2011 SWHA AZ Desert Sheep Success

It was a short season for the SWHA boy's in Southwest AZ. After month's of hard scouting our work paid off and we were done by Dec 3rd. Congrats to Mike Rufer with an awesome 44bn ram and Franco Savateri with a fine 43b ram

Mike Rufer 44bn

Franco Savateri 43b

High Deserts Final Ram for 2011

Hunting Friends, 

In our lives each one of us gets an opportunity sooner or later to have an unbelievable experience that is indelibly burned into our memories. It seems that I have been blessed with lots of these during my time out on the mountain with many of you over the years. However, I just got back late last night from an incredible sheep hunt on the Escalante that I will always remember with Layton, Utah, hunter Cal Bambrough, his sons Kade and Matt, as well as my guiding partners Brett Caldwell and Bryant Johnson. Believe me, the Bambrough's are as knowledgeable of hunters as there are around and are also very seasoned guides so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to take Cal on his "Once In A LIfetime" hunt when he called me several days after the Utah draw last spring to guide him. For months Cal trained for this hunt as he and I chose a date on the calendar that would work best for both of us. Then, in September, just days before we were to leave for his hunt Cal got really sick with some health issues that put him in the hospital and down in bed. Most of you can imagine the heartache and emotional distress he was experiencing. The doctors just plain told him he couldn't go. We were forced to reschedule Cal for the last of the Utah sheep hunt. Because of this change we didn't know whether I would still be able to help guide him or if both his sons could go. Well, to not complicate the story more everything suddenly came together at the last minute and although Cal was far from being at full physical strength, we led him into the canyons of the Escalante, some of the most inhospitable terrain anywhere in North America, last Tuesday night.  His dreams of finally taking his desert ram were fulfilled late Thursday evening with both his sons there by his side in an exciting hunting moment for everyone. What an adrenalin rush for all of us! 

It was sheer determination to complete his life long goal that kept Cal pushing himself through canyons and sandstone obstacle courses that would simply force most people to turn around and quit.  What an undescribable experience! I can't say enough about the mental will power that Cal demonstrated on this hunt. It was HIGH DESERTS privilege to have the opportunity to be there in camp with you Cal. You were an inspiration. CONGRATULATIONS on a beautiful desert ram. There's no doubt in my mind that Cal will someway find a way to go on a Stone sheep hunt one day in the near future to complete his FULL CURL. No one would be more excited than me to hear his name called at the FULL CURL SOCIETY drawings in February. It was my honor to be there by your side when your desert ram went down. Thank you.

Randy

HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES 

 

 

Another Booner Utah Desert Ram!

Hunting Friends,

We had an incredible day "out on the mountain" today. "CONGRATULATIONS" to our non-resident hunter, Randy Rosenthal from northern California who took this massive 171.5 ram this morning. We worked hard and the "sheep gods" smiled upon us as everything fell into place. I nicknamed this old ram, "Spartacus" because he was the victor in his arena of battle. Great job Randy, you hung in there with us all the way. Thank you for placing your "once in a lifetime trust" with HIGH DESERT. My partners Brett Caldwell and Bryant Johnson were right there when all the action took place. Good luck everyone on the opening Utah deer hunt. Stay safe.

Randy

HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES

http://www.highdesertsheepguides.com/

GOT FLARE?

Hunting Friends,

Congratulations to Bill Burbidge and HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDE Bret Caldwell on taking this wide flaring Utah desert ram that looks more like a Dall! Bill is 69 years old and waited a long time to draw this tag. What was very special about this hunt is that both of Bill's sons could be there with him when he took his ram. Great job guys. Thanks for allowing us to share in this Once In  A Lifetime Experience with you. Good luck everyone. It's sure fun to see your pictures and hear your stories.

Randy

HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES

http://www.highdesertsheepguides.com/

 

 

The Third TimeI Is Alaways A Charm!

Hunting Friends,

As many of you know Utah's Escalante Unit can be one of the most challenging sheep hunts in North America. The sheep are difficult to find and the terrain can be a real challenge. CONGRATULATIONS to Utah hunter Ron Nilsson and HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDE Bryant Johnson on  taking this 7.5 year old ram last Thursday morning. The ram took a death tumble off a cliff but the boys were able to retrieve a trophy animal. This was Ron's 3rd trip into the Escalante since the opener and it paid off. Thanks for allowing HIGH DESERT the privilege of guiding you Ron. You worked extremely hard for your ram. Great job guys! Good luck everyone.

Randy
HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES
http://www.highdesertsheepguides.com/

The Nine Hour Death March

Hunting Friends,

My brother Bryant and Warren Kirk just got back from a really tough desert sheep hunt on Utah's rugged Escalante Unit. They put in lots of difficult miles but stayed with it and never quit. CONGRATULATIONS to Warren on taking this great 9.5 year old ram Wednesday night just before the big storm hit the canyons of the Escalante. I received a SAT phone call at 11:30 pm to let me know that they had finally made it back to their spike camp. Wow, what a long day. After 9 straight hours of hiking they finally made it out to their truck the following evening. Great job guys!  I'm sure many of our sheep hunting friends can appreciate what you went through to harvest your "Once In  A Lifetime" trophy. Thank you Warren for placing your trust in us and allowing HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES to guide you! 

Good luck out there on the mountain everyone. It's sure fun to hear your stories and see your pictures.

Randy

HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES

http://www.highdesertsheepguides.com/

 

 

MASS,MASS AND SOME MORE MASS!!!

Hello Hunting Friends,

I just got home from an incredible Utah desert sheep hunt with Mitch Olsen of Hyrum, Ut. CONGRATS  to Mitch on taking this massive 170.5 pt ram that I nicknamed "The Sledgehammer." We spent 6 butt busting days in miserable heat searching for the ram that Mitch has been dreaming about for 18 years. As tough as it got Mitch never complained once and definitely earned the opportunity of harvesting this hunk. I've guided sheep hunters for a lot of years now and for shear mass this is the biggest Utah desert brute I've seen. Great job Mitch! It was an honor to have the opportunity to guide someone who works as hard as you do. Mitch is a blue collar worker who represents everything that hunting should be about. I'll spend time out on the mountain with him anytime!

As many of my hunting friends know every now and again I get on a personal soapbox and today it happens to be on how much emphasis that we, in the hunting community, sometimes place on scores.  It's my personal belief that we often put far too much emphasis on what a big ram, buck or bull is going to score. Believe me, I'm just as bad as anyone. Instead, if we have the opportunity to harvest a big game animal that is exactly what you are looking for, although it isn't a BC record, then you should truly treasure the opportunity of legal pursuit and respect the animal for what it represents. 

Good luck everyone. I appreciate so much your stories, pictures and love for "getting out on the mountain." Remember, every big game animal you take is a trophy in itself. Take care and be safe.

Randy

HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES

http://www.highdesertsheepguides.com/  

2011 AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep Society Ram Recognition Banquet

The  2011 AZ  ADBSS Ram Recognition Banquet was one of the best I've seen in years. The Ram Recognition Banquet is truly a neat experience, and I look forward to it every year. The ADBSS does an excellent job in organizing this event. The banquet is a time for people to meet new friends, see old friends, and see all the awesome sheep mounts from the prior years sheep hunt. Travis and I had pleasure of seeing two of our clients from the 2010 sheep season, Mr. Ellis Taylor and Mr. Derral Crance along with having met some of the successful sheep hunters from the 2010 sheep season. Last but not least Travis and I were honored to meet two of the pioneers of  AZ sheep hunting, Tom Saad and  Richard Fite. Both of these gentlemen have a very long history being involved with AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep.

Mr. Taylor and his 43B ram

 

Derral Crance's 44AE ram

                                    

The Dirty Devil Adventure

Hunting Friends,

I just got back from an incredible sheep hunt on Utah's Dirty Devil Unit. Idaho hunter, Gordon Smith and his hunting buddy, Doug Walter's made the long trip to Utah for Gordon's "Once In A Lifetime" desert sheep hunt. Gordon won this hunt last year at the Western Hunting Expo! Believe me, these guys are hard core hunters and I took them into some of the meanest terrain that the Devil has to offer. I think all of us thought we were going to die Saturday night when one of the worst lightning storms I have ever been in turned the night into day and the thunder literally shook us out of our sleeping bags.  We survived and kept pounding the canyons in search of rams. On Monday, I decided to try and track down a ram that Gordon and I had seen that morning. I think Gordon may have thought I had drank too much "Dirty Devil Water" but after 8 tough hours we finally chased the ram down and Gordon harvested his hard earned desert trophy! Great job Gordon on a beautiful 9.5 year old ram. Thank you for the privilege of asking me to guide you. For those who may not recognize Gordon he run Mountain Archery in Rexburg, Idaho, a great company. Check them out on the web when you get an opportunity. 

Good luck everyone this fall. It's fun getting to see some of your trophy animals.

Randy

HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES

http://www.highdesertsheepguides.com/

Another DCO White Mtns Ram

Dry Creek Outfitters of CA have once again scored on another handsome ram from California's White Mountain sheep unit this year. Bill Hays center punched the ram with a clean 300 yard shot. This 164" ram may very well be the biggest ram harvested this year from the Whites. Congrats to all involved.

Congrats to Mike Hill

Congratulations Michael Hill on the handsome ram that he harvested in the White Mountains in California. We got on these rams at 8:00A.M. on the very first day. The rams were bedded at a distance of 650 yds. and we were unable to close the distance on them. We sat and watched the group of 5 rams for 9 hours until they finally fed into a canyon. We were able to close the distance to 140 yds. and Michael sealed the deal with one shot.

It was a long day not getting back to camp until after 10:00 P.M. But I will guarantee you that Michael won’t soon forget his hunt at 12,000’ in the Whites. Congratulations again Mike on a great ram!

Cliff St. Martin

Dry Creek Outfitters

Kenetrek DESERT GUIDE Boot Review

Editor: Randy Johnson

Rating: 5 Stars

Basic Description of item: Non-insulated, very tough, mid-ankle hiking boot.

The new Kenetrek DESERT GUIDE hunting boot that made its debut on the market in July was specifically designed for the incredible punishment that the harsh, abrasive terrain of the desert Southwest and Mexico is famous for throwing at hunters, hikers and even desert sheep!  Believe me, these boots were built to withstand the relentless abuse and pounding that the sandpaper grinding sandstone, needle sharp cactus and grinding lava flows can throw at you daily. The Desert Guide is made with thick 2.8 mm premium full grain leather uppers that are precisely padded and lined with durable synthetic to enhance breathability and the wicking of perspiration from your feet. Kenetrek’s Desert Guide boots are ideal for walking long distances in rough terrain while carrying a heavy backpack full of gear as well as the meat, antlers or horns of trophy animals. The spiderlike traction of their Vibram Vertige outsoles help keep you from slipping. Extra padding ensures a soft and supportive collar around your ankle. With the special flex notch upper design, the Kenetrek Desert Guide Boots are also surprisingly comfortable. At the end of a brutally long hard day out on the mountain, you still will not want to take them off! Average weight 4.0 lbs.

Story:

As a desert sheep guide who spends hundreds of hours each year scouting and hiking the geologic disarray of  jagged, erosive landscape in the isolated canyon country of southern Utah, I demand a boot that will stand up to the abuse this terrain represents. I can’t afford to have sore feet and depend on a rugged but light boot that will provide comfort as well as support while trekking mile upon mile. Several years ago I thought I had found the perfect guiding boot in Kenetrek’s Hardscrabble Hiker. It held up reasonably well to all the punishment and miles but with its Windtex membrane, I found that it didn’t breath as well as I would like in extremely hot weather on my grueling marathon hikes into the scorching desert. After submitting a detailed review on the Hardscrabble and communicating my thoughts to Jim Winjum regarding a few minor issues, I was really pumped to learn last year that Kenetrek would be coming out with their new DESERT GUIDE boot this summer. Well, after using this boot for the past month and a half I can attest that Jim and his team have hit another HOME RUN. The new Desert Guide is no doubt the toughest, most comfortable boot I have worn to date!

At 4.0 lbs the Desert Guide is slightly heavier than the Hardscrabble Hiker that weighs in at 3.7 lbs but believe me, you don’t notice it. The Desert Guide doesn’t fit as snuggly as the Hardscrabble but it is still firm on my feet. I actually prefer this sizing feature. By eliminating the water proof gortex lining this new boot provides a wickable membrane for moisture to escape through when your feet are perspiring in hot temperatures. My feet have been really happy with this “breathable” feature. They remain cool and comfortable in the most difficult conditions and terrain. Although they are not waterproof like the Hardscrabbles I can address any waterproofing issue by thoroughly coating my Desert Guides with Kenetrek’s special boot wax.

As is customary with Kenetrek boots they feature a stiff insole that provides a solid support system. I truly believe the Vibram Vertiage outsoles have provided me with better traction and wear than the Hardscrabble K-Talon outsoles. The Desert Guide’s “tread” clings to rocks and has made me feel very secure from slipping on slick, sidling slabs of sandstone. These outsoles almost seem resistant to the grinding action of sandstone and lava sharp rock.

Another design change and prominent feature on these new boots that I endorse is a slight extension on the end of the toe of the boot to the outsole that the rand attaches too. This slight, tough extension acts as a sort of “bumper guard” against sharp rocks, cactus, other obstacles, etc.

 

As with my other Kenetrek boots I have not experienced a problem with the wearing of painful blisters during the break-in period. In fact, I felt comfortable with the boots the first day I laced them up. The 2.8 grain leather uppers provides great support, comfort, and doesn’t seem to show any wear from the razor sharp rocks I test them against. The lacing system is highly effective as Kenetrek has continued to craft and design the grommet to rotate so that you can easily tighten and lace your boots. My new Desert Guides have basicly proven themselves to be “bomb proof” and appear to be virtually indestructible.

When it comes to hunting gear and boots in particular I’m not one to hand out positive accolades easily. However, I honestly believe from my early field testing that Kenetrek has built an extremely high quality boot for the hardcore hunter and mountaineer. At a price of $340, the DESERT GUIDE is an expensive investment but it will prove its reputation to you for invincible quality when you are out on the mountain. You should expect this boot to provide extensive durability free of wear for countless expeditions into the field.  For the money, there is no doubt that the hunter should demand outstanding wear and tear. I can’t afford to have a boot fall apart when I am literally miles from my truck or nearest trailhead. With the new Desert Guide, I’m confident that these boots won’t fail me when Mother Nature chooses to test my gear to the max. I highly recommend the Kenetrek Desert Guide boot for the avid hunter who is willing to test their “metal” and gear against the landscape of the desert southwest.

What could they do better:

Kenetrek is a great company. I’ve found Jim Winjum and his team very receptive and helpful every time I have contacted them. I do believe that all boot companies should include a high quality pair of insoles with their boots. I personally always purchase the best insoles I can find and exchange them with the factory insoles in all my new hiking boots. Quality insoles are “feet savers.”

Randy

HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES

www.highdesertsheepguides.com

 

2011 Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Hunting Video-Trailer

SWHA has just completed our latest sheep hunting video. Check it out!

For the full version of the video click on the link to our Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002477666323#!/

TINES UP DIGISCOPING

Hello Hunting Friends,

I know that many of you have developed a keen interest in digiscoping while you are out on the mountain scouting for and pursuing big game. If you are like me time is always a precious commodity when you have a trophy ram or animal spotted and you want to get a picture taken to show close friends or clients. From past experience I've found that you need a digiscope adaptor that is fast, efficient and will help you take high quality pics of animals from 200 yards out to 2000 yards!

Please note that I recently field tested a really slick Scope)Cam Point and Shoot Adaptor developed by the Tines Up team at www.tinesup.com that even I could operate! I honestly couldn't believe how easy and simple their Scope)Cam adaptor was to use. Since going to their system I have been able to get some really great pictures through my spotting scope. Just wanted to give you a heads up. You really do need to check it out. I've attached several pics of the adaptor for you to look at.

If you wish to read my detailed review on the Tines Up Scope)Cam Adaptor you can go to iReview Gear at http://www.ireviewgear.com under cool gear or or go right to the review at:  http://ireviewgear.com/misc/tines-up-digi-scope-cam-point-and-shoot-kit-review. 

For those who are just beginners just remember that to digiscope effectively you should start by turning your spotting scope zoom down to 15 or 20x. Look at the viewfinder on your point and click camera to ensure that there is a perfect circle in the middle of your viewing screen. Start zooming your camera in until the black circle fills or comes close to filling the viewfinder and the animal you are going to take the picture of comes into view. Generally, you will find that the Scope)Cam Adapator will work better at distances over 500 yards. Once you have the animal in view, fine focus our spotting scope as you watch the camera’s screen to get everything as clear and clean as possible. You should also now be able to zoom in a little more with your scope and fine tune. Just remember that digiscoping takes practice just like everything else for you to get good at what you are doing. There’s no doubt that the Scope)Cam Adaptor will take your digiscoping proficiency to an entirely different level.

Please note that iReview Gear is a great website and resource to research reviews on other hunting gear as well. Good luck and good hunting everyone. We look forward to seeing many of you "out on the mountain" this fall. We hope that you will share your pictures of success with us.

Randy

HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES

www.highdesertsheepguides.com

2011 AZ Bighorn Sheep and Deer Draw Results

Well as you all may know and I'm sure you've heard that the AZ  Draw Results for the 2011 Deer and Bighorn Sheep season are available on-line @ www. azgfd.gov/eservices/draw.shtml . 
 Below I have done a 2010 recap of the successful hunters from Utah,California and Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep. Hopefully some of our readers will be headed out "On The Mountain" this year chasin' sheep.

 

Dry Creek Outfitters

High Desert Wild Sheep Guides

Southwest Hunting Adventures

Dry Creek Outfitters

Southwest Hunting Adventures

High Desert Wild Sheep Guides

Dry Creek Outfitters

Southwest Hunting Adventures

Dry Creek Outfitters

Dry Creek Outfitters

High Desert Wild Sheep Guides

Just One Look! Part 2

I'm Sure you guy's are wondering what this Arizona Desert Ram really scores. Look below and you will be able to see some very distinct marks on the end of his left horn. I have circled the marks so click on the image for a larger view and you will be able to tell both photo's are of the same ram.

This AZ Rams official B&C score was 183 2/8 net. When we first viewed the top picture in the fall of 2010, It was the only pic we had of this big AZ ram. After just one look the SWHA boys  knew this was the ram we had to find for Derral.

Just One Look!

OK, lets say you have a Desert Sheep tag....You want to to harvest the biggest Desert Ram ram possible in your unit, would this guy be worth going after? Just off of a left side view assuming the right side is similar  what kind of score would you put him at? Click on the pic to enlarge.

Rams at night?

One thing I have learned about Desert Bighorn sheep over the years is, at least here in Arizona, How little I actually know about them. It seems every time I'm out in the sheep mountains I learn something new. I have always thought that sheep were predominantly day time creatures. But with the use of modern technology we're learning new things about sheep in more ways than ever.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say " Desert sheep move around at night more than we think"
Click the pic to enlarge

Choosing The Right Gun For Your Sheep Hunt

Written by Cliff St.Martin

What gun is best for my sheep hunt? This is a subject that could cause some hunters to get into a seriously heated debate.  If I was asked this question 40 years ago, I would have been one of those hunters siding strongly toward the pre 64 Model 70 in 30-06.  Back in those days I felt anything else wasn't worth having.  My Father bought me my first 06 at age 10 which was his caliber of choice.  So there you have it.
Don’t get me wrong, I still believe that the 30-06 with a 150 gr. bullet is a hard cartridge to beat, but my mind is much more open today than it once was.

Over the past 45 years I have been experimenting with different loads in practically every caliber that exists and I have come to one conclusion, a good number of calibers with proper ammunition would do just fine on a sheep hunt.  Personally, I would choose a caliber of 6.5mm (.264 Dia.) or larger.

Although a .257, especially in an Ackley Improved or Weatherby Mag. wouldn’t be a bad choice either.  I prefer staying away from the lighter calibers mainly because wind conditions can be extreme during your sheep hunt which will cause havoc with such a light bullet.  Not to mention that you would lose a lot of energy with a light bullet at ranges beyond 300 yards.

Generally speaking sheep are not too difficult to put on the ground but they are like any other game animal, if not hit properly they can pack a lot of lead and travel into another time zone before slowing down.  I like to tell our hunters that in most cases, if we can’t get them within 300 yards or less of the target, we aren't doing our job.  Granted, we have had a few exceptions when our hunters felt confident to take a shot up to 400 yards, but only because getting closer wasn’t an option.  A 200 yd. shot or less is the norm for us.

Over the many years that Tim and I have been involved in sheep hunts, the most popular rifles used have been the 270, 7mm, 30-06, 300, and 30-378.  All did the job just fine with excellent results.

Dry Creek Outfitters Gets New Look

That's right DCO has just launched their new and improved website. Same great service just a new look. It's a very user friendly site with some new features added. I especially like the Live Animals gallery. Those guy's have some big rams in that gallery. Also the Sheep Country gallery has some awesome pics of the sheep country CA has to offer. The Sheep Country gallery is also helpful for people to get an idea of what the country looks like before their hunt. This new site is a must see!!

The ram above is an absolute toad!! You can see more pics of him and others like him in the Live Animals gallery. So check it out.  http://www.bighornoutfitter.com/

PREPARING TO GO SHEEP HUNTING!

Hello everyone! I’ve been guiding sheep hunters for more years than any man or woman with all their mental facilities should admit but I can honestly say that I wouldn’t trade all the sweat, time, sacrifice, blood and tears for anything. I know that my fellow sheep guides from Southwest Hunting Adventures, AZ, Dry Creek Outfitters, CA, and Rio Brazos Outfitters, NM, who also contribute to this blog feel the very same way. In other words, we are obsessed, lifelong “sheep fanatics” who live for that adrenalin rush that surges through our veins when we spot a trophy ram! I know that when I personally receive a phone call from a man or woman who just drew their long awaited sheep tag and can hear the excitement in their voice and feel the raw emotion and anticipation they are trembling with that I’m suddenly bouncing around like a young kid on Christmas morning!

It’s very difficult for us as sheep guides to express the individual pride that we take to ensure that our client’s hunt will live up to the “once in a lifetime” dream that they surely have been dreaming about for many years. Believe me, we understand the incredible personal sacrifice and obstacles that our hunters have had to overcome to draw such a coveted tag and it’s our pleasure and privilege to help you begin to “Prepare to Go Sheep Hunting!”

Preparing for the mental and physical challenges of a sheep hunt may be the most difficult task that many hunters have ever faced. Sheep hunting is just plain tough and no unit or hunt is ever the same. Hunters who choose to chase a big ram are a different breed. It’s almost as if we are addicted to the physical and mental hardship that we surely will encounter!

The first thing I suggest to any hunter who has booked a sheep hunt is that you phone your outfitter and discuss every detail of your hunt. Do your research. Know the topography and what we are going to expect from you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even the simplest ones. Communicate and establish a relationship as you are adopted into our “sheep hunting family.” Once you have had all your questions answered satisfactorily then let the “fun begin” as you begin your quest, in partnership with us, your outfitter, to chase a trophy ram.

I have taken this opportunity to list some important items that I stress to my hunters as they prepare for their sheep hunt. Your outfitter may have additional thoughts. Visit their websites and review their various links to ensure that all your bases have been covered. Most of all, enjoy the total experience in your personal quest to fulfill your dream!

·        Establish a rigorous workout routine. On my website at www.highdesertsheepguides.com I have a link entitled “sheep shape” that you may find helpful. Other outfitters also have similar links. Set a goal to lose some weight and get into the best physical condition of your life. That may include a regimen of weight training, biking, running, cycling, etc. One suggestion I do have is that you take at least 2 days during the week and throw on a backpack. Get out in the hills on uneven terrain hiking. You can’t prepare for hiking in sheep country solely in the gym. Increase the weight in the pack. Train like you are preparing to become a Navy Seal. The physical condition you achieve will be an accomplishment that you can take incredible pride in and could make the difference in your overall success. I guarantee that being in great physical condition will make your hunt much more enjoyable!

·        Practice shooting! It’s great to get out on a rifle range to sight your rifle in but nothing will prepare you for a shot at a big ram like finding a safe, legal location out on the mountain where you can set up targets to shoot at from varying distances, angles, and circumstances. I can’t emphasis this enough to hunters. Many times your shot will come in a situation when you least expect it. That shot could be anywhere from 50 yards out to 500 yards. It may come at a near vertical angle hanging over a cliff, or in a split second as a ram busts out of its bed in the gnarly ledges above you. You may have to shoot off hand, from a prone position on a rocky, cactus covered slope, or over a hastily thrown down backpack. Whatever the situation or circumstance, prepare yourself for the opportunity. Know your rifle, scope, ammo, and shooting limitations.

·        Research and purchase the best gear hunting gear that you can financially afford for your hunt. Your outfitter should provide you with a suggested list. Once you make the decision to buy that backpack, boots, socks, etc, etc, then get out on the mountain and test them out. Get those boots broken in. Make the necessary adjustments. Know that your gear is not going to let you down out in the field when it counts most. In other words, your gear should as ready for battle as you are.

·        Although your guide/outfitter should have the very best in optics it is critical that you have a set of binos that will enable you to pick apart the landscape. Your guide may be good but don’t expect him to pick out a ram every time you sit down to glass a hillside, canyon, arroyo, or drainage. Having two or three eyes attempting to locate a ram will only help increase your chances. Don’t get discouraged if you are not seeing sheep. Believe me, on some days it’s like trying to locate a “needle in a haystack.” Many times it all has to do with angles, movement, knowledge of terrain, sheep habits, and even luck.

·        Don’t hesitate to phone a list of hunters who have hunted the unit and with the guide or outfitter you will be with. Look at topographical maps, Google Earth, etc. Also, it is a lot of fun to study pictures of rams from the unit you will be hunting and what they score. Not every ram has the same horn configuration. In your mind know what you are looking at. Paint a picture for yourself. However, be realistic with the caliber of ram and genetics for the unit that you have drawn.

·        Plan your hunt. You should expect, in fact, you should demand an itinerary and details from your outfitter. If that itinerary is not complete then call them.

Good luck everyone. Southwest Hunting Adventures, High Desert Wild Sheep Guides, Rio Brazos and Dry Creek look forward to seeing you out on the mountain this fall! Don’t hesitate to contact anyone of us with your sheep hunting questions.

Randy Johnson

HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES