Follow Up 2017 MH sheep

I have been trying to get back into Wyoming Sheep Unit 1 for about 6 weeks. Because of a deep snow pack and flooded streams and creeks, I was not able to do so until day. I was unable to get as far back in by vehicle as I had hoped to. This gave me an extra mile or so to walk but I certainly need the exercise. I hiked in about 3 miles over some really steep country. I was actually trying to return to an area where I found a deadhead ram last year. I was also trying to return to a spot where I had made a play on two mature rams. Because of deep snow, I really didn't expect to see any sheep.

About 9:00 am this morning I spotted some sheep at 600 yards. I did not have my spotting scope just my Leicas and a little point and shoot camera. The first two sheep I spotted were both rams. After glassing some more, I located 3 more rams on the edge of the timber. About 20 minutes, later I glassed up 2 more rams that were small. I made a concerted effort to see how close I could get to these boys. I was able to get within a little over 200 yards of these rams.





About an hour later, another tiny ram wandered in from the North. I watched all 8 rams for hours. The best ram was a 7/8 curl that I would estimate to be at least 7 years old. The other 4 mature rams were likely between 4 and 6 years of age. I am 99% positive that the first two rams I looked at were the two that gave me the slip last year in late September. Oh well. I could have shot every ram I saw today.

Since last year's hunt, I am still physically beat up. I am having lots of connective tissue issues with my left shoulder and right knee. I put in for a goat tag and didn't draw. I am also in for antelope, deer and elk. I can't say that I have had the sheep bug bite me. However, for the rest of my life I don't think I will ever stop admiring these creatures.

By the way, the ticks are really thick this year in NW Wyoming.

just sayin...mh

Great photos of the awesome country those rascals live in mh!!! Take it easy and get that old body of yours ready for the seasons coming up!

MH,

Love the details and the pictures! I've never drawn a sheep tag, but they sure are majestic!

Heal that body up, I'm seeing a short or medium or long hike in our near future..

NS

Kool country mh

How are the knees?

Robb

Robb,

The knees are bad. Trekking poles are my best friend. I will continue to hike and scout at least twice a week until hunting season. When you get a little older, you just can't surrender to the rocking chair.To get the motor running for my hikes in the backcountry, I mix and drink a Mtn Ops Green Apple Ignite before heading out.

Finding and watching the rams yesterday, made my hike worth it.

just sayin...mh

MH very cool!!! Love the country up that way!!

Yesterday, I hiked into one of my sheep camps from last year. I had to wait until the snow had melted. The entire trip took 13 hours on foot. I glassed up 16 sheep and 3 goats when I was in there. My reason for returning was to remove a 6 gallon water jug that I had packed in with a mule last August. The container was still intact and full of water. I had left it there, thinking I might return a little later in October. The hike about killed me. My camp was mostly snow free. The last time I was in that camp in September 2017 the snow was still 2ft. deep. just sayin...mh

Must be a good container freezing and thawing!
I enjoyed reading about your hunt, and obviously it was successful and a great experience.
What would you do different knowing what you know now?

junior,

Just a Reliance container from Walmart. I was surprised it wasn't crushed considering where I left it.

I really don't know what I may have done different. I may have scouted too many spots that ultimately may have worn me down before I even started hunting. I do wish I had been able to turn back the clock a few years. I am sure we all wish we could do that.

I don't regret not hiring a guide. I don't regret hunting on foot. That is the way I have always hunted. I don't regret picking Area 1 because I knew the area well and I felt I had zero chance of drawing another area before I was too old to go.


just sayin...mh