North American Sheep
19 RIFLE HUNTERS 19 RAMS
2 ARCHERS 2 RAMS
N.W.T. DALL SHEEP MECCA
HORSEBACK AND BACKPACK HUNTS
Last fall this outfit took 21 rams for their
hunters, including an 82-year old hunter and 2 archers, one using a long
bow. The average ram was over 11 years in age and measured in the
37-inch class. Quite a few of the hunters added mountain caribou
on a trophy fee, with some scoring well over 400 inches.
This is a small family operation that has exclusive
guiding rights to over 7,000 square miles. In 2011 they had 17
sheep rifle hunters take 16 full curl rams. They also hosted 3
bowhunters and they took 2 rams and the unsuccessful hunter cut some
hair and later broke his bow.
The outfitter rotates his sheep camps to prevent
over hunting pressure and this provides more mature full curl rams.
There has never been any resident pressure of any kind in this area.
He also has an elaborate base camp including a hydroelectric plant that
produces power for all the comforts of home along with email. Most
hunters tag out early and upon return to base camp enjoy some fantastic
lake trout and grayling fishing just outside the cabin door.
Hunts start July 15 and run to early September.
10-day backpack hunts guided 1x1 are $19,500 and 12-day horseback hunts
are $21,000 plus preservation fund of $100 and 2 1/2 percent tax.
Mountain caribou can be taken for a $4,000 trophy fee and last fall
success was again 100 percent, with the top bull grossing 435 Boone and
Crockett and out of the 16 bulls taken 4 more would book.
He also offers a 12-day backpack combination hunt
with a base price of $10,000 and trophy fees of $10,000 for sheep,
$8,500 for moose and $4,000 for caribou on August 28 to September 8.
Hunters charter from Norman Wells for approximately
$1,000 roundtrip. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have hunted out of
this camp. Hunt DS250.
Pictures from this Hunt.
NUMBER 1 TROPHY DALL SHEEP
4 RAMS OVER 40 INCHES IN 2012
5 RAMS OVER 40 INCHES IN 2011
Last fall this longtime outfitter had 27 hunters
take 26 rams, including 4 over 40 inches.
In 2011 he had 22 rifle hunters and all scored on
full curl rams and 2 of the 3 archers also scored. 5 rams were
taken that measured over the magical 40 inches.
In 2010 all 25 hunters took rams, including 3
archers. 2 rams were taken over 40 inches and also a 38-inch ram
with 15 1/4-inch bases.
Over the past 14 years this outfitter has produced
343 full curl rams for 358 hunters for a success rate of over 95 percent
and that includes quite a few bowhunters. Rams have been averaging
over 37 inches and just shy of 11 years old. This outfitter has an
exclusive area encompassing 9,000 square miles and he is the only
outfitter allowed here. This is one of the best dall sheep hunts
in North America.
12-day backpack hunts are priced at $19,900 and some
guides use pack dogs. Sheep hunts start July 15 and continue into early
September. World-class mountain caribou can be added for a $4,000 kill
fee plus license. Roundtrip charter from Norman Wells is approximately
$1,000. Hunt DS119.
Pictures from this Hunt.
ALASKA DALL’S ONLY $14,000
This is a tough backpack hunt suitable for young
energetic hunters or middle aged marathon type guys. The price is
very reasonable and the area produces nice rams. Last fall he took
6 hunters and 2 of them quit early due to being out of shape. The
remaining 4 all scored on full curl rams, including 2 just under 40
inches. In the past 11 years he has had 72 hunters tag 62 rams.
In 2011 his 7 hunters took 6 rams with the best
going 38 1/2 inches and the average ram taken was 37. The
unsuccessful hunter had several stalks, but did not score.
Success had been running at or near 100% for 8
years, but in 2010 extremely foul weather changed that. He had 7
hunters take 4 rams, including a big heavy 41 incher with 14 5/8-inch
bases. Real high winds hampered the entire hunt, but a lot of
sheep were seen.
This can be a physical 9-day backpack hunt guided 1x1
conducted just outside Denali Park. Hunter and guide are flown into
remote sheep country by supercub and dropped off. Opportunity has run
near 100% for the past 17 years. The pilot/outfitter is very
experienced and knows his area well. He runs two hunts from August 10
to 30 and we would recommend the first hunt. 14 days with grizzly added
is $18,500. Charter flight from Anchorage to McGrath to camp is about
$1,400 and may be split amongst hunters. Hunt DS776.
Pictures from this Hunt.
$14,500 DALL SHEEP HUNT
PRIVATE CONCESSION IN WRANGELLS
This is a small family operation with a very
personal touch.
This outfitter has exclusive rights for two
bordering concessions in Alaska’s Wrangell Mountains.
No other outfitter or guide can hunt within these areas.
2012 and 2011 were both tough years due to the lack
of full curl rams. Large numbers of sheep were seen, but just not
quite legal. In fact, the outfitter saw a large band of 60 rams in
July, when they are bunched up, and it looked like only 2 were legal.
This may have resulted from a couple bad winters 8 and 9 years ago,
possibly killing off the lamb crop. 2012 resulted in 7 hunters
taking 5 rams and in 2011 6 hunters took 3 rams. 2010 saw some
extreme weather conditions, but they still took 8 rams for 10 hunters.
In 2009 all 8 hunters took rams and over the previous 10 years all HCU
customers have scored on full-curled rams.
10-day 1x1 hunts are $14,500 starting August 10 and
continuing into early September. The outfitter is well known for his
legendary flying skills. His father ran this outfit before him and he
grew up at base camp. Now he raises his family there and does the
flying himself. Hunters fly into Anchorage and rent a car or take a bus to
Slana where they are met, no charter flights. Next available opening is
in 2014. Hunt DS822.
Pictures from this Hunt.
TOP ALASKA DALL SHEEP
HORSEBACK OR BACKPACK
2012-7 HUNTERS 6 RAMS
2011-6 HUNTERS 6 RAMS
This outfitter has one of the few private
concessions in eastern Alaska bordering the Yukon. In fact, he
trails his horses 3 days across the Yukon to reach his area. He
offers horseback hunts in part of his area and backpack in another.
Last fall 3 of the 4 horseback hunters tagged rams
and all 3 backpack guys scored. 2011 was 6 for 6. 2010 they
had 7 hunters take 6 rams and the unsuccessful hunter missed 2 and in
2009 all 6 hunters took home rams. Rams in his area have averaged
a respectable 35 to 37 inches with 13 to 13 1/2-inch bases.
They operate out of 2 base camps. The
horseback hunts are based out of weatherport wall tents that are 14’ by
16’ with 5’ side walls. The outfitter’s wife does the cooking and
this area is not very accessible by plane, making the horses a valuable
commodity. The backpack hunts are also based out of a 14’ by 16’
wall tent, but they spike camp from there utilizing pup tents.
Both areas are accessed by a charter flight from Fairbanks priced at
about $945 per hunter.
9-day sheep hunts guided 1x1 is priced at $15,500 and
are conducted August 10 to 19 and 19 to 29. 2 openings were available
at press time for 2013, 2 for 2014 and 5 for 2015. Grizzly can be added
for a $4,500 trophy fee. Hunt DS540.
Pictures from this Hunt.
B.C. STONE SHEEP HORSEBACK HUNT
8 FOR 8 AGAIN 3 YEARS IN A ROW
This stone sheep hunt just seems to get better
every year. In 2012 all 8 hunters scored on rams for the third
year in a row, including 2 archers. The best ram taken made THE
BOOK scoring 174 inches. They also took a 41 1/2-inch ram and a
38-inch 11-year old ram that scored 166 Boone and Crockett.
This hunt takes place in a high density sheep area
in northeastern British Columbia.
In 2011 all 8 sheep tags were filled, including the new #3 Pope and
Young ram scoring 173 4/8 inches. Another hunter took a 168-inch
ram with 15-inch bases.
The hunt is 15 days with horses and the price is
very reasonable at $25,500 plus a $10,000 trophy fee. In 2010, of
the 8 rams taken 2 came in at an incredible 43 inches, along with a 39
1/2 and a 38 1/2.
He offers 2 hunts in the month of August and
additional animals can be taken on the second hunt for a $3,500 trophy
fee. A sheep hunt consists of spike camps, guide, wrangler and 6 horses.
Rams are typically quite dark in his area.
Hunters fly into Fort Nelson and take a charter flight to base camp that is
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE and also included is tax and government royalty
fees. Hunters pay for license and tags. Next opening is in 2014. Hunt SS483.
Pictures from this Hunt.
NORTHCENTRAL B.C. STONE SHEEP
Last fall his 10 stone sheep hunters scored on 8
rams, including a 42, 41 and 39-incher. The 42-inch ram had a
bigger one with him. Of the 2 unsuccessful hunters one saw 11 rams
and missed 3, while the other saw 16 rams and made 4 stalks, but no
shots were fired. During one stalk on 3 rams a pack of wolves
ambushed the rams, killing the smallest of the 3.
In 2011 the outfit ended up 7 for 9. One
unsuccessful hunter had to leave 4 days into the hunt due to health
issues and the other missed a ram and saw 7 more legal sheep during his
hunt.
In 2010 success was 100 percent for all 10 stone
sheep hunters and they took 2 rams over 40 inches, including a 41-inch
with 14 1/2-inch bases.
This 14-day horseback hunt in the Cassiar Mountains
is known for dark rams. The first sheep hunt August 1 to 14 is
$33,000. Later hunts running from August 15 to October 15 are
priced at $36,000 and you can take a sheep, moose, mountain goat,
caribou, black bear and wolf. This is a sheep hunt that allows you
to take more species at no charge. Prices may increase by 5% for
2013 or figure par on the dollar with the Canadian dollar rates.
Hunters arrive in Whitehorse and overnight. Drive to Watson
Lake
and then charter to and from camp for $1,500 plus licenses and 7% HST
tax. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have taken rams with this
outfitter. Hunt SS491.
Pictures from this Hunt.
NUMBER 1 STONE SHEEP HUNT
This hunt is tops for success and big dark rams in
the heart of northern British Columbia’s stone
sheep area. This hunt is typically 100% success, but last fall
they took 9 rams for 11 hunters. One hunter had to go home early
and the other archer was within 4 different rams under 25 yards, missed
one and went home empty. 2 rams were taken that went 40 inches,
scoring in the mid-160’s. In 2011 his 8 hunters took 8 rams
averaging in the mid-160’s, with the best one going 42 inches and gross
scoring 170 Boone and Crockett. In 2010 his 11 hunters tagged 11
rams, including a Boone and Crockett ram and 2 over 40 inches, along
with one bow kill. Rams are exceptionally dark in his area and
average over 10 years in age with 38-inch horns and exceptional mass.
In the last 7 years he has hosted 75 stone sheep hunters and they
harvested 71 rams.
This longtime outfitter has exclusive guiding
rights to over 5,000 square miles in one of the best stone sheep areas
of northern B.C. Additional animals can be taken on a $3,500
trophy fee and kids can hunt just for the price of trophy fees on moose,
mountain caribou or goat as long as they are accompanied by a paying
adult.
14-day horseback hunt is $42,000. Additional costs are
license, tags and HST tax. Roundtrip charter flight from
Ft.
Nelson to base camp has
been $900. Hunt SS728.
Pictures from this Hunt.
HUNT
BRITISH COLUMBIA
CALIFORNIA
BIGHORNS
4 HUNTERS 4 RAMS 2012
Last fall all 4 hunters took rams within 8 days of
hunting. 3 of the 4 rams were between 8 and 10 years in age.
This outfitter has always run a very high success hunt on good rams.
In 2011 his 4 hunters took 3 rams, including a
169-inch with 36-inch horns and 15-inch bases. They also took a
10-year old ram that scored 160 Boone and Crockett and a 155-inch.
The unsuccessful hunter never got a shot. This was the first
hunter in all the years that wasn’t able to get a shot at a ram.
In 2010 all 8 hunters took home rams and the best one
came in at 170 inches with 15 3/4-inch bases. The oldest ram of the 8
taken was 11 years in age. Over the last 7 years he has a total of 35
hunters take 29 rams. All hunters either missed or passed on legal rams
except for one older fellow. Rams normally score from 155 to 170, with
some full curl rams in the 10 to 12 year old class. 7-day hunt during
the month of October is priced at $40,000. Shiras moose are also
available in his area. Hunters are picked up in Penticton.
Hunt BS292.
Pictures from this Hunt.
DESERT SHEEP HUNTS 100%
BAJA OR
TIBURON ISLAND
Success has been 100% every year with this well
respected outfitter. Hunters can expect a quality, safe and legal
hunt.
The family leases 250,000 acres 70 miles north of La Paz and 200,000 acres near Loretto where
they conduct the Baja hunts. They also get 2 permits for the Tiburon Island hunt.
Baja rams typically weigh about 180 pounds with
longer horns than mainland rams in the 35” to 37” range and 13 to 15
1/2-inch bases. The head guide speaks fluent English. They
are very good at judging and also make the call as to when and which ram
to shoot.
Accommodations can be mini camps with spike tents
up to ranch houses. 10-day hunts guided 1x1 are $60,000 plus
$1,300 for permits, tags and paperwork. Hunts are mostly conducted
from December 1 to March 30.
They also offer high fence desert sheep hunts for only
$40,000 conducted on several ranches with some fenced areas at 5,000
acres. These rams typically score from 170 to 185 B&C. Hunt DS212.
Pictures from this Hunt.
TEXAS
FREE-RANGE AOUDAD
SHEEP HUNT $3750
100% SUCCESS PAST YEARS
AVERAGE OVER 28 INCHES
A 28-inch ram is considered top end on most aoudad
hunts, but on this hunt they average over 28 inches. In 2012 the
top 3 of 4 rams taken measured 30 1/2, 30 and 29 inches. This is a
trophy hunt guided 1x1 at a bargain price.
The hunt takes place on 10,000 unfenced acres in
steep canyon country, known as the Caprock area, about 45 miles
southeast of Lubbock, Texas.
The ranch has about 400 resident sheep and he only takes 4 or 5 rams per
year. Typically you glass from the high plateau into the rugged
canyons down below. The ranch has good road access and this is not
a physically demanding hunt.
3-day hunts conducted from January to early March
guided 1x1 are only $3,750 and an extra day can be added if necessary.
Cabin accommodations, meals and airport pickup at
Midland
airport included. HCU consultants Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham were on
this hunt with a couple buddies and had a fantastic time with everyone
taking rams from 27 to 32 inches. Next available opening is in 2014.
Hunt AU685.
Pictures from this Hunt.