I drew a CO bighorn tag!!
Wild Sheep
Contributors to this thread:
Gentlemen, I am not a new member to the forum but do not post or comment much. I think it's time to get a little more active.
I was notified on Friday that I received the one non-resident ram tag for unit 44 in Colorado. I'm still in shock. It really is a dream come true.
The only thing I know as of now is that I will be hiring an outfitter. Although I'm not sure which outfitter. Any info regarding anything at all about unit 44, bighorns, outfitters, etc. would be appreciated. Any tips, tactics, advice, etc. is also appreciated. PM's welcome.
Thanks, guys. This still feels like a dream....
Bowkill
bowkill1978, Congrats in a BIG way!
Best of luck and keep us posted!
Mark
Bowkill, I sent you a PM. Congrats on the tag!
Wow, congrats on a tag that is likely once in multiple lifetimes!
bowkill78, congrats on the tag.
If you don't mind my asking, how many weighted points did you have?
Your plan to go outfitted is probably a good one, based on the low recent success rate on that hunt. (Of the last 15 bowhunters, 1 ram killed). Interestingly, the one kill was unguided. So I agree with doing everything possible to increase your success, including hiring a guide. Because any sheep tag is so rare to come by. Good luck on your hunt!
Weird, my Public Works Superintendant archery killed his ram in 44 many years back.
Stick, I had 4 weighted points. Yes, 4.
I had the tag in 2003. Got a couple of emails with info and then drove out from Maine. DIY...threw on a backpack and killed a ram that just makes P&Y on my second day..(lucky or good doesn't matter..he is on my wall)
Have a great trip and enjoy the moment.
Congrats on drawing my tag! That was the hunt I applied for this year as well. Based on last years draw odds it was the NR unit with the best draw odds(only 11 NR applicants totaling only 76 weighted NR points). At 4 points your odds were about 1:15 (4 points + this years ap = 76/5) of drawing the tag... not bad for a sheep hunt!
Also, don't blame you for hiring an outfitter on this one. Sticksender's right, historically tough success rates in the unit. That being said, archery sheep hunters have done pretty well going D.I.Y. in Colorado over the last 4 years. Of the 41 rams taken, only 8 of them were with an outfitter.
Good luck on your hunt! You're in for the hunt of a lifetime, enjoy every minute! I could talk sheep hunting all day so feel free to get in touch if you want to talk. Headed to the taxi's in a few hours to pick up my ram, so a little extra fired up about sheep today!
DIYMaps's Link
Every friend of mine that draws a sheep tag always asks me for custom maps. A lot of this stuff is fairly easy to make with Google Earth Pro, and it is definitely interesting to overlay 2003-2014 harvest points for reference. I took it a step further and let him turn off Ewe, and separate out Rifle and Bow Ram kills. Then I went even further and made it so he can click on any kill site and see that rams measurements and stuff. If I get time, I'll probably even let him sort out kills by year, so he can look for trends in the locations people are having success.
I attached a link to the PDFs for this information. RMBS is all the way at the bottom and it's the "Horn/Antler Measurements & Locations" Report. Good luck though! I don't have any specific advice about 44 or any pre-made stuff like this I can share. Just thought I would share how my buddies usually start preparing for the hunt!
Congrats on your successful draw. I too am a NR who has been putting in for over 20 years for a tag. I moved away from 44 because of a prior commitment. I would like to talk to u before your hunt. Could offer some info.
R stog
I want to say blah blah blah, but that's just the jealousy talking. good luck and cant wait for pics!
Huge Congratulations! Best of Luck on your hunt of a lifetime!
Congrats. We are pulling for you. Keep us posted.
Congratulations and good luck. I'm looking forward to your report!
I've never heard of and outfitter that guides for sheep in 44? Have you found one yet?
Pretty sure Don Waechtler owner of Slim's Taxidermy in Glenwood Springs could help you out. He's a little testy but a nice guy and a damn good hunter.