My 2014 AK Dall Sheep Hunt 2nd Trip
Wild Sheep
Contributors to this thread:
Well I just returned from my 2nd trip to hunt Dall sheep hunt in Chugach State park. Last trip was back in 2010.
We experienced all types’ of weather from clear sunny days, snow, below zero temps, and rain. We hiked in over 18 miles and stayed for a total of 12 days. The season is only 10days and we were there the entire time. We did lose a few days due to weather where you couldn’t see 100ft.
We saw lot’s of sheep. We attempted five stalks on rams. The wind was definitely not our friend and screwed us when we got with 100yds on almost every stalk even though it was in our face when we started.
All the rams were 39” or better. I had one ram that we got within 200yds that would exceed 43” mark. Rich my outfitter and guide stated it would most likely be the new #1 P&Y and would be high 170’s for sure. If I would have been hunting with a muzzleloader or rifle I would have been done within a couple days. But, this is an archery only hunt. Also any sheep is legal but after seeing all the big rams, I only want to take one of them.
The end result was the stars didn’t align and I didn’t get a shot. Overall it was a great adventure and we saw lot’s of other animals.
I guess it’ll give me a reason to got back a third time. I’ll post some pictures. Remember there not BB quality.
The day prior my buddy who lives in Anchorage wanted to take a hike so we went above Girwood. On the mountian there is 14 sheep 4 our rams. They were too far to get a photo of them.
My buddy's wife worked for Russel Knight for over 10yrs, so we stopped by to chat. If I got one I was going to have his shop mount it.
Here were getting ready to hike in the day prior to the opener. Someone shot a moose and a brownie was on the carcass.
After riding the bikes which we pushed a lot due to steep hills we finally arrived at the trailhead. All foot travel from here.
Very cool. Were you hunting with Rich Moran?
This is the first place we camped at.
On the way to glass for sheep we ran into this bull moose. He was chasing two cows around. Rich called him.
Stekewood it was Rich Moran.
Here is a picture of a mountain off in the distance. We hunted around it most of the time.
I had a fantastic rifle sheep hunt with him a few years ago in the Kenai mountains. Great guy!
Here's the first sheep we spotted. There all ewes & lambs.
Here another picture of the terrian we hunted in!
This was a black bear we saw he was in an area with lot's of brown bear activity very brave bear!
Rich glass another mountain for sheep
This is our camp up on a bench on the mountain. It was a very nasty and steep climb up a creek.
We got some snow the next day!
This is the next morning were headed up the mountain to glass the bowl above camp.
This is the next morning were headed up the mountain to glass the bowl above camp.
This the morning after a big storm were we got stuck in the tent all day! I've never had so much sleep in my life!
Here the distant mountains after the storm.
We went up on the hill above camp to glass and sit all day to watch for sheep.
We came off the mountain and camped here.
It got bitter cold that night and it was below zero. We both only had 20 degree bags so we threw on a few extra layers to stay warm.
My boots were hard to put on and the water from crossing the creeks and boggy area frozen as you can see on my boots.
It's not a very good picture but it was taken from quite a distance. The ram in the middle is the monster ram we saw. We got within 200yds and the wind switched and game over!
We moved camp again and got closer to this one valley. There were eleven rams in the area.
There is a 40 plus inch ram on the second rock to the left bedded. We had to wait till the next day to stalk him. He moved and was feeding in a draw an we got within 100yds and the the wind got us again. This was the last day to hunt and we didn't have time to hunt any other rams due to the distance and not enough time.
We pursue him up in the rocks. But never saw him again!
Heres another picture. It was very steep and slippery with the snow and ice.
This brown bear was only about 1/2 mile from our camp feeding on berry's I watched him till dark the last day of of my hunt.
Here's the picture it didn't take!
The next morning after we packed up and head out back to the truck. About a quarter mile from us the brown bear had cross the river bed we were camped on.
On the trail I found this brown bear rubbing tree.
Thanks for sharing the story
Pretty Cool! Thanks for sharing.
Wow great photos. Thanks for posting. HUNT
Awesome adventure...thanks for sharing!
Mark
What an awesome adventure! I too am chewing on Tag soup from a Dall hunt in the Chugach this year. But its still a great adventure! Like you, I'll be back. Mike
Very cool pictures, thanks for sharing with us, awesome!!! Better luck next time.
Now that is an adventure!!
Sounds like a lot of great rams in there! Going to give it another shot?
Wow what a hunt! Great pics! Thx for sharing.
Tough going in the winter weather conditions...hope you can make it again for another try...hope third time is a charm.
Wow, an actual bowhunt on our beloved bowsite. Tough conditions but man some great perspectives passed to us all. Reminds me of Cameron Hanes' hunt.
Congrats on a huge effort. Thanks for sharing the story and the photos and the adventure. Wild country for sure. You made some great memories for certain.
Craig-Great effort as always and thanks for sharing!! It will happen one of these days and all the experiences you've had will make it that much sweeter. Great hunt buddy.
Craig, you are livin' the dream, my friend! Third time's a charm!
You're the man Craig! Pics are awesome.
Awesome adventure there Craig, and a great report. I want to do this hunt with Rich very badly and hope to get it scheduled some day.
You are one tough bowhunter, doing that late season AK sheep hunt twice now, and being able to keep up with Rich Moran, maybe the toughest mountain guide I've known.
Hope you are applying again this year so you can get back up there and get it done.
Craig,
Thanks for sharing the experience. Sheep bowhunting can bring out so many different emotions......
Man I am at a search for words---an actual bow hunt thread on our Bow-site!!
Thanks for sharing Craig---you have always been a determined type bow hunter for all of us.
Good luck, Robb
Awesome adventure there Craig, and a great report. I want to do this hunt with Rich very badly and hope to get it scheduled some day.
You are one tough bowhunter, doing that late season AK sheep hunt twice now, and being able to keep up with Rich Moran, maybe the toughest mountain guide I've known.
Hope you are applying again this year so you can get back up there and get it done.