What is sheep type of hiking???

elks96 · Oct 20, 2018

So we have one spot that is wicked to hunt. Steep nasty, rough with brush etc. I am always wondering how it compares with others, etc.

So here is what I have. We park at 5234 feet in elevation and hike 1.24 miles to the top. This puts us at 8856 feet in that 1.24. The ridge we hunt on is another 2.4 miles long and in that 2.4 miles we drop to 6400 feet, then back to 8300, then down to 7400, and back to 8120, then last ridge we hit we drop off and make a buck loop back to truck.

So given those numbers, how ?hard? is the haul? We usually hunt it in 8 hours, but will take a mid day nap if it is hot...

Founder · Oct 21, 2018

Sounds like a nice leg workout right there! I'd bet 99.5% of people aren't doing that each day of a sheep hunt.

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DW · Oct 21, 2018

I need a nap just readin about it!

#livelikezac

DeerMadness · Oct 21, 2018

Anything over 1800' per mile is Sheep hiking. You are there with much extra.

DeerMadness · Oct 21, 2018

That first hike us 53 % grade

NORKALNIMROD · Oct 21, 2018

Thats steep country. I am in pretty good physical condition for my age and I am certain your hunt would thoroughly kick my but, if I could even do it!
My wife and I hike 4 days a week. Two days are 7.6 miles, two days are 8.9 miles. The short days have a 1600' accent, the long days 2140' accent. During the offseason I carry a 25/30 pound pack. Occasionally I load it to 55/65 pounds. During hunting season I reduce my load to bare minimum. To stay in shape we do this year round. When the snow or ice is too bad we have a 7.5 mile hike along the Payette River that we can traverse the majority of the winter.
We have been doing this for over 4 years now.
Your hunt sounds like a serious butt kicker! It reminds me of some of the climbs I used to make as a young adult when I lived up north! You could have hunted sheep or goats on those hikes!

Norkal

"One can take my life but not my faith or my
confidence. I fear none and respect all."

littlebighorn · Oct 21, 2018

elks.
I've been on several sheep hunts and comparing my experience I'd say first that some sheep areas have been easier on the bones than others. Some were even negotiated via ponies, which makes a 3000 foot climb cake, compared to being loaded down with 60lbs of gear like on other hunts. I would also note that all of my sheep experiences were planned to be 10 to 14 days and if you were loaded down with two weeks provisions, then your "wicked hike" would burn anyone out if it had to be repeated daily.

I have experience some sheep days similar to your described "wicked hunt" but fortunately, not every sheep day has included that kind of torture.

<So given those numbers, how ?hard? is the haul? >
From my experience, your wicked routine has prepared you well for pretty much any type of hunting, (including any sheep hunt) especially if it can be repeated regularly.
Physical challenge is a good part of the attraction of mountain hunting in my book.

Good on you for pushing forward.

appaloosa · Oct 21, 2018

LAST EDITED ON Oct-21-18 AT 07:36PM (MST)[p]Do all that with 70 lbs on your back, and you're getting close to sheep hunting.

jims · Oct 21, 2018

Sheep country varies considerably with terrain, vegetation, elevation, etc. Here in Colo timberline is usually around 10,000 to 10,500'. Doing the same hike you mentioned at 10,000 to 14,000 would be a lot tougher on legs and lungs than similar elevation gain at 6 to 8,000. Put a 60 to 80 lb pack on at 10 to 14,000' and you are talking a serious sheep hike!

I hunted goats this fall in Alaska....started at sea level and got my goat at around 3,000'. The hike up the hill was through a jungle of devil's club, alders and cliffs. My lungs had plenty of oxygen but climbing through jungle took a hours just to cover a couple miles. Add to that a hefty pack and I was certainly glad I was in Sheep/goat shape!

As mentioned earlier, sheep/goat hunting can vary considerably from 1 location to another....better be in "sheep shape!"

huntin50 · Oct 22, 2018

Sheep hunting varies a lot. I had a MT sheep tag, long back pack and some rugged country. 184 ram. Back pack off a cliff area, 100 lbs on my back 1-2 inches of snow, praying I wouldn't slip on the steep terrain.

Helped my nephew on Utah Rocky hunt. Drove the truck along a river, watched Rams fight from the road. After a the day was almost over, drove down the road, saw some sheep up a draw. Put the spotter on them, a big ram and 4 ewes. Hike up the draw 400-500 yards shot the ram at 300 yards across the draw, bone out the ram and caped him out, back to the truck at dark. Easy hunt. 174 Ram.

270Whatelse · Oct 22, 2018

I'm sure that hike would put you past 99% of the other hunters IMO! I've found anything over 1000 vertical feet leaves alot of guys behind you.

joesikora · Oct 28, 2018

I could do it if I can rent a helicopter. The animals will calm down in an hour or so! LOL!

Joe

"Sometimes you do things wrong for so long you
think their right" - 2001
"I can't argue with honesty" - 2005
-Joe E Sikora