For hunting say Sept-Oct, not Nov, does a guy need a 4 season tent, or could he get away with a 3 season. Any suggestions on a back pack tent that would do?

Also the same for sleeping bag, how cold does it need to be rated for?

For hunting say Sept-Oct, not Nov, does a guy need a 4 season tent, or could he get away with a 3 season. Any suggestions on a back pack tent that would do?

Also the same for sleeping bag, how cold does it need to be rated for?

We had 2' of snow dumped on us on the sept. long weekend in 1999. We were snowed in for 5 days and I was sure glad I had my MEC snowfield tent and it's a 3 season tent.I still have and use this tent , my partner and I split the weight up when packing it in. Sure wish we had a crib board on that hunt.

I use a down bag (-20 C ) that has a dri loft outer shell that seems to keep the moisture out. I've been using the same tent and bag for 13 seasons with no complaints.

My game plan for this season is to get in the best shape I can. Started running trails in Jan. and will clean the dust off my old weight set and get started on some weight training from april - the opener. July and August I'll be climbing every mountain in my back yard with my pack on. When the season starts up the game plan is to have a run and gun style hunt with a mobile camp.

Well ill throw in a few.

A couple tips I can think of,

1. Even if rams are scarce have fun and enjoy the country!!

2. The sun is your friend. With the magnification of sheeps eyes they hate looking at the sun. So when possible get the sun at your back during a stalk.

3. Prevailing winds typically blow down valley and down hill in the mornings until the thermals start to warm as the day progresses and they will slowly start to change to travel and rise up valley or hills. So just plan that most days the winds will switch part way through the day.

4. For pics be sure to tie the mouth shut hiding blood and the tongue. Use fishing line. Don't go around the nose cut a slit in the top gum and bottom gum where you would normaly split while capping. Put the line though the slits and pull tight. This will hold the mouth closed but leave the lips loose and no line mark around the nose.

5. Always have mole skin in your pack!

6. Always cook the ribs over an open fire the day of harvest!!

7. Extra boot laces are a must even if it's just one.

A couple big rams from the early 90's. Was cool to see these two rams fall from a herd of 28 rams.  One was 37"+ and the other was 40"+. Dont see that much these days but hey people say things are all good with our sheep hunting.


Late Season Stone Ram


Dall Ram

           Sat in their living room and drooled over those rams a few time sheepguide.  Absolute beauties!  Wouldn't mind shooting a Mule Deer like the one hanging there either

           Sat in their living room and drooled over those rams a few time sheepguide.  Absolute beauties!  Wouldn't mind shooting a Mule Deer like the one hanging there either

Yep was an amazing day when we got those rams. Laying there trying to pick the biggest of the group. Won't see 5-8 170"+ rams in a group of 28 with over half the heard being legal in an open area anymore!!! That 40" ram was easy to pick but the next best was a tough one. My family has 4 rams now from that general area. Mine 35"x15 1/5 and 165"and my Dads that is 38 x 16 and 182" plus the two pictured.  Been a great spot for us.

And yes Bills mule deer is world class as well!! Dont see them that big around Caroline like that now!

That little roll of black electrical tape you carried for the splintered horn sure came in handy and we were able to keep the tip of the right horn intact. I usually roll a few wraps of duct tape around my water bottle for emergency use or starting fires etc. Which reminds me how useless a water bladder is when it freezes up in late season.

Yep I always have a roll of electrical tape in my pack. Can be used for a ton of different stuff. That horn tip on your ram never would have survived the jungle we bashed through to get out that creek that night in the dark!!

Another good thing I usually always have in a bandana. Can be used on cold days around your neck, along with the tape can be used to bandage cuts, can be used as a rag or I've even used them to mark kill sites.

Another tip  for all hunters  is when caping or skinning a leather boot will put an edge back on your knife. It's not a permanent fix but it has slot of times helped me finish a caping job without digging in my pack for a sharpener. Just work the blade on the leather the opposit direction of whittling wood. 5-10x on each side will give you a noticeable sharper knife. At least with the smaller caping knives as thats all I use for everything.

As for a mention of frozen water bladders in cold weather. I make sure mine is against my back at all times. Keeps the bag thawed out and then after each drink blow all the water from the hose back into the bladder a couple times. Works most times with just the mouth piece freezing but just hold it in your mouth for a couple seconds and it's good to go.

Also wax paper is an awesome fire starter and it's light weight. Another thing that's always in my pack.

Another tip is if you shoot at rams or sheep in general and miss don't jump up and give away your position. Rams hear loud
 bangs from thunder and rocks falling and many times wil  run a short ways and stop and regroup many times offering up a second shot or for another stalk.

Look for areas that have good feed close to rocky outcroppings, bluffs or rugged areas.  Rams don't like to be in areas with no escape routes or areas they don't have a visual of predators. Even bush rams will tend to bed in an open area  and will more often expose themselves at these times. Rams will be seen on easy grassy hills but it's a lot less likely. I glass these areas but don't spend a great deal of time on them.
Sheep also tend to be drawn to black shale areas so if you see these areas glass them and the surrounding areas well.

My advice is:

1. Don't share details on areas friends take you to, unless you don't wish to be friends any longer
2. Pick your partners carefully - always make sure they are in better shape than you and like to brag about carying big loads.
3. Don't be too quick on your first Ram - you will get to stare at it for the rest of your life, so make sure it is one you will be happy doing so
4. Duct tape. - works on blisters, pack and tent repair and even fire starter.
5. Bacon bits. - the real ones,a small bag, a couple of tablespoons makes ichiban and soup tolerable after a week on the mountain.
5. Never get so involved that you don't stop on the side of the mountain and take in the inspiring site - you would never go there if you weren't hunting sheep.
6. A collapsible hiking pole is a pain to take in light - but can be a life saver coming off the hill heavy.
7. Individual tents
8. Some good advice on this thread by everyone - but the road to your sheep should require some sweat equity - so don't be afraid to get out and put in your dues.

If you are busted/spotted on a stalk, don't immediately drop out of sight. If the sheep don't flee, sit still and wait. You may be able to resume the stalk out of sight if ignored (unlikely). If needed, slowly carry on towards them, or angle closer to try to get in range. If you are spotted and you drop out of sight, usually they get nervous and leave.