Author Topic: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!  (Read 9934 times)

sheepguide

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Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« on: March 09, 2013, 02:25:33 PM »
Just as it states boys and girls and those of you yet to have a category!!
Thought since there are a lot of newer sheep hunters out there or us guys that have been on a mountain or two and like to see new ideas we could post anything that you may have that could help Gus get ready for a hunt or while out on a hunt. A lot of experienced guys on here so should be lots of pointers.
And even throw in a few sheep hunting pics to keep the itch for fall!!
I hunt sheep to see over the next mountain not to measure the next trophy!

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KyleSS

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2013, 02:28:21 PM »
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?
Looking for the big bull!!!

KyleSS

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2013, 02:30:33 PM »
Also here is a pict for ya

[attachment deleted 180 days old]
Looking for the big bull!!!

Dark Wing

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2013, 06:26:14 PM »
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.

Dark Wing

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2013, 06:57:05 PM »
We're heading back to this area for the opener this year.
    Aug. 2009 scouting pic

sheepguide

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2013, 09:21:24 PM »
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
I hunt sheep to see over the next mountain not to measure the next trophy!

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OL_JR

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #6 on: March 09, 2013, 09:30:55 PM »
[/qoute]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.
[/quote]

           I think that is a great tip right there, training with a pack on.  The first few years I started sheep hunting I did a lot of running and biking and while it was probably a lot better than doing nothing I couldn't believe how much better I felt out there after starting to train with a backpack. 
« Last Edit: March 09, 2013, 09:33:55 PM by Shrubs »
"Wolves don't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep"

OL_JR

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #7 on: March 09, 2013, 09:41:45 PM »
           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 ;)
"Wolves don't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep"

Springer

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #8 on: March 10, 2013, 08:06:09 AM »
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.

sheepguide

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #9 on: March 10, 2013, 09:21:54 AM »
           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!
I hunt sheep to see over the next mountain not to measure the next trophy!

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albertadave

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #10 on: March 10, 2013, 09:57:35 AM »

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.


LIKE!!!!

sheepguide

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #11 on: March 10, 2013, 10:05:58 AM »
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.
I hunt sheep to see over the next mountain not to measure the next trophy!

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Dark Wing

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #12 on: March 10, 2013, 02:52:43 PM »
So you've done your home work put the time and work in and are about to take your shot. Make the shot thats going to drop your sheep the fastest. I prefer the shoulder shot, break some bone and keep them from running into that hell hole drainage. I helped my sheep hunting partner fill his ewe tag and before he made the shot I was picturing the ewe dropping and rolling the 1000 yrds + down to our trail but to my horror it was double lunged and made a run for the opposite drainage. We got lucky and the ewe died right on the edge but we couldn't roll it down the way I had planned and had to cut it up on the spot. My dad told me a story when he shot his biggest ram and searched for 5 hours before finding it in some shin tangle with a double lung shot. I've seen my biggest grizzlies sheep hunting so your gonna want to find your ram fast and get off the mountain as quick as you can with your cape and meat.

sheepguide

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #13 on: March 10, 2013, 04:54:40 PM »
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.





« Last Edit: March 10, 2013, 04:57:06 PM by sheepguide »
I hunt sheep to see over the next mountain not to measure the next trophy!

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albertadave

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #14 on: March 10, 2013, 07:28:01 PM »


Awesome pic SG. Thnaks for sharing.  Gets the blood pumping big time.  Exactly 17 months from this Tuesday (not that I'm counting LOL!!!) and look out NWT cause here I come!

sheepguide

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #15 on: March 11, 2013, 07:01:48 AM »
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.


« Last Edit: March 11, 2013, 07:03:26 AM by sheepguide »
I hunt sheep to see over the next mountain not to measure the next trophy!

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sheepguide

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #16 on: March 11, 2013, 07:16:48 AM »
Another thing that most never think of and have caused a lot of missed rams.
Most don't watch the bullet line of travel. When in the mountains you lots of times are shooting off and over rises and hills. Just be sure to check your barrel hight not just your optical view. You could have a clear line of sight through your scope but could have an unclear path for your bbl. a slight elevation difference between the rifle and target could ruin a shot pretty easy. Biggest stone ram I've ever seen while guiding walked away due to this early in my career before I thought about this. 150yrd shot ended with a dead hill at 50yrds and a rattled hunter that couldn't hit it on the move after that first shot.
I hunt sheep to see over the next mountain not to measure the next trophy!

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Lurch

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #17 on: March 11, 2013, 02:51:26 PM »
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.


sheepguide

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #18 on: March 11, 2013, 03:40:33 PM »
Great post Lurch!

And I'll second that seperate tents. Nothing worse being stuck in a dinky tent with another dude after 10 days of climbing hills. I like my Room. And a vestibule is a must for me. My boots and pack always stay here plus I can cook under it during crappy weather.
I hunt sheep to see over the next mountain not to measure the next trophy!

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Doug N

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Re: Let's See Some Sheep Hunting Tips And Tactics!!!
« Reply #19 on: March 11, 2013, 07:58:44 PM »
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.