Yukon Ram

Bartbux

FNG
Joined
Sep 14, 2024
Messages
6
First sheep hunt was a success - a brief summary:

* Needed every bit of training - MTN Tough was great - last summer I had a Covid and Lyme’s Disease at same time - took awhile to get going when I started in December 2023. Don’t wait and don’t hold back. (And it still wasn’t enough)

* The mental challenge is just a real as everyone claims - prepare for going without and keep climbing - it’s a long hunt - have patience.

* Willows and frozen lichen make for a rough day of hiking - can’t kill a ram with a broken leg - take your time (but hurry up when you have to!)

* Eat and drink as much as you can - even when you don’t feel like it. I lost over 15 pounds on the trip.

* Loved my Exo K4 7200 (buy the extra straps - makes for more flexible load hauling once a ram is down).

* Don’t dismiss other mountaineering gear - was super happy with Fjallraven Keb pants.

* If possible, spend time with heavy loads going straight downhill - not just for your legs - check out effect on your toes - I’m in process of losing a big toenail due to the pounding it took at the front of the boot.

* Giant scopes aren’t necessary - was happy with Nightforce NXS 2.5x10x42 with a Fierce Rogue.

* Pleased with performance of Federal Terminal Ascent (.300 Win Mag). I’ve used since 2021 and it has been great and shoots well.

* Take more pictures and video than you think you will ever need.

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Joined
May 13, 2015
Messages
3,951
Sweet! Congratulations!

I eventually lost 8 of 10 toenails from one trip a decade or so back. Toenail issues make it tough to suck it up and keep going.
 

Nilgai

FNG
Joined
Sep 24, 2024
Messages
13
Congratulations on a great ram! I'm headed to the Yukon next September for a Dall. Do you think the 7200 size pack is the way to go? My outfitter's gear list says to buy a pack between 4500-5500 cubic inches but I'd love to get your thoughts. Thanks.
 
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Bartbux

FNG
Joined
Sep 14, 2024
Messages
6
Congratulations on a great ram! I'm headed to the Yukon next September for a Dall. Do you think the 7200 size pack is the way to go? My outfitter's gear list says to buy a pack between 4500-5500 cubic inches but I'd love to get your thoughts. Thanks.
I liked having the extra room - I take a bigger sleep pad - Sea to Summit - and fits comfortably. With all the straps, you can cinch down the size.

Room for gear and food.

If you go on a day hike it’s no problem getting size down - wouldn’t want to strap down items outside the pack.

We were on an 11 day backpack hunt and got resupplied with freeze dried food on the afternoon of Day 6.

If I was on horses, maybe wouldn’t need it.

Did an Alaska trip with Kuiu 6000. Didn’t like how it carried heavy loads and it was jammed full.
 
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