Damn sheep and cattle

BenHuntn · Sep 10, 2016

Been scouting since before archery season. Had some nice bucks spotted and kept an eye on them till I got a chance to go after them. Then a sheep herder moves in several hundred head of sheep and the cattle are coming out of the high country and they all converge where these nice bucks were. Next thing I notice, no deer in the area. F__K the livestock.

Founder · Sep 10, 2016

They're still there. They live there. When them sheep come through some of the bucks might move off into the timber, but they're still right there.
On my last scouting trip, I got to the top of the mountain right at light and there were sheep all over. I thought I would see very few bucks. Ended seeing 33 bucks that morning right there along with the sheep. The sheep were scattered all over the mountain side, and bucks were also scattered about, mixed in and within 100 yards of all these small groups of 10-20 sheep. Hundreds of sheep scattered about.
I think the bucks have over time gotten a little use to the sheep, as they do elk, and realize they're not much threat. I don't think they like the noise so some bucks will definitely move to the timber or move around the hill or into the next basin, but they don't far and will return within a few days of the sheep being gone.
If it's a good spot, I wouldn't give up on it.

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
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LIK2HNT · Sep 10, 2016

Sheep = land maggots ???

BenHuntn · Sep 10, 2016

Thanks Founder I needed that.

YZF_88 · Sep 10, 2016

I've found that isnt the case with elk. Had some nice bulls patterned in Idaho and a small window to hunt opening weekend. Range maggots (300+) moves in and through my plan A,B & C spots opening day this year. Sucked big time. Seems as if pre scouting is pointless most times.

nripepi · Sep 10, 2016

If they are using sheep dogs, it could be a different story. I watched 10 bucks get chased out of a basin by sheep dogs clearing the basin before the sheep moved in, they ran a mile into the next drainage. I am sure they will be back, but depending on the situation it could be a while. I really think it matters how many sheep and how many dogs....the good thing is they are still there and within a mile!

My question for those that have seen them move before, what happens when they get bumped for the 2nd time? Usually the deer move over 1 basin and then so do the sheep!

dillon · Sep 11, 2016

I killed a 3x4 buck in the middle of about 3,000 sheep in 2006. I basically walked him to the hill and shot him when the sheep moved away from him. I hate sheep but I have seen a few, not a lot, of good bucks using the sheep for cover.

Good luck.

Dillon
www.dillonhoyt.com

Zeke · Sep 14, 2016

My opinion is , well, just that but I suspect it's more about all the commotion surrounding the sheep operation like people, dogs and rigs than it is about the sheep itself.

Zeke

YZF_88 · Sep 15, 2016

Switching spots on the Wasatch a day ago and this stubborn herd dog refused to move. Wonder if my white Expedition looked like a sheep.
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