Sheep Hunting

[raab]

Originally Posted by 3blade

Ever walk through downtown Edmonton or calgary? If you have, you survived a far more dangerous group of animals.

You have about a five billion percent higher chance of being maimed or killed on the highway driving to/from the mountain, than from a bear on the mountain.

Earplugs. That way the mice won’t keep you awake worrying about bears. Believe me, if a bear decides to visit, ear plugs won’t stop you from noticing

Basically, go out there with the attitude that you are the best killer on the mountain and yogi better f’n run.

Thanks, I know its more likely I get in a car crash then have problems in the mountains. Still doesn't mean Im comfortable with the idea of Yogi crunching on my skull. haha I like your thought pattern though, that yogi better run. I'll be carrying a 30-06, a 4" buck knife, bear spray, and most likely bear bangers. I can most definitely screw up any bear who wants to mess with me.

[-JR-]

Was it like last year or the year before that guys were saying you have to carry as much as you can in your high end back pack when sheep hunting ?
I was a avid sheep hunter back in the 80s-90s .Went out almost every weekend and some one week trips. solo hunts and with partners.
If it did not fit in my pocket it did not come with me.....Boy did I get shot down on this site.
Carried my ram out holding the horns .If I had a back pack ,chance are I would not have walked up to that farther saddle to spot that Ram.
If you want a Ram go light .

[nube]

Originally Posted by -JR-

Was it like last year or the year before that guys were saying you have to carry as much as you can in your high end back pack when sheep hunting ?
I was a avid sheep hunter back in the 80s-90s .Went out almost every weekend and some one week trips. solo hunts and with partners.
If it did not fit in my pocket it did not come with me.....Boy did I get shot down on this site.
Carried my ram out holding the horns .If I had a back pack ,chance are I would not have walked up to that farther saddle to spot that Ram.
If you want a Ram go light .

Yup you get it! Hauled stuff out in my hands as well lol I didn't have top end equipment like they do today and I still don't.
Guess I don't know how to hunt sheep!
My one thing I would suggest is a real good set of rain gear. You do not dry off fast in the mountains or at all. Everything stays wet. Best not to get wet to start.
Spotters may be great to spot stuff a long ways away but your binos will tell you if it is worth a closer look or not. If you see sheep you should probably head that way anyways..... but again what do I know

[-JR-]

Originally Posted by nube

Yup you get it! Hauled stuff out in my hands as well lol I didn't have top end equipment like they do today and I still don't.
Guess I don't know how to hunt sheep!
My one thing I would suggest is a real good set of rain gear. You do not dry off fast in the mountains or at all. Everything stays wet. Best not to get wet to start.
Spotters may be great to spot stuff a long ways away but your binos will tell you if it is worth a closer look or not. If you see sheep you should probably head that way anyways..... but again what do I know

One thing I always say I guy should bring is ear plugs. As the wind is aways howling. But what do I know.

[fingershooter]

Get the best optics you can afford. If you are young get even better ones as you have a long life ahead of you. I bought Monarchs because they are not bad, I'm cheap, and over 60. I like the spotting scope because it has saved me many hours and kms of walking, but mine is fixed 48 power and small.
Two packs out means 3 days packing - one out, one in (after a hearty meal) and one out again.
If you plan on being successful, learn to properly cape an animal and I mean totally fleshed out and salted - no extra bone, meat, skin, cartilage, or water. Packing a pound of salt in can save you many pounds packed out.
Oh, the best thing you can bring to lighten your pack is a knowledgable sheep hunter.
Good luck and hoe you are successful.

[rk4]

Filling your pockets? No spotting scope? Seriously? What sort advice is that to give a guy who’s never hunted sheep before? That’s some pretty backwards thinking. I believe some of the guys who say they’ve done it, but that’s not how you’re gunna learn to hunt sheep. You can get away with cutting a few corners once you’re comfortable and and understand what you’re doing, but until then skimping out on gear is gunna get you in trouble.

Please don’t do something stupid and go into the mountains your first hunt without a backpack or a spotting scope. That and a rifle are the three most important items you’re gunna need. Everyone is gunna have they’re own opinions but I can not possibly see an upside too leaving any of those behind, I just can’t understand it. If you can’t afford a spotting scope either borrow one or wait till you can afford one. Sell your Binos and buy a spotting scope if need be, I’d leave my binos before I’d ever consider not being a spotting scope. And I don’t even get started on how ridiculous an idea it is to carry a ram without a back pack.

Not trying to offend anyone here, Just giving what a feel is responsible advice to a green sheep hunter looking for opinions.

Good luck my friend

[raab]

Originally Posted by rk4

Filling your pockets? No spotting scope? Seriously? What sort advice is that to give a guy who’s never hunted sheep before? That’s some pretty backwards thinking. I believe some of the guys who say they’ve done it, but that’s not how you’re gunna learn to hunt sheep. You can get away with cutting a few corners once you’re comfortable and and understand what you’re doing, but until then skimping out on gear is gunna get you in trouble.

Please don’t do something stupid and go into the mountains your first hunt without a backpack or a spotting scope. That and a rifle are the three most important items you’re gunna need. Everyone is gunna have they’re own opinions but I can not possibly see an upside too leaving any of those behind, I just can’t understand it. If you can’t afford a spotting scope either borrow one or wait till you can afford one. Sell your Binos and buy a spotting scope if need be, I’d leave my binos before I’d ever consider not being a spotting scope. And I don’t even get started on how ridiculous an idea it is to carry a ram without a back pack.

Not trying to offend anyone here, Just giving what a feel is responsible advice to a green sheep hunter looking for opinions.

Good luck my friend

Well now I'm confused, was going to buy some Vortex Viper HD binos tomorrow. Now you're saying to buy a spotter instead of the bino's.

[Bushrat]

Originally Posted by rk4

Filling your pockets? No spotting scope? Seriously? What sort advice is that to give a guy who’s never hunted sheep before? That’s some pretty backwards thinking. I believe some of the guys who say they’ve done it, but that’s not how you’re gunna learn to hunt sheep. You can get away with cutting a few corners once you’re comfortable and and understand what you’re doing, but until then skimping out on gear is gunna get you in trouble.

Please don’t do something stupid and go into the mountains your first hunt without a backpack or a spotting scope. That and a rifle are the three most important items you’re gunna need. Everyone is gunna have they’re own opinions but I can not possibly see an upside too leaving any of those behind, I just can’t understand it. If you can’t afford a spotting scope either borrow one or wait till you can afford one. Sell your Binos and buy a spotting scope if need be, I’d leave my binos before I’d ever consider not being a spotting scope. And I don’t even get started on how ridiculous an idea it is to carry a ram without a back pack.

Not trying to offend anyone here, Just giving what a feel is responsible advice to a green sheep hunter looking for opinions.

Good luck my friend

That's a little negative. I hunted sheep for years without one. People hunted sheep for a century with 30-30's, no binoculars. Over half the sheep I've seen shot back when I hunted sheep the spotting scope never got out of the pack. I wouldn't stay home because I didn't have a spotting scope. Personally I think binos are the more important tool.

[rk4]

Originally Posted by Bushrat

That's a little negative. I hunted sheep for years without one. People hunted sheep for a century with 30-30's, no binoculars. Over half the sheep I've seen shot back when I hunted sheep the spotting scope never got out of the pack. I wouldn't stay home because I didn't have a spotting scope. Personally I think binos are the more important tool.

I don’t think I’m being negative, at least I’m not trying to be. Yeah well things were a lot different back in the day. It’s not the same game anymore. To me it just isn’t realistic to start hunting sheep without a spotting scope. You must of killed some monster sheep if you aren’t even bothering to double check legality with a scope. I personally find more Rams with a scope than binos, about 4 to 1. That’s just me though. I can cover way more country in a day sitting down with a spotting scope than anyone can with binos. You’ll be doing a whole hiking if you don’t carry a scope. Scope can save you a whole 2 days of hiking in lots of cases.

Everybody in this province has an equal right to hunt sheep, that’s without a doubt. But if you aren’t fully prepared to hunt sheep responsibly than wait till you are ready. Carrying a spotting scope so you can accurately judge a ram is your responsibility, at least until you feel comfortable enough that I guess you decide you don’t need one? Not trying to insult anyone who hunts that way successfuly, I’ve just honestly never heard of that.

Hunting sheep is becoming more and more popular now a days so let’s try starting the new guys off in a position to succeed, where they aren’t going to be making mistakes do to advice like “it’s good enough for me! It’s good enough for you!”.

If you want to start hunting sheep than commit. Don’t half ass it. If you want to half ass it just stay home.

[nube]

RK4 sounds like you have hunted sheep a lot. I'd love to see some pics of your rams? Got any big ones to share with us?
A lot of this comes down to how you hunt and what the terrain is I guess. Also depends on what you got to do to get into sheep country. When I hunted Wilmore I had horses and took a scope. Didn't use it a ton at all. I would spend time needed to check a valley over and then off I went over the next hill to check it out till daylight was done. If anything had decent curl and looked promising I went in to the stalk whether it was legal or not and usually found the odd ram hiding off on it's own or run into a few others in between.

[rk4]

Originally Posted by nube

RK4 sounds like you have hunted sheep a lot. I'd love to see some pics of your rams? Got any big ones to share with us?
A lot of this comes down to how you hunt and what the terrain is I guess. Also depends on what you got to do to get into sheep country. When I hunted Wilmore I had horses and took a scope. Didn't use it a ton at all. I would spend time needed to check a valley over and then off I went over the next hill to check it out till daylight was done. If anything had decent curl and looked promising I went in to the stalk whether it was legal or not and usually found the odd ram hiding off on it's own or run into a few others in between.

I hunt sheep every season for about 8 weeks solid, every day. I’ve killed a few sheep. I’m not trying to take anything away from guys who know how to hunt sheep. I read this board a fair bit and you’re a very respected authority on sheep hunting, I respect you’re experience. You know how to find sheep. You’re comfortable enough that you can kill a ram without a scope and that is awesome, honestly the fact some of you guys have done it that way impresses me. The conventional way to hunt sheep though is with a spotting scope, and I think if you’ve never been before you should start out that way. I believe a beginner might as well start by the book till he figures out his own style. I could go on for a whole page about the advantages of a spotting scope, can’t think of any disadvantages other than price.

Anyway it’s an interesting debate and I enjoy it. Best of luck to everyone this season, it’s coming up quick now!

[Bushrat]

Originally Posted by rk4

You must of killed some monster sheep if you aren’t even bothering to double check legality with a scope.

Everybody in this province has an equal right to hunt sheep, that’s without a doubt. But if you aren’t fully prepared to hunt sheep responsibly than wait till you are ready. Carrying a spotting scope so you can accurately judge a ram is your responsibility, at least until you feel comfortable enough that I guess you decide you don’t need one? Not trying to insult anyone who hunts that way successfuly, I’ve just honestly never heard of that.

Hunting sheep is becoming more and more popular now a days so let’s try starting the new guys off in a position to succeed, where they aren’t going to be making mistakes do to advice like “it’s good enough for me! It’s good enough for you!”.

If you want to start hunting sheep than commit. Don’t half ass it. If you want to half ass it just stay home.

Never was much interested in barely legal squeekers where you had to squint down to the millimeter from 34 different angles for 2 hours to see if it's legal. Anyways I think guys shooting short sheep are shooting them because they don't know how to judge horns, spotting scope or not.

Telling someone to stay off the mountain because they don't commit to the very best equipment is like telling a new fly fisherman he may as well stay off the river unless he has a $1200 fly rod, $700 reel and $800 waders.

Of course having a spotting scope is an advantage, you might miss seeing a few sheep or stalk up to one a 10 hr hike away and find it isn't legal sure, but that happens to guys with spotting scopes who see a ram two days hike away and find its not legal when they get there. If you don't have one it is no reason to not hunt sheep. You still have a good chance to be successful, you learn things about sheep and gain experience as you go. Collect or improve gear over time when you can afford it. Go on shorter day hunts closer to roads if you haven't got all the gear, it's all good experience.

I doubt anybody is stupid enough to go on a week long hunt in sheep country with nothing but a banana and an handful of nuts in their pocket. Most hardcore sheep nuts also carry binos, knife, bottle of water and some poptarts if they're really going deep.

[nube]

Originally Posted by Bushrat

Never was much interested in barely legal squeekers where you had to squint down to the millimeter from 34 different angles for 2 hours to see if it's legal. Anyways I think guys shooting short sheep are shooting them because they don't know how to judge horns, spotting scope or not.

Telling someone to stay off the mountain because they don't commit to the very best equipment is like telling a new fly fisherman he may as well stay off the river unless he has a $1200 fly rod, $700 reel and $800 waders.

Of course having a spotting scope is an advantage, you might miss seeing a few sheep or stalk up to one a 10 hr hike away and find it isn't legal sure, but that happens to guys with spotting scopes who see a ram two days hike away and find its not legal when they get there. If you don't have one it is no reason to not hunt sheep. You still have a good chance to be successful, you learn things about sheep and gain experience as you go. Collect or improve gear over time when you can afford it. Go on shorter day hunts closer to roads if you haven't got all the gear, it's all good experience.

I doubt anybody is stupid enough to go on a week long hunt in sheep country with nothing but a banana and an handful of nuts in their pocket. Most hardcore sheep nuts also carry binos, knife, bottle of water and some poptarts if they're really going deep.

Well said and I agree

[rk4]

Originally Posted by Bushrat

Never was much interested in barely legal squeekers where you had to squint down to the millimeter from 34 different angles for 2 hours to see if it's legal. Anyways I think guys shooting short sheep are shooting them because they don't know how to judge horns, spotting scope or not.

Telling someone to stay off the mountain because they don't commit to the very best equipment is like telling a new fly fisherman he may as well stay off the river unless he has a $1200 fly rod, $700 reel and $800 waders.

Of course having a spotting scope is an advantage, you might miss seeing a few sheep or stalk up to one a 10 hr hike away and find it isn't legal sure, but that happens to guys with spotting scopes who see a ram two days hike away and find its not legal when they get there. If you don't have one it is no reason to not hunt sheep. You still have a good chance to be successful, you learn things about sheep and gain experience as you go. Collect or improve gear over time when you can afford it. Go on shorter day hunts closer to roads if you haven't got all the gear, it's all good experience.

I doubt anybody is stupid enough to go on a week long hunt in sheep country with nothing but a banana and an handful of nuts in their pocket. Most hardcore sheep nuts also carry binos, knife, bottle of water and some poptarts if they're really going deep.

Good for you. I’ve seen nice rams broomed back to the point where you’d be taking a chance shooting him. I’ve seen nice tipped rams as well, with deep curls that just wouldn’t make the jig. The discussion here isn’t what kind of sheep you like to shoot, there’s hundreds of guys who would gladly shoot any ram that’s legal. I’m not one but if you are than a spotting scope is gunna make a a big difference, especially if you’re shaking so bad you can’t hold your binos steady.

Outside of my optics, all my sheep hunting gear would probably add up too a couple hundred bucks. I’m not an advocate for buying a bunch of fancy stuff. I didn’t tell anyone to spend 700$. I’m sure you can find a spotting scope to borrow or buy one for 300$ if you needed.

Well some guys said they fill they’re pockets and carry a sheep out in they’re arms so I don’t know. You tell me what that means. If you were brand new to sheep hunting that could give you a definite misconception of how it really is.

Not sure why you’re really arguing this, telling someone to bring a back pack and a spotting scope doesn’t seem unreasonable.

[pinchy]

Originally Posted by Bushrat

Never was much interested in barely legal squeekers where you had to squint down to the millimeter from 34 different angles for 2 hours to see if it's legal. Anyways I think guys shooting short sheep are shooting them because they don't know how to judge horns, spotting scope or not.

Telling someone to stay off the mountain because they don't commit to the very best equipment is like telling a new fly fisherman he may as well stay off the river unless he has a $1200 fly rod, $700 reel and $800 waders.

Of course having a spotting scope is an advantage, you might miss seeing a few sheep or stalk up to one a 10 hr hike away and find it isn't legal sure, but that happens to guys with spotting scopes who see a ram two days hike away and find its not legal when they get there. If you don't have one it is no reason to not hunt sheep. You still have a good chance to be successful, you learn things about sheep and gain experience as you go. Collect or improve gear over time when you can afford it. Go on shorter day hunts closer to roads if you haven't got all the gear, it's all good experience.

I doubt anybody is stupid enough to go on a week long hunt in sheep country with nothing but a banana and an handful of nuts in their pocket. Most hardcore sheep nuts also carry binos, knife, bottle of water and some poptarts if they're really going deep.

100% spotting scope can save u miles but can still love & learn with out & possibly do what everyone dreams of ... good luck have fun

[BuckCuller]

Originally Posted by rk4

I don’t think I’m being negative, at least I’m not trying to be. Yeah well things were a lot different back in the day. It’s not the same game anymore. To me it just isn’t realistic to start hunting sheep without a spotting scope. You must of killed some monster sheep if you aren’t even bothering to double check legality with a scope. I personally find more Rams with a scope than binos, about 4 to 1. That’s just me though. I can cover way more country in a day sitting down with a spotting scope than anyone can with binos. You’ll be doing a whole hiking if you don’t carry a scope. Scope can save you a whole 2 days of hiking in lots of cases.

Everybody in this province has an equal right to hunt sheep, that’s without a doubt. But if you aren’t fully prepared to hunt sheep responsibly than wait till you are ready. Carrying a spotting scope so you can accurately judge a ram is your responsibility, at least until you feel comfortable enough that I guess you decide you don’t need one? Not trying to insult anyone who hunts that way successfuly, I’ve just honestly never heard of that.

Hunting sheep is becoming more and more popular now a days so let’s try starting the new guys off in a position to succeed, where they aren’t going to be making mistakes do to advice like “it’s good enough for me! It’s good enough for you!”.

If you want to start hunting sheep than commit. Don’t half ass it. If you want to half ass it just stay home.

One of the best sheep hunters I have ever known was a native fella from Moberly Lake and all he would carry for optics was a set of 10x binoculars.
It doesn’t take a spotting scope to be an ethical sheep hunter it takes ethics to be an ethical sheep hunter.
If you are not one hundred percent sure it is legal don’t shoot that’s it.

[RZR]

Originally Posted by BuckCuller

One of the best sheep hunters I have ever known was a native fella from Moberly Lake and all he would carry for optics was a set of 10x binoculars.
It doesn’t take a spotting scope to be an ethical sheep hunter it takes ethics to be an ethical sheep hunter.
If you are not one hundred percent sure it is legal don’t shoot that’s it.

And they don't care if it's legal for sustenance hunting. I should learn to sheep hunt.

[Mountain Guy]

Originally Posted by raab

Thanks, I know its more likely I get in a car crash then have problems in the mountains. Still doesn't mean Im comfortable with the idea of Yogi crunching on my skull. haha I like your thought pattern though, that yogi better run. I'll be carrying a 30-06, a 4" buck knife, bear spray, and most likely bear bangers. I can most definitely screw up any bear who wants to mess with me.

Sounds like you have a healthy respect for bears...which is a good thing. But be careful not to be paranoid. You won't enjoy your trip if your over thinking getting eaten by a bear. Be cognizant that they share the same space as you, try not to surprise one by keeping your presence known and you'll more than likely only encounter one from a distance.
Saying that...as far as your comment about screwing up the bear. YOu might want to rethink that. I think the opposite. If the bear wants to screw you up your done.

[raab]

Also curious what you guys thing of these Cabelas 10x42's?
They come with ED glass which is surprising for the cost.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/92217...-hd-binoculars

[raab]

Originally Posted by Mountain Guy

Sounds like you have a healthy respect for bears...which is a good thing. But be careful not to be paranoid. You won't enjoy your trip if your over thinking getting eaten by a bear. Be cognizant that they share the same space as you, try not to surprise one by keeping your presence known and you'll more than likely only encounter one from a distance.
Saying that...as far as your comment about screwing up the bear. YOu might want to rethink that. I think the opposite. If the bear wants to screw you up your done.

Yep definitely have a healthy respect for them. Ive dealt with black bears and find they're mostly wimps. Not sure the same can be said about the Grizzlies. I guess Ill find out later this summer. As long as I take precautions, and be vigilant I dont expect any problems. I know most Grizzly attacks are provoked and not predatory in nature. In saying that still a mind game going out on your own, in grizzly country.

[Mountain Guy]

Originally Posted by raab

Yep definitely have a healthy respect for them. Ive dealt with black bears and find they're mostly wimps. Not sure the same can be said about the Grizzlies. I guess Ill find out later this summer. As long as I take precautions, and be vigilant I dont expect any problems. I know most Grizzly attacks are provoked and not predatory in nature. In saying that still a mind game going out on your own, in grizzly country.

I agree. Never feared blacks. Have had a few close encounters but never worried. Always felt like I could punch them in the nose and beat them up.

These guys on the other hand ... hard to feel the love

[Stinky Coyote]

sure does open eyes to threads about best backpacks for hauling loads when there are guys chasing sheep not even carrying a backpack....that's awesome lol

liking my osprey xenith 88 more and more lol, for day hunts it's just a minimalist kill kit and some rain gear really, in a scrunched up pack which can open up to swallow a sheep in case i knock one down, but can also load it up for a week and go play too...sure don't need it for day trips but it doesn't weigh much to begin with, can't imagine going san's pack but it'll sure perspective what i put in it for day trips, right on

[Big Grey Wolf]

Mountain Man, yes most blacks are not a problem, however almost same number of people have been killed. by blacks as by grizz. Just ask 30-40 people at Liard hot springs when predatory black bear started killing people one after the other.

[Mountain Guy]

Originally Posted by Big Grey Wolf

Mountain Man, yes most blacks are not a problem, however almost same number of people have been killed. by blacks as by grizz. Just ask 30-40 people at Liard hot springs when predatory black bear started killing people one after the other.

ya I know...
Maybe its just me but black bears don't bother me..

[rk4]

Originally Posted by Mountain Guy

I agree. Never feared blacks. Have had a few close encounters but never worried. Always felt like I could punch them in the nose and beat them up.

These guys on the other hand ... hard to feel the love

Wow, you’re not really serious I’m guessing? If a black bear choose too, you would be dead.

[raab]

Originally Posted by rk4

Wow, you’re not really serious I’m guessing? If a black bear choose too, you would be dead.

He's probably like me where you almost get used to them. We had them in town or on the job sites all the time and no issues. Ditto when out hunting. Just haven't been around enough Grizzly to be comfortable yet.

[Mountain Guy]

Originally Posted by rk4

Wow, you’re not really serious I’m guessing? If a black bear choose too, you would be dead.

Yes...as would a moose, cow elk , whitetail buck , pit bull....

[mattthegorby]

Originally Posted by Mountain Guy

Sounds like you have a healthy respect for bears...which is a good thing. But be careful not to be paranoid. You won't enjoy your trip if your over thinking getting eaten by a bear. Be cognizant that they share the same space as you, try not to surprise one by keeping your presence known and you'll more than likely only encounter one from a distance.
Saying that...as far as your comment about screwing up the bear. YOu might want to rethink that. I think the opposite. If the bear wants to screw you up your done.

This is great bear advice!

An afternoon of reading on the internet can really give one the heebie jeebies. I take bears very seriously, even blacks, and take all the precautions. However, one needs to keep the risk in perspective.

[Stinky Coyote]

i see the advice on skipping the spotter for sure, i'd happily do that with some judging experience and confidence, also see the recommendation for a spotter, especially for new sheep hunter, clearly it's not a necessity as some consistent ram killers don't bother

could need confirmation about the cabelas binoculars, understand they may be made by meopta, haven't heard bad things about either

i run leica ultravid hd's and they are the shizzle, i keep trying lesser bino's with great reputations for the money but keep coming back to the ultravid hd's...so worth it to me

and whoever said get those 10x on the tripod? YES TIMES 10!!! when i started hard mounting the bino's the amount of game i found increased big time, great thing to add to this thread, for other stuff i have window mount also, deer, scouting etc. Game changer imo!

[bdub]

Got to take some of these comments in context.

You could hunt Cadomin everyday and live out of the motel there or camper, just climb the hills each day or glass from the road or you could be hiking in 10 or 20 miles off the trail and living out of what you carry for ten plus days. Thats pretty tough to do living out of what you can carry in your pockets I think and I wouldn't recommend it. However you are going about it, make sure have the gear to make it in weather conditions that the mountains can dish out. Add a silitarp and a bunch of paracord to your kit and pack it with you. At least you can stay dry if you get caught out. Check out some gear lists on here as well, and lots of good advice in old threads.