Opinions for a first time hunter.

[60x]

So here's the situation. My little bro in law never hunted anything but drew a sheep tag here in Alaska. The tag is for any ram. Problem is he doesn't have much time to hunt cause of work but we are still going to make the best of it. I am actually going in 3 days early before him to scout. As a mentor to him I could go either way, I could have him hold out for a big ram( which potentially are in there) or just try to give him a successful harvest. Now I know you don't have to harvest to be successful but it sure is nice for young new hunters. I know it's ultimately up to him but he respects my opinion as well. What your guys thoughts for a young hunter. I honestly just want the best for him so he continues to be a hunter and outdoorsman

 

[brewer427]

When's the hunt, date wise?

 

[60x]

In the next couple of weeks

 

[Shrek]

I think success is more important than quality to start. jmo.

 

[brewer427]

Agree with shrek %100. It seems from my experience hunting with first timers, and myself included when I was younger and first started hunting, just to successfully harvest a animal was a great accomplishment.

The one thing I would be judging is his fitness and the terrain you'll be heading into. Nothing ruins a hunt quicker for somebody if they aren't in shape and the terrain is steep. If he's not at the same fitness level as you, make sure to not push him to hard. I made that mistake once before and will never do that again, took me awhile to get that person back in the field, but finally did and found out the main reason they didn't want to go was because how physically demanding the terrain was. Once I got them out there and we went at a slower pace he loved it and has been hunting every year since.

My 2cents

 

[Jager]

Successful harvest mate, can ignite that fire in them, and it is only up from there.

If they snot a beauty straight up, they can begin to think it is easy.

 

[60x]

Thanks fellows!! I really appreciate all the advice and will keep you all posted

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I agree with the above. You have to build a hunter and the best way to do that is on a foundation of success, however also lay the foundation for appreciation of the hunt regardless of success and indicate that with more experience comes bigger and better animals.

 

[WRO]

Make sure to take in the whole experience and share that. Don't kill an easy one just to build confidence, instead go at their pace, set a decent goal and just take it all in. Don't take the easy route to success.

 

[njdoxie]

take the 1st legal ram, just doing that would be amazing....don't start trophy hunting, he needs to have some success first to get him hooked

 

[tstowater]

If you hold out for the big one and he doesn't end up with one, that may not be good especially if you had him pass a good legal ram. Also, if he shoots a true trophy due to your work, what did he learn and what does he have to look forward to? I would suggest doing a quick "inventory" and let him decide what he deems success to be. You may want to talk to him about that now and give him reasonable expectations and what you expect out of him. If he wants you to "stake" one down for him, he has a lot of learning to do, especially sheep hunting. Good luck.

 

[camelcluch]

On board with first chance and done. Success is what keeps us coming back and for new hunters it's very important.

 

[Shrek]

What I want to know is how a guy who has never hunted anything draws a sheep tag ! ? It's like never having driven a car so their first time ever driving they are getting into a Formula 1 car and trying to learn to drive by racing !

 

[LJ Buck]

I would imagine he will be happy with a legal ram.

 

[Yellowknife]

Jeeze 60x..... it's not like he's the first new sheep hunter you've ever hauled into the mountains! I expect big ram or nothing! What would your old boss say?

Ok, more seriously, I would lean towards splitting the difference. A young banana horn ram is little challenge and isn't likely to give him a lot of pride. I would aim for something at least mature, even if well under full curl. Should be doable, and still enough of a challenge to have a sense of accomplishment.

Of course if time is running out, what these other guys are saying about success for a new hunter does hold true.

Good luck

Yk

 

[Buster]

Your 3 day scouting head start will ultimately dictate your recommendations for him. It'd be had to tell him to shoot a younger/smaller ram if you've found a couple mature rams. Make him work a little for it though, before and especially after the harvest. You don't want him thinking sheep hunting is easy.

 

[Bonedalien]

i have never hunted sheep,but have some CO points. BUT i have been a novice elk hunter,and it wasnt a kill that hooked me. years ago,the morning of my first archery elk hunt we glassed a small bull in a chute abouve us,my buddy who had years of experiance asked if i wanted him. "heck yeah!" my friend bugled once and the young bull made a bee line down to us. i set up wrong in the chaos,and he came right in on me..8 feet away, head on. i could have poked him in the nose with my arrow. well i didnt get him, but that moment changed my life. long story short, i dont think you can go wrong taking a newbie hunting.

 

[60x]

Jeeze 60x..... it's not like he's the first new sheep hunter you've ever hauled into the mountains! I expect big ram or nothing! What would your old boss say?

Ok, more seriously, I would lean towards splitting the difference. A young banana horn ram is little challenge and isn't likely to give him a lot of pride. I would aim for something at least mature, even if well under full curl. Should be doable, and still enough of a challenge to have a sense of accomplishment.

Of course if time is running out, what these other guys are saying about success for a new hunter does hold true.

Good luck

Yk

Ha how true. I hear the boos in my head ...lol. I have a few pics to send you too. Balance is likely the order of the day and I think Buster has it right about the scouting. Now if this dang rain would let up so I don't drown. I'll post from the top of the mountain when I can.


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