wet as it was, the sky would open and the winds would pick up and you could get everything dry in no time.

 

[D3adlydoc]

@D3adlydoc

Mr Reynolds has a couple podcasts with the Exo guys. I'm sure they would be worth your time to listen. They actually have quite a few sheep podcasts that are good listens.

I've never been on a sheep hunt, but I'm not going anywhere in Alaska without a puffy.

I have been working thru their podcast, but hadn’t ran across those episodes. They are in the queue now. Thanks.

Definitely bringing a puffy.

 

[D3adlydoc]

It won't be 60 the whole time! Expect the weather to change at least three times a day. It was wet in there when my daughter drew a tag three years ago. But as wet as it was, the sky would open and the winds would pick up and you could get everything dry in no time.

I plan on bringing gear to get me thru rain and an early snow. Just didn’t want to carry cold weather gear if the temps were normally mild that time of year. Trying to make sure I’m not packing too many fears.

 

[ColeyG]

Snow on August 10th is like rain on the 4th of July...practically guaranteed.

 

[VernAK]

When you've completed your hunt, please send me a brief report on the number of grizzlies observed. A friend hunted DCUA last year and saw an astounding number of bears.

 

[carsonkeys]

When you've completed your hunt, please send me a brief report on the number of grizzlies observed. A friend hunted DCUA last year and saw an astounding number of bears.

Any (logical) reason the state doesn't allow the hunting of grizzlies starting August 10 in 20A/B like every other 20 sub-unit? The only reason I can think of is to give the lucky sheep hunters more breathing room.

Since we're on the topic, I'm also curious why they don't extend that season to June 30 like every other 20 sub-unit.

 

[z987k]

When you've completed your hunt, please send me a brief report on the number of grizzlies observed. A friend hunted DCUA last year and saw an astounding number of bears.

I saw a bunch of bears in the eastern brooks last summer. Mostly real pretty blonde ones. Had a rifle, but wasn't hunting them per se. Unless one wanted to wander within range while we were doing other things.
Watched some through binos at night, but not a one of them had any real interest in us or our camp.

 

[Jimss]

I would never go on a sheep hunt without a spotter. I'm not quite sure how you can see 8+ rings and/or full curl without one? I use a spotter as much or more than binocs on the sheep hunts I've been on. If I went with a buddy, I would make sure we both had spotters. If we split up or glass different country. I'd go nuts not being able to have a spotter at my fingertips every hour of the day. You would be amazed at how sheep disappear and the number of rams you will miss spotting with just binos. Spotters also save a gob of boot leather and time sizing up rams. You won't be able to field judge, count rings, and determine full curl with 15x binos until you are super close.

Be prepared for wind. The wind can howl in that country. Make sure you keep that in mind when setting up your tent. Be prepared for the worse weather....it can snow any day in August. The name of the game while sheep hunting is sitting and glassing for hours. Make sure you have plenty of layers to keep warm and dry.

Keep in mind that bears may tear up your base camp if you leave a tent, gear, and food set up while taking off hunting each day. You may want a hotwire fence around your camp. If you are camped out where there are no trees to hang food out of reach of bears you may want to have a bearproof container and keep all food a ways from your tent.

 

[alaska80]

Any (logical) reason the state doesn't allow the hunting of grizzlies starting August 10 in 20A/B like every other 20 sub-unit? The only reason I can think of is to give the lucky sheep hunters more breathing room.

Since we're on the topic, I'm also curious why they don't extend that season to June 30 like every other 20 sub-unit.

DCUA is mostly in 20D with a little in 13B and 20A.

As with everything though game surveys are few and far between for the state and unless they see a compelling reason to change it, they won't.

Annoying, because the Grizzlies have increased exponentially the last decade in that area, but who wants to shoot a grizzly when you are moose, sheep or caribou hunting. It's a pain in the a$$ to take care of the hide if you are meat hunting.

 

[carsonkeys]

DCUA is mostly in 20D with a little in 13B and 20A.

As with everything though game surveys are few and far between for the state and unless they see a compelling reason to change it, they won't.

Annoying, because the Grizzlies have increased exponentially the last decade in that area, but who wants to shoot a grizzly when you are moose, sheep or caribou hunting. It's a pain in the a$$ to take care of the hide if you are meat hunting.

Whoops. You’re absolutely right about the units, thank you for the correction.

 

[Snyd]

My buddy got the DS203 walk in tag. This will be our first AK sheep hunt. We have both poured over the threads on here to learn as much about gear, etc. A few lingering questions.

1. We both plan to bring tripods and binos. Should we both bring a spotter? I have found most game with binos in the past, but this will be my first foray on AK sheep.

2. What’s the weather like in the Alaska range in August? Typical lows and high. Lots of precipitation?

3. If anyone has insight on entry points, that’d be fantastic.

Appreciate all of the advice!

Your location says El Paso. Is your buddy an AK resident?

1 hunter, 2 guys 1 spotter.

My last DCUA ram in my avatar I killed him in the sunshine on August 19th, Got rained and snowed on most nights and mornings. Take a strong tent. Wind can be brutal. Be aware when heavy rain comes. Streams rise quick.

No big secret on access to DCUA.

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=sheephunting.delta

 

[JordanM]

Wildlife biologists at ADFG offices are excellent sources. If you ask them intelligent and pointed questions they are happy to help.

 

[backstrap billy]

I hunted 2 different drainages in ds203 last year. Message me if ya want.