Stone Sheep Hunt in B.C.

[dusty307]

Hi All!

First post here after reading as many as possible, by far my favorite forum!

I have a Stone Sheep/Mountain Goat hunt scheduled for 2018 in B.C. with Tahltan Outfitters; looking for advice on my gear list so far ( I know I plan too far in advance but I'm too darned excited!)

Parameters; 50lb Gear Limit (Rifle Excluded), up to 12 days, and my rifle cannot be in a hard case, bust be in soft or scabbard.

Here is my list excluding clothing, am I on the right track?

Gear List Thus Far
Rifle- .300 WBY Mark V Ultra Lightweight
Rifle Scope- Huskemaw
Binos- Cuurently looking for a set of Geovids
Ammo- VLD, Hand Loaded
Backpack- Kuiu Icon
Sleeping Bag- EE Quilt
Boots- Kenetreck (Looking at other options)
Rain Gear- Sitka (Heard that I should look elsewhere?)
Spotting Scope- Vortex 20x60-- wondering if I need one at all on this trip?
Tripod- Outdoorsman
Tripod Head- Outdoorsman Mini Pan

 

[VernAK]

How early in fall are you going?

I haven't used a quilt.....are they up to colder weather?


Do you need a spotting scope or does the guide have good glass?

 

[dusty307]

Hi Vern,

I love those quilts to be honest, from using them in Wyoming I have the confidence that this bag will work well in a wall tent, plus save weight for other items.
http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/quilts-1/

From what I have seen the guide has great glass, but knowing myself, I have a feeling that I would want to "help" and possibly get the initial spotting sooner rather than later. Is that a foolish idea if I can pack it with confidence?

 

[dusty307]

Oh, and I will be there in August.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I found on my Alaska hunt that a spotter was just extra weight, the guides pack theirs and as much as I love spotting game, I ended up leaving it in camp.

 

[tstowater]

Just a few ideas: 1. ask the outfitter for an gear list as they may have some things that work well on their guide area-I would also check to see if they have gun scabbard for the horses as most do. 2. look at other websites to see what other outfitters are using for gear recommendations. 3. While it is not too early to start acquiring gear, things may change for you (weight gain or lose, etc) and might necessitate an update down the road. 4. Unless you are really good at spotting game, extra weight for optics may be a waste. Not even sure why I had binoculars when I was Stone hunting as the guides could find the sheep without my assistance. Unless your guide doesn't have a good spotter, I wouldn't waste time on taking yours. 5. Just because this is a horseback hunt doesn't mean that you won't put a lot of miles on the shoes with a pack. Good boots are essential and you need to have the boots and your feet broke in for the sidehilling. 6. Find out if you will be spiking out at some point and won't have some of the "comforts" of camp as that might change some of your needs. 7. Weather can be quite variable. You can expect rain, snow, heat, cold, etc. etc. Make sure that your gear will layer and pack easily as you will want some of this in your pack. 8. Make sure that you can sit in a saddle with your pack on as you will likely need to wear it while traveling.

I'm sure I left something out. If you aren't used to riding a horse, I would suggest riding one before you leave to acclimate your butt and legs to riding.

Sounds like a great hunt. Good luck and time will be here before you know it and you might get a chance to bump it up due to a cancellation if you are interested.

 

[ol490]

Dusty,
First of all, congrats on pulling the trigger and booking. I did a BC stone sheep / goat hunt last year and am still in mourning that it is over.

Random thoughts:
- ask them to make sure, but they should have top shelf spotters so leave yours home.
- Kuiu rain gear is great and should be cheaper than Sitka.
- backpack - only take the pants you are wearing out of base camp.
- horseback - take a lighter set (prana Zion stretch are awesome and what I wore my entire hunt), and a little sturdier set like Sitka mountain.
- binocs - I have a sickness for glass and have had multiple top end sets of 10x42's and 10x32's. I currently roll with Swarovski EL 10x32 swarovisions and love them. 20 or so ounces with spectacular glass. Anyways, saving 10'ish ounces with 10x32's versus 10x42's would be worth considering no matter what brand you buy. My other annual hunting is back home for elk in Wyoming and these are great for that as well.
- gators - I used kuiu and loved them. Not always necessary but great if stream crossing is an issue and for keeping moisture from wicking into your boots if in wet grass/brush.
- layering is key and the goal is zero redundant layers. Build a system that includes a puffy coat under your rain she'll as the last steps.
- I see a huskemaw scope, do you plan on a wind meter? I had to shoot decently long and had to dope a little wind.

I am sorry for rambling. If you want to correspond in more detail, PM me your email and we can compare notes. I would gladly give you my two cents on gear, travel, etc.

 

[Broomd]

Gear looks great. Dump the spotter if you have a guide.
Dump the quilt. Get a good bag--western mountaineering, marmot helium etc.
Practice your shooting for max accuracy at long distances...400 yards or ao. Get/stay in shape.

Know what you want in an animal..look goats over, looks sheep over... online..videos etc..
Make sure your guide knows what you are looking for, if that applies. Some guys are happy with any legal animal.

Congrats on your plans, you've got a great start. Relax in the mountains on your hunt. Watch goats and sheep on the mountain. Savor the experience, it will fly by.
I just recently returned from a d.i.y. trophy billy hunt and it was stellar, you're in for the time of your life.

 

[dusty307]

This is great stuff!

It seems the synopsis is to lose the Spotting Scope, should a guy bring a set of 10x50's then? Also, would you bring a tripod to glass with your binos? I have a tripod that is less than 2lbs.

While looking at glass yesterday and comparing I stumbled across a phenomenal deal with Vortex for Veterans. I am going to try my hardest to use all Vortex when possible based on conversation with their headquarters, they are a class act that deserves my business.

 

[idig4au]

I've hunted sheep up in Canada quite a bit, including stones in BC. Pm me if you have any questions. Will be glad to share thoughts

 

[muledhunter]

I would take the spotting scope personally. It makes it fun and when you leave for a stock you can leave it with the horses. When I went we would ride and glass. Then plan a stock and leave the horses.

 

[Wingert]

Dusty307, sent you a PM with much of this same information however I didn't ask if it was a horseback or backpack style hunt?

Here's a basic list that I've used on a few sheep hunts- everyone has personal preferences on many of these items:

Gun - utilize a hard case to get you through the commercial airport. From there I put my rifle in a silicone treated gun sock for transport to the bush.

Laser Bore-sight - found to be very useful in the event you take a tumble with your gun.

Leatherman - I carry a Leatherman Micra or Squirt

Knife - Havalon or a a Cutco folding knife

Binoculars - buy the best you can afford. I use Swarovski 10 x 42 EL Range

Spotting Scope - take your spotting scope and tripod. Two reasons, you often times won't know if your guide will have a spotting scope or the quality of the glass. You can always leave one of them in camp if you find that you both have capable spotters.

Rain Gear - I haven't used Kuiu or Sitka raingear though they are reputable. I've had good luck with Helly Hansen, First Lite, Swazi and Marmot PreCip.

Clothes - in general I use Kuiu or First Lite for shirts and layering. Pants I use Mammut Glacier pant. I use a good gaiter from Sitka or Kuiu to minimize abrasion. Take an Insulated Jacket or Vest - it can get damn cold sitting on the side of the mountain while glassing. Take a couple pair of thin gloves and a pair of leather gloves - I like the leather mechanics gloves as they fit better. Lowa boots are my preference as they fit my feet better. Make sure to spray with silicone or rub generously with boot wax. Stocking hat and a face mask. Layering is the key as you'll sweat while climbing and then freeze while you're glassing or waiting for rams to get in a location that's accessible so you want to be able to put on a dry shirt or jacket. The only cotton item that goes on the hunt is my handerchief as cotton kills since it doesn't dry out. Smartwool socks wear two pair and two pair in zip lock bag. Smartwool boxer briefs for underwear. Kuiu zip off long underwear and t-shirts.

Backpack - you mentioned the Kuiu pack. I haven't used that model. I use an external frame pack from Barney's. I have the Pinnacle and it carries everything I've every needed.

Trekking Poles - good trekking poles can be extremely helpful when descending the mountain with a heavy load. I use Black Diamond Flick-Lock poles.

Misc.- take some duct tape and electrical tape. Put a piece of electrical tape across the end of the barrel of the rifle to keep debris and rain out of it. When you shoot, the pressure blows the tape off the end of the barrel and does not effect the point of impact. Take a small tube of super glue and some parachute cord. Take two Nalgene water bottles - I find these are easier for me to use / fill but that's personal preference. Camp shoe of some kind that can also be worn during water crossing like Crocs as an example.

References - places that excel in sheep hunting gear are Barney's Sports Chalet, Kuiu and Sitka.

Planning for such a trip is as much of the excitement and helps with the workout routine to keep you focused on the goal of a great adventure. I wish you luck. Don't hesitate to ask questions.

 

[wyosteve]

Good advice from Wingert. I'll add that if you do take a spotting scope, buy an eye patch to use when spotting. Much easier to keep both eyes open than to try to keep one closed for any length of time.

 

[tstowater]

Dusty: I personally would stay away from the 10x50's. Frankly, they do add weight to the equation. The 40's are plenty sufficient. Depending on the terrain, you don't always have the luxury of spotting from the horses and developing a stalking plan. We climbed up several never ending mountains and having a spotter along would have been a royal PITA.

Vortex makes nice stuff and I am not going to fault it. I bought a pair of the Viper HDs for my son and have several of their rifle scopes. I personally use Swaro and Leica binos and spotters and don't regret spending the difference. If you can afford them, I would still give strong consideration to the Leica's that you referenced in your original post.

Check with the outfitter on trekking poles. Some really like them and others will give you the stink eye when you pull them out.

 

[Blockcaver]

Good advice so far! PM me your email address and I will email you my gear list. Everything is broken down by weight. I backpack archery hunt for stones every summer/fall in BC, sometimes for 14 days straight. This past season included a 7 day and a 12 day trip.

 

[Matt W.]

I live in AK and have hunted sheep in Alaska quite a few times. I'm no expert, but I am blessed to test a lot of gear....

Quilt--I use a Burrow 20 quilt from Hammock Gear. Sometimes I'm a little cold, but a puffy solves that. Its so light and compact it makes up for it, at least in my opinion. I use the Thermarest Neoair X Therm pad.


Binos--I've been running 12x50 binos the last 3 seasons. I love having that extra 12x. Would be nice to pick up some lighter 12x40s at some point. Dall Sheep are hard enough to spot, I would have to think their gray counterparts are going to be even tougher! I'd at least get some 10x.

Rain Gear--Tested a ton, lots of good stuff out there. However, when every ounce counts its REALLY hard to beat the Sitka Dewpoint.

Boots--Do you already have Kennetreks? If they work, then I would stick with what you have. If they don't check out Boot Month here on Rokslide. Lots of boot reviews.
http://www.rokslide.com/easyblog/entry/rokslide-s-boot-month-new-reviews-and-killer-giveaways

Sounds like a great adventure! Look forward to seeing the pics!

 

[dusty307]

Alright All,

This has been excellent! I am a list guy, so I thought some of you may get a kick out of what I have so far.

View attachment 29748

To answer some questions;
-My list is excluding clothing system so far
-I will be able to account for wind and dope if needed (changed scope ideas)
-From what I have seen the guide uses a Swaro Spotting scope, but I think I will still take mine, despite some thinking I shouldn't. (I'll leave it with the horses if I think it's not needed.)
-I want to replace my Kenetreks with the Mountain Extremes.
-I couldn't agree more with the eye patch! I scouted for over a month for a buddy's ram and was hating life having to close one eye.