My Epic sheep hunt NWT with Gana River
Contributors to this thread:Wild Sheep
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
This story starts 3 years in 2018. My dad, brother and I decided to do an archery dall sheep hunt with Ravens Throat. We booked for 2021 and were excited. This was to be my first ever sheep hunt you can imagine the excitement and dreams it invoked. Fast forward 1 year. We get a call from them that they are no longer going to accept bowhunters. Would you still like to go with rifle or would you like your money back. Talk about a crushing phone call. After thinking it over I decided to get my money back and start calling around again and making a decision elsewhere. I want to insert here that I have nothing bad to say about Ravens Throat. They run a great outfit from what I hear and I understand from a business point of view the thought process. We archers can be a pain. We tend to take longer, get moved more, and make things more challenging. From a bowhunters point of view it really stinks because a handful of outfitters are trending in this direction which is disappointing. If that is the case from a business point of view it would be nice to just set a bowhunting price and if someone still desires to do it they have the option. Back on track I talked to or researched most of the outfitters in the NWT. After much deliberation I settled on Gana River with Harold Grinde. They have a stellar reputation in the industry, they have very good quality sheep, and were willing to take a "crazy" bowhunt guy like me. Thankfully they had one spot left open for a backpack hunt in 2021 so I'm back on track
From: t-roy
28-Aug-21
Bring it on, bowfinatic!
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Another person instrumental I wanted to mention and thank is fellow bowsiter Rocking R who went archery hunting there in 2018. Dan was gracious enough to tell me about his trip and answer all my questions I had that helped shape my decision to ultimately go with Gana. He has a great write up of his hunt you can find in the sheep section. Check it out as it's a fantastic thread.
Fast forward to Jan of 2020 I get a call from Harold saying he has a hunter that is looking to switch back a year and is wondering if I wanted to go in 2020 instead of 2021.....um....yes absolutely! Turbo charge gear selection, training and immersing myself in everything I can find on sheep hunts. Podcast, YouTube, Bowsite, other hunters knowledge. 7 months away I can't wait
Spring of 2020 this little thing called Covid is starting to be talked about. No big deal right will just pass after a few weeks....well you all know how that turned out. Summer comes, borders close and I get the cancelation call for 2020. Disappointing certainly but extremely thankful that I had the opportunity to jump forward in 2020 so that means I'm back on for 2021
2021 here we go. Back all in on the training, gear prep, and emotions of my first ever sheep hunt. The border has to be open by then we all think. Then the closure drags on, and on, and on and on. Are you kidding me it's going to fall thru again. Well June draws around and no change in status so I get the call again from Harold, your hunt (end of July/ early August - 2nd hunt) is canceled push it to 2022. It's a bitter pill to swallow after 3 years of mental excitement and the changes along the way. I did tell Harold if anything changes with the border I can be available on short notice as my schedule is flexible and my family is understanding.
Suddenly in July finally positive news the border is going to open up in August....hallelujah maybe there's a chance even if it's a slim one. Sunday night July 25 I get a call private number.....hmm who could this be? Hello....Justin this is Harold Grinde. We have an opening for a hunt August 16 this year. Can you make it? Relief, exultation, jubilation were a few of the emotions I felt in that moment. I immediately accepted and had less than 3 weeks to wrap up loose ends at work, book airlines, get more serious on shooting my bow, wrap up gear decisions and oh yeah probably would help to do some backpack training....whew that was a whirlwind few weeks.
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
The day is finally here. Drive to Detroit fly to Toronto then Edmonton. Stay overnight and fly out to Norman Wells after. A day to spare in between just in case, feeling great so excited! I park in Detroit Airport lot and get a text... flight from Toronto to Edmonton is canceled due to lack of crew. You have got to be kidding me..... Talk to the Air Canada Detroit. Everything is booked for 2 days from Toronto to Edmonton you have to call this help number. Panic ensues On the line with the help desk for 1hr trying to find an option meanwhile my flight to Toronto time is getting down to the wire. Thankfully it got delayed (I know first time ever in thankful for that) Solution we can book you from Toronto to Calgary to Vancouver to Edmonton but you will have to stay overnight in Toronto. Ugh fine whatever book me and let's go. Land in Toronto and sit in the plane for 3.5hrs waiting for customs. Finally de-plane, getting thru customs was a breeze but its 11 30 and my next flight out is 6a.m. Figure hardly worth getting a hotel and the line for hotel reimbursement from Air Canada is 80 deep. Hey I have camping gear let's blow up the therapist and sleep at the airport. It worked.... kind of
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Lol Blow up the thermarest, not so much the therapist although at this point I could use one of those as well.
The next morning early I talk to another gate agent at 4:30 in the morning. I'm concerned with my 3 flights with only 50 min in between. I'm not confident in planes timeliness these days and if I don't hit Edmonton today I'm in trouble. The wonderful gal has mercy on this poor bedraggled soul and finds me....somehow a direct flight to Edmonton. Lifesaver!! I could have kissed her Back on track flight goes smooth and finally a huge sigh of relief I made it!
Next morning we hit yellow knife then Norman wells. Fly from NW to base camp. A glorious 45 min flight up over the mountains, sheep spotted coming in, excitement levels thru the roof. We hit the lake at base camp talk about a glorious sight
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Our twin otter transport
Our twin otter transport
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Sorry my image tool to rotate pics is not working so some pics the wrong direction
From: ki-ke
28-Aug-21
Im going to send you a bill for all the login/refresh/refresh time....
From: Slate
28-Aug-21
Good stuff. Funny reading the stress of the airport because it reminds me of trips I have been on. It’s always a crapshoot.
From: Slate
28-Aug-21
From: Bowboy
28-Aug-21
This is going to be good keep posting!
From: Paul@thefort
28-Aug-21
I am starting to get a headache from the stress :) But keep going.
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Coming into camp
Coming into camp
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Main chow house
Main chow house
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
One of the previous hunts rams
One of the previous hunts rams
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
One of the previous hunts bou
One of the previous hunts bou
We meet the previous hunters who are flying out. They all shot very nice sheep and a couple Caribou. That doesn't fire a guy up =)
From: Rupe
28-Aug-21
Awesome adventure and some great pictures.
From: Inshart
28-Aug-21
Here we go --- hope you get it finished today --- leave for elk hunt in 19 hours and 45 minutes.
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Day 1 The other 2 sheep hunters were flown into their areas in the morning. Our plan was to head up from camp and check out one cut for 2 days. We saw 2 rams there the day we flew in and one of them was a full curl My guide was Scott Kennedy who has been there 10 years and has taken out his fair share of bowhunters. We hit it off immediately
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
A mile or two up the cut and we find our first sheep. One is around a 6yr old and the other is the full curl we saw from camp. He has super pretty shape and was 8yrs old which is a little too young for what we are trying to shoot. Still an awesome encounter and so fun to glass and watch our first sheep
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: t-roy
28-Aug-21
You better type faster, or I’m gonna need a therapist ;-)
Great stuff so far!
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
We watched these guys for awhile and then headed further up our draw. A little further up we spot 4 Caribou bulls one of them looks like an old mature bull with a big heavy frame. Nothing spectacular on points but something worth looking at. Certainly my primary goal was a sheep hunt but I have a Caribou tag in my pocket and day 1 not too far from camp seems like a great place for a stalk to me =) We hike up thru the willows and lichen until we are about even with the Caribou. Wind in our face but a big rock slide separates us by 300 yards. We waited to see if they would feed back down in the grass and come our way. After waiting and watching them for a couple hours they slowly started feeding away from us. We dropped back down and headed there way. Around the Rock slide we went and then slowly sneaking/side Hilling trying to find them. As we hike back up the hill we slowly are glossing everywhere. The Caribou have kind of dropped off the face into a fairly steep cut. We finally spot the big one and can't see the other little 3. We crawl into 70 yards and wait. The Caribou is facing us but doesn't know we are there. Well what I thought was going to happen quickly didn't. He stayed facing us for 1.5hr just swinging his head from side to side occasionally. Finally he decides to move and comes 10 yards towards me. He turns almost broadside and starts feeding. Yes now it's go time. I start to draw my bow back and suddenly he spooks and runs down the cut to 120 yards. WHAT? Did the wind change? Scott leans over and tells me one of the small bulls with him who I haven't seen for 2hrs fed up the hill and busted us at 10 yards. Ugh so close on day 1 morning 1 Doesn't get much better than this
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
We headed further up the canyon the rest of that day but didn't spot anything else. We set up the tents and enjoyed the first mtn house dinners of the trip. I was pleasantly surprised with the mtn house and peak dinners I had this trip. It was my first time having them and I was expecting barely edible but turns out most of them were tasty. Night of day 1 the rain started and rained most of the night. Temps dropped quite cold in the low 40s
From: sticksender
28-Aug-21
Subscribed and watching this one! Will enjoy vicariously through your report, as I'm one of Harold's original 2021 bowhunters, bumped to 2022.
From: wildwilderness
28-Aug-21
Good stuff!
I regularly plan to sleep in airports and pack a pad and bag in my carry on.
Mt House has come a long way in their options.
From: Southern draw
28-Aug-21
Tuned in!
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Day 2 We head up as far as we can go in this particular canyon. We see waterfalls coming down being fed from melting glaciers and at the head a crazy blue lake. Absolutely breathtaking beauty. I was amazed at the amount of water that is running everywhere. Waterfalls, springs and seeps from all parts of the ground, canyon and rock faces. We saw a handful of ewes and lambs as well as one 1/4 banana curl near the lake
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Waterfall hidden in the fog
Waterfall hidden in the fog
Day 2 was cold and wet. It rained on and off all day
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
After going as far as we could go we headed back packed up our tents and started the trek back down the canyon. We spotted one ram at the very top of the bluffs. He looked to be a mature ram but didn't have a lot of head gear. Don't get me wrong if he would have been low and stalkable I would have given it a whirl. I wasn't planning on being fussy. If it's 10yr old I'm after it for my first go at it, however since he was in an unapproachable position and nothing special we watched for an hr and kept moving. We ended up glassing back down the rest of the day in the rain and didn't spot anything else. So we decided to head back to base camp for a hot wood stove and bunk to sleep in. Couldn't have timed that one better at all =) We got back around 11pm hung up everything in the cabin and stolked up the fireplace. Man did that feel awesome.
From: Stoneman
28-Aug-21
Beautiful country! Great adventure, I can't imagine anything better than sheep and caribou hunting right now with all the shit going on.
From: Novembermadman
28-Aug-21
Great story so far... thanks for sharing.
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Day 3 It's moving day today. Wake up with everything dry, eat a warm homemade meal and pack everything back up. Lots of time left on the hunt and appetite whetted with some rams spotted and a Caribou stalk under the belt. Guide Scott picks out our next destination and gets flown out with the super cub. Now it's my turn, I have been in some smaller planes before but that was a fun experience seeing the Caribou tracks along the river and flying thru the mtn passes. We land at 10:45 so with the 12hr rule today is just hiking in and setting up camp for tomorrow. Our destination is a horseback camp 5 mile hike into the interior from where we were dropped off. Scott said in 2019 where we are headed there were 2 great 9yr of rams. His hunter shot one which was an awesome 41" flaring ram. The other one he said was around 38-39" both shooters just diff horn shapes. We set off with our 50lb packs and hiked for an hr uphill. The first two days were a great warm up since we only needed to carry 2 days worth of food but now we are full. I also decided that I wanted to bring my own tent for the 8 days section so that added a little extra weight but was well worth it in my opinion.
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Pilot Dell pointing out diff areas
Pilot Dell pointing out diff areas
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Excited co "pilot"
Excited co "pilot"
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Super cub heading back home
Super cub heading back home
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Partway up during our hr climb
Partway up during our hr climb
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
View once we crested
View once we crested
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Eating some snacks and glassing where we are headed
Eating some snacks and glassing where we are headed
After our climb Scott sees what he thinks is a sheep a couple miles out where we are headed. Drink, snacks and now headed up the creek bed for the rest of the 3hr walk in
From: Huntiam
28-Aug-21
Man how cool is that..beautiful place
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Creek bed walking. Much nicer than climbing =)
Creek bed walking. Much nicer than climbing =)
From: Southern draw
28-Aug-21
Tuned in!
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
First look at him
First look at him
After traveling a few more miles Scott saw the sheep he saw from the first point but he moved off the Ridge. We stopped and glassed for 45 min and he stepped out on the Ridge. Scott jumped back from the glass and let out a whoop. I knew it was a good one! That's the way to start things out
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
We finished the last mile to the old horse camp and setup the tents Then we headed back to get an eye on that ram. We settled in at 1000 yards and ended up watching him for a few hrs to close the evening. He's a great ram and we were both jacked for tomorrow
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
First pics thru the spotter. A beautiful site indeed
First pics thru the spotter. A beautiful site indeed
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: JL
28-Aug-21
Is this the 2nd ram one of the two shooters that were seen earlier?
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
One of the Caribou we watched while getting into morning watch position
One of the Caribou we watched while getting into morning watch position
Day 4 We hiked up on the backside of where we saw the ram last night. We got up high on a rock cliff overlooking a nice bowl of trees. We spotted 2 nice Caribou that came thru the gap. Now that we have a nice ram located Caribou are a no go for me. They would be a min 2 day pack out so can't get distracted now. After getting to our Rock face we peaked over. The ram was down in the basin about 250 yards away. He was in a great stalkable position but the wind was going the wrong way for a stalk. We camped on top from 8:30 to 5 watching him. He fed and bedded up and down all day. He would occasionally flip over the opposite hill as well. At about 5:30 Scott went down to the btm of our hill to fill up on water. Shortly after, he comes running up pointing down the hill. Apparently "our" ram had flipped over on our side to get a drink in the btm. I hurriedly grabbed my bow and we attempted to cut the ram off as he came back to his bowl. We are stalking down the Ridge and can see him feeding slowly back up thru the pines. This is looking good we have a clear 7 yard wide opening all the way down the Ridge just have to beat him to the spine. We are 250 yards, then 200, then 150 its getting close. The ram pops over at 125 yards and we are stuck. He drops back into his bowl and shortly thereafter catches our wind. He half trots half walks across the bowl and flips over the other side. We were hopeful he wasn't spooked to bad. We dropped down to the btm and walked around the riverbed so we could glass where he flipped over. We continued to glass up hoping he had settled down. No ram in sight we are bummed. We head back to camp. 50 yards from camp we look on the opposite face and low and behind there is the ram. He had traveled about a mile down thru the creek bed and up the next canyon face. So much for not being very spooked =( We were extremely fortunate to find him though and can watch him from our tents. The side he's bedded on is mostly a rock face so we know that will not be his final destination
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Great question JL Yes my guide was convinced this was the partner ram of the one killed in 2019. He was almost in the same bed as he was 2 years ago when they were spotted. The ram had the right shape but now was dbl broomed where before had long Lamb tips
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
The bowl the ram was in for the day
The bowl the ram was in for the day
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Our view of him in the morning from our camp
Our view of him in the morning from our camp
Day 5 Early a.m we can still see the ram from our tents almost in the same position as last night. Around 8am he gets up and starts moving along the rock face. He went about a mile and a half and headed to a cut to a new valley. We packed up camp and headed down the valley in his wake. We thought it wise to give the ram plenty of time since the cut he went into was almost a mile long narrow chute of boulders. After an hr we walked down to the base of the chute, Scott pulls the up the binos for about a half second and says there he is. I said come on how do you know that's him he's a mile away and you looked for a brief second. He smirks and says because he's freaking huge. We both had a good laugh. We setup camp and then headed in after him
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
The cut that the ram went up into
The cut that the ram went up into
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
View from up top
View from up top
We headed up the cut and spotted the ram about 200 yards up feeding up the hill. We made up a game plan to sneak up around the ram and try to get up above him. We made a really sweet stalk up a waterfall/ rain chute 2000 vertical feet to get above him. We crept to the edge of the basin and peaked over the edge. Crap he had fed down into a grassy basin and was 250 yards away. We watched him the rest of the night but never got closer than 200 yards. 7 other half curl rams fed over the top and a handful joined the big ram for the evening. A could a the little rams fed over to us and we watched them from 80 yards away then they went up to the steep cliffs
From: Stekewood
28-Aug-21
So great to be reading these recaps of incredible adventures in the mountains again. Great write up. Keep it coming.
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Watched these 2 Caribou below the rams
Watched these 2 Caribou below the rams
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
The hill the stall and shots happened on
The hill the stall and shots happened on
Day 6 We hiked back into the same canyon but didn't see any sheep. We made a really steep climb around to the top and flipped over the east side. Down below were 4ewes 2 lambs and 3 half curls. We backed out and walked/slid thru the shale to view the South side. We found the big ram bedded by himself on an open spine 250 yards from the top on the SE side. On the SW side were the 7 half curl rams. We wanted to circle around the smaller rams without having them spook toward the big rams side. We snuck along the spine until we were directly above the half curl rams who were 150 yards below us. Then we walked out in the open and they spooked to the west which is what we wanted. They headed up into the rocks. We had enough structure along the backside to crawl thru the rocks and brush down toward the ram. The stalk was perfect we crawled down the mtn thru the blueberry bushes and lichen. We circle around a little bench where there was a nice rock structure. At this point we were 85 yards and a little above the ram. Scott would peer over the rock and give me the details of what was happening. I was 5 yards away in position to shoot where we thought the ram would feed below us. Ram is up and feeding right at us. Scott giving me updates. If he continues he will be below us between 30-50 yards. I'm primed and ready with multiple bushes ranged. Slowly he works our way getting to 51 yards. At that point he decides to turn around and start feeding away. I hurry over to the rock and stand up to see if I can get a shot. The rock is to tall and I don't have arrow clearance. I move up higher on the top side of the structure and have a clear sight picture. Ram is feeding quartering away I range him at 71 yards (angle compensated) Stand up draw and sight down on him. Arrow released..... no idea where it went but the ram never stopped feeding. Emotions kick into overdrive and mentally I begin to rush things. 2nd arrow loaded up. Stand up and draw again. Ram in similiar position. Arrow away....I watch the arrow and it looked like a randy Johnson curve ball going well wide right. I'm in disbelief, is it the wind? My form? Something wrong with arrow? At this point the ram turns and stares down our rock for 30 seconds. He may have seen me up and down or heard the wiz of arrows flying by. I'm rattled a bit Knock arrow #3 The ram is a little tense and takes a handful of step forward and away from us. He is close to dumping over the ravine. I stand up draw He's still quartering away and I shoot him for 85 yards (my max range). Arrow #3 away right and left looks great. The arrow arc looks good....... right over his back. At this point the ram doesn't know what's going on but knows something ain't right. He starts running S and E heads up the rock hill and dumps over the next basin. I'm crushed. All I wanted was an opportunity and I just had 3 at once. Yes they were long shots and yes the angle was quite steep but 0-3 ? =( wow I need to regroup. At that point the confidence is shaken and the shots are on a continuous loop in my brain. I have to hand it to Scott at this point. I know how hard it is as a guide when you finally bring someone in on an animal and they blow the opportunity. They hurt about as bad as the hunter. To his credit he was always positive and encouraging. Shake it off we will keep after it we have plenty of time left he said. We hiked back to top to collect our gear. We glassed over to the S where our ram ran and eagle eye guide spots the ram bedded 2 cuts over in the rocks. What a relief he didn't go another couple miles this time. We head down to camp pack up and make a 5 mile half circle from where we were to the drainage that we saw the ram in. We setup camp and get ready for tomorrow
From: bohuntr
28-Aug-21
Great adventure and story, looking forward to the rest of it!
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
Mouth of the drainage we made camp in after our 5 mile trek
Mouth of the drainage we made camp in after our 5 mile trek
From: Bowfinatic
28-Aug-21
One of our vantage points while watching the sheep
One of our vantage points while watching the sheep
Day 7 We head up the new drainage after camping for the night. We are glassing in the many grassy/pine tree cuts that this drainage has. Near the head on the 2nd to last drainage we find our ram back. He feeding about halfway up for an hr and then beds down. Back into stalk mode. We head up two cuts before him and head back to the top. On the way up we encounter 5 Caribou bulls one really nice one that had most of his velvet stripped (guessing around 400") man it would be fun to try a stalk as were within 150 yards..... focus no Caribou =) We make it to the top and head slowly over to the cut we last saw the ram bedded. We reach his hill and peak over the top. There he is a couple hundred yards below us bedded on the open hillside. We again slowly creep down using the and of the hill as our cover. We again reach 85 yards away from him and have no other cover to approach closer. The wind is also whipping so need him to feed our way as a long shot wouldn't be prudent. Let alone I have flashbacks from yesterday still on a loop in my head. Ram stands up and heads the opposite direction. He slowly feeds down and up to the very hill I missed him on the day before. We don't have any great play on him. We can't get above him as the top above us is all open shale. We watch him for the next few hrs on the next hill over. Right near dark he heads over to the next hill and feeds all the way to the top saddle where he stays until dark. We head back to camp relieved that the misses didn't spook him like winding us did and with high hopes for the next few days. To be on a great ram 5 days in a row is pretty special as a bowhunter. Day 7 comes to a close and the mental ticking clock beckons ever louder. Only 3 more days to go in just hoping for another opportunity.
From: Bou'bound
28-Aug-21
This is epic for sure. Keep typing!!!!
From: tm
28-Aug-21
Great pictures along with the story.
From: Inshart
28-Aug-21
This is about as close to sheep hunting as I'll ever get --- great write up.
From: JTreeman
28-Aug-21
Ain’t nothing like sheep hunting. Keep it coming.
—Jim
From: JW
28-Aug-21
Excellent story so far! Can’t wait for the rest! Thanks for taking the time.
From: Shrewski
28-Aug-21
Fantastic. Harold is at the TOP of my list to see the NWT and take a Dall.
From: TGbow
28-Aug-21
Awsome thread!!
From: wkochevar
28-Aug-21
Harold and his crew ARE top notch!! as good as they come. Hunted there in 2019 and took a great ram and monster caribou. Wouldn't think twice about going back! Great story!!!
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Top in the red was where I hung out most of the day. Scott was 300 yards to the right of me off the picture. The sheep were down low in the valley near the blue circle. As you can see no cover
Top in the red was where I hung out most of the day. Scott was 300 yards to the right of me off the picture. The sheep were down low in the valley near the blue circle. As you can see no cover
Day 8 We packed up the full camp and headed up the drainage. Where the ram ended up last night on top we didn't know if he would keep going west. If he did we wanted to be able to move camps and be flexible. Also we had two landing straps to pick from in opposite directions. They were each around 7 miles from where we were but one was NW and the other NE, so depending on where we went would determine how we got out. We made it to the top of the drainage and there was the ram feeding on a wide open valley bowl. He had just dropped back lower than he has been the last 2 days. This area was not ideal for stalking, basically zero cover and no terrain features other than on top. Even so we again hiked to the top 2 fingers ahead of the ram. As we circled on the backside of the mountain we see a different ram below us around 300 yards. We pull up he binos and he's pretty nice. We were guessing a 9yr old full curl by far the 2nd best ram we have seen so far. He was also feeding on a wide open meadow and all we have between him and us was a shale field. We decided to continue the course and wait out the ram we have been chasing for now the 6th day in a row. As we circled lower and are marching thru the shale field the 9yr of ram just watches us. We are making enough noise to alert half the mountain but the ram doesn't care. We pass him at 200 yards and he goes back to feeding. Man if only the big sheep would act that dumb =) The good news is now I have a plan b if I blow the other one out of the country. We circled around the backside the rest of the way to where the larger ram had ended up the night prior. This was a 250 yard wide open saddle. We didn't have any good play but figured we would wait it out and see where he went. Scott went on north side of the saddle on a large pile of rocks so he could watch back into the valley and relay what was happening. Included in the valley with the large ram was 4 ewe, 2 lambs and 3 half curls. From 10 - 5 we sit wait and watch. The ram would feed for awhile and then bed for awhile throughout the day in his normal daily pattern. I couldn't see any sheep so I would alternate between watching Scott who would give me signals on if he was bedded or feeding and how far away he was from our position and filling in friends and family on the inreach to keep them up to speed. My brother asked me around 5 if I couldn't get close would I take him with rifle the last two days. He asked because before I left I wasn't opposed to shooting a ram with rifle at the end of the hunt it just wasn't what I preferred. I told him nope I'm all in with bow I'm either going home empty or will kill with bow. After getting so close for so many days it just wouldn't feel right to me to shoot with rifle. I was committed
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Another view from the topside. Wide-open
Another view from the topside. Wide-open
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
6pm rolls around and Scott signals that the ram is up feeding and heading our direction. He motions for me to at least head down the hill and determine next steps. He alerts me to watch out for the ewes and lambs as they are about 100 yards behind the ram. I slowly sneak down the hill. I see the ram for the first time in 8hrs and immediately hit the deck. I'm on a wide open grass slope and he's 200 yards below me feeding to the north. I look to the right and don't see any of the other sheep. Time to gamble I lay out totally flat and start to toboggan down toward the sheep. The hill is steep enough that I can stay flat and still continue sliding down. Everytime the ram feeds and faces his head downhill I slide 10 yards further. I range him and I'm at 100 yards. The ram reaches the end of the hill and goes into a 4ft depression continuing to feed. At this point all I can see is his back, his head is totally blocked. Time to get aggressive. I start to really hurry crab walk/slide toward him. Suddenly I dislodge a softball size rock and it goes careening down the mountain. I'm frozen in horror holding my breath. The rock bounces all the way down and past my ram about 10 yards from him. He doesn't even look up. Heart starts again and I kick it back into overdrive. I range him and he's at 45 yards. That can't be right I think usually the ranges are alway further than expected. I range again and 45 yards is confirmed. My heart is racing adrenaline pumping now. I stand up and can see half of his body and the top of his head. I continue to walk downhill and side step for a better angle. Range again 35 yards. Ram is quartering away hard and facing away, totally oblivious to a hunter standing up at full draw on him. This time (unlike my first shots) I go thru my normal shot routine. Look at the bubble on my sight have to cant the bow to level it due to the hill angle. Pick my pin pick my spot Arrow away...... I hit him on left side back ham and drive it all the way thru him exiting mid body right side. He starts pouring blood and runs 40 yards. I rack another arrow and range him 78 yards and let another loose. Unsure if I hit him but he flips over the edge. I knock arrow number 3 and hurry to where he disappeared. I peak over and he is standing there at 20 yards in rough shape. I put the 3rd arrow in the boiler room as he stands broadside, he goes 10 yards, gets wobbly legged drops and rolls twice. Fist pumping exhilaration ensues. I can't believe it. 6 days we have been on the same ram. 3 times we have been in bow range. 3 misses and the culmination in a wide open crazy stalk to get it done. I'm beyond ecstatic and go running back up the hill to meet Scott. We high five and celebrate. What a journey what a hunt. From emotional body blow to emotional exuberance. All the training, the gear, the podcasts, the dreams have all culminated into this one defining moment. I am officially out of the <1 club and no hunting experience has ever been sweeter!
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Grip and grin ooh so sweet
Grip and grin ooh so sweet
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
My guide, friend, and sheep brother
My guide, friend, and sheep brother
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: JL
29-Aug-21
Congrats!! Cool story and thanks for taking the time to write it up and post these fantastic pics.
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Made it back to camp in the dark and had a celebratory fire. We stayed up until about 1:30 going over the trip and the days events
Made it back to camp in the dark and had a celebratory fire. We stayed up until about 1:30 going over the trip and the days events
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: Medicinemann
29-Aug-21
Congratulations. Thank you for sharing.....any time left for a caribou on your way out?
From: tkjwonta
29-Aug-21
Incredible Justin, way to persevere and get it done. And what a monster ram too!
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Day 9 I wake up to a crackling fire, tunes playing, and Scotty skinning. Who has it better than us? NOBODY!! We wrap up camp, finish the cape detail work and get ready for the hike out. Weather looks good and clear and we are hopeful we can make it to the airstrip and back to camp tonight. We have a 8 mile trek ahead of us with 80-85lbs a piece loaded up. The walk out was heavy but our mood was light. We had one hairy section to get around the river where we were on a skinny rock ledge that made me pucker a bit. Mile after mile we chugged along taking breaks every 45 min or so. About an hr from the airstrip we were taking a break and I saw a wolverine swim across the river. He we scurried thru the brush and headed to the mountain. Pretty cool to see as he was my first. 6hrs and 8 miles later we have arrived to the strip and it's super cub time!
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Cleaning him up
Cleaning him up
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Last view up the drainage
Last view up the drainage
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
No ground shrinkage on this one
No ground shrinkage on this one
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Life is better with a full curl
Life is better with a full curl
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Walking out
Walking out
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
We made it to the airstrip around 5 pm and flew back to base. So good to see the rest of the crew, swap stories and check out what they got. There were two other sheep hunters in camp. Gabriel shot a beautiful 12 year old ram, Nate was still in the hills searching for a shooter The 2 Caribou hunters Matt and Curtis were both successful and shot great Bou. Homemade hot meal of pork chops and perogies hit the spot
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Gabriel's 12 year old ram on the left and my 11yr old ram on the right
Gabriel's 12 year old ram on the left and my 11yr old ram on the right
Day 10 One more day to try and search for a Caribou. Since we only had a day left we couldn't fly anywhere so we hiked out from camp. We searched for the day but only turned up 3 cows. We received news that Gabriel had shot a great bou and a bunch of the guys were helping pack it out We also received the news that Nate never found a shooter ram and was heading back empty handed. We all felt awful for him as we understand the work, sacrifice and dedication he put in. A dinner of Caribou burger (outstanding) and sheep ribs (oh yeah! ) lifted the spirits and final day festivities, stories and harassing were in order. We stayed up into the wee hrs of the morning soaking it all in. We were treated with an hour of spectacular northern lights while we hung out by the fire
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Camp cook and awesome gal Jasmine
Camp cook and awesome gal Jasmine
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
I spotted the ram on the hill just overtop of base camp
I spotted the ram on the hill just overtop of base camp
Day 11 - Heading Home Bittersweet day indeed. An amazing adventure, new friends and something so special you don't want it to end An especially difficult day for Nate the sheep hunter who didn't come back with anything. Him and his guide put on over 100 miles and were moved multiple times. His guide said he has never worked so hard to find a shooter. We all know it's hunting and even in great areas mature rams are not around every corner. Nate was crushed, what can you day to help ease the pain. He was just unfortunate no two ways about it. 8:00 before breakfast in out spotting by camp looking for any Caribou in the hills. No movement no action Thought I would check out the west end of camp as there is a big hill 1000 yards off that I saw two sheep on when we flew in. Are you kidding me there is a sheep and it's a ram. I run in to Harold and say do you have a spotting scope? I have a ram on the hill. He gives me one and I set it up. Are you kidding me he's a full curl ram and he looks pretty good. Harold get out here and look at this. I said if you are OK with Nate hunting this morning you better go get him Harold went running and threw open Nates door. Ram on the hill get your gun and your boots. Clayton (his guide) and Nate jump in the buggy and go roaring off. They can be dropped off about half way to the hill Now it's a show. 4 spotting scopes setup to all watch the show. The ram is on the move and covering a lot of ground Scott, Brant (Gabriel's guide) and myself jump in the little aluminum boat and head out toward the hill Nate and Clayton reach the cut where the ram disappeared in and start to ascend. The boat crew gets even with the cut to watch the show and help direct traffic as needed. We can see that the ram is up in some really bluffy rocks. We direct the hunters up and to the side. The ram comes out on a ledge looking down toward the hunters....Boom the shot is away and the ram runs up about 5 yards. He hunches up and beds down in the rocks. Nate and Clayton circle all the way above the sheep. They finally can see him and the finishing shot rings out. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! We are all hooting and hollering....it's a "Christmas Miracle" we laugh. We head up to meet with the happy hunter. Talk about a joyous occasion. So special to be a part of our buddies sheep. He worked his tail off, was at the lowest of lows and now on cloud 9. Pictures done, hurry up the plane out of here comes in 2hrs. We all grab a quarter and head to the boat. "Seal team 5" arrives back at the dock met by everyone in camp. Talk about a celebration. Now that's the way to cap off an epic adventure from Gana River!
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Nate and I with his 11th day "miracle" ram
Nate and I with his 11th day "miracle" ram
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
It's a beautiful sight
It's a beautiful sight
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Seal team 5 coming back victorious!
Seal team 5 coming back victorious!
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
That's a wrap!
That's a wrap!
From: BULELK1
29-Aug-21
Damn good read and some dang nice Rams!
Congrats across the board for all,
Robb
From: Slate
29-Aug-21
Congrats. Thanks for sharing
From: JW
29-Aug-21
Hunt of a lifetime there! Congrats on a beautiful ram!
From: Julius Koenig
29-Aug-21
Congrats, what a hunt!
From: Shug
29-Aug-21
Congrats
From: Bowboy
29-Aug-21
Awesome pictures and story. Congrats on a great ram and taking us along on your hunt.
From: Kevin Dill
29-Aug-21
I love miracle-on-the-mountain endings. Such a fine story and outstanding imagery. Thank you for sharing it! I was literally looking over your shoulder on that final 'go for broke' move on your ram. That's the definition of hardcore sheep hunting. Congratulations on your beautiful ram, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Kevin
From: sitO
29-Aug-21
EPIC! Congrats on a hunt of a lifetime, and thanks for taking us along!
From: sticksender
29-Aug-21
Beautiful archery ram & congrats to you for gettin 'er done!
From: Southern draw
29-Aug-21
Congrats great rams and story.
From: JL
29-Aug-21
Wow!.....just when I thought it was over earlier. Congrats again and thanks for taking the time to tell the story.
From: kota-man
29-Aug-21
Great rams…congrats.
From: Bowbender
29-Aug-21
Wow....Can't find the words other than amazing story!! Thanks for sharing!
From: SteveB
29-Aug-21
What an adventure man! Glad you shared it with us!
From: Goelk
29-Aug-21
Awesome! You can do it stay positive it will happen. Waiting for the rest of the story.
From: huntinelk
29-Aug-21
Congrats, on a great adventure and a great ram
From: Kurt
29-Aug-21
Dandy ram!!! Congratulations! Way to keep after him!
From: Tilzbow
29-Aug-21
Great story a do pictures and it’s nice to see that your hard work and perseverance paid off with a great ram.
From: SBH
29-Aug-21
That's incredible. What an adventure. Thanks!
From: Treeline
29-Aug-21
Fabulous story and results! Congratulations on a fabulous hunt and incredible ram!
Gana River still ranks up there as my top Hunt of a Lifetime . Just the experience of being up in that country is worth the price of admission.
Harold runs a top end operation for sure. Scott was my guide on my hunt and was awesome… until he tackled me in the rocks after I arrowed my ram! No quit in Scott for sure!
From: Straight Shooter
29-Aug-21
Awesome job congrats!
From: darktimber
29-Aug-21
Congratulations! Great story telling, thanks!
From: t-roy
29-Aug-21
Super job on the storytelling and with the terrific pictures, documenting things as well, Justin! Congrats on a trip of a lifetime, and a beautiful ram, too!
From: Pete-pec
29-Aug-21
Well, you sir, tell a great story. I really felt like I was there. The fact that the third guy got his ram, was fantastic! Great job helping out a fellow hunter. That story was what it's all about! Congratulations to all of you!
From: JTreeman
29-Aug-21
Congrats. Gonna be a hard hunt to top! That is rhe stuff of dreams (as you well know)!
—Jim
From: Nocturnal II
29-Aug-21
Trip of a lifetime! I really felt the adventure in your story!
From: HUNT MAN
29-Aug-21
What a amazing adventure and hunt. Thank you so much for being us along. Well done ! Hunt
From: Matt
29-Aug-21
Congratulations on the ram and thanks for sharing the story, Harold runs a great outfit in some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen. Glad you were able to experience it.
From: Mike Ukrainetz
29-Aug-21
Great thread! Just curious on how big the sheep were, score length? Both look big!!
From: Bowfinatic
29-Aug-21
Thank you all. Sheep stories are what drew me to bowsite in the beginning and have held me many times in wonder reading fellow bowsiters exploits. I felt it was my duty to give back a little bit and try to best share my story.
Mike my ram was 11yrs old double broomed 36" in lenght with 13" bases. We scored him at 151 6/8"
Gabriel's ram was 12 yr old and scored 143 and some change I don't remember his exact specifics
Nate's ram was 9yr old and I heard his long side was 37.5"
From: rjlefty3
29-Aug-21
Great read! Some awesome rams, there! Thanks for taking us along!
From: Zackman
29-Aug-21
Congratulations on a great ram!
Beautiful country up there and Scott is the right guide to have with you on an archery sheep hunt!
From: Big Fin
29-Aug-21
Remarkable story telling to go with an amazing hunt. Congratulations on great outcomes to an epic adventures. I'll be there in 2023 and your story has me more excited than I was to start with.
From: Thornton
29-Aug-21
Excellent shooting. No cripples here.
From: Footshooter
29-Aug-21
Awesome story and pics! Congrats on a fantastic Ram.
From: Drop tine
29-Aug-21
Great story, great pictures. Happy for you and thanks for sharing
From: Jasper
29-Aug-21
What a fantastic story and unexpected ending! So well done! Congratulations!!!!
From: caribou77
29-Aug-21
Congratulations!
From: BullBuster
29-Aug-21
Wow
From: Marty
30-Aug-21
Wow! Great job!
From: pav
30-Aug-21
Epic adventure! Beautiful stud ram! Congrats...and thanks for taking us along!
From: bohuntr
30-Aug-21
Just incredible! Thanks for sharing it with us.
From: Treeline
30-Aug-21
Spectacular rams!
From: Potro
30-Aug-21
Great story and fantastic trophy Congrats
From: Beav
30-Aug-21
Holy cow what a great recap!! Thanks for sharing your story and congrats!!
From: Ned mobile
30-Aug-21
Way to go!! Congrats!!! Thanks for sharing your hunt!!!
From: Rackmastr
30-Aug-21
What a simply amazing thread!!!! I can feel the emotion on this one by reading it!!
Congrats on amazing accomplishment!!!!
From: Nick Muche
30-Aug-21
Excellent! Loved reading that, congrats on one heck of a trip and a damn fine Ram.
From: elkmtngear
30-Aug-21
Man, that was a great hunt!
Great job finally putting down that Trophy Ram!
From: TRnCO
30-Aug-21
Most excellent. Thanks for taking the time to share all the pics. and story. Almost as good as being there with ya.
From: Stoneman
30-Aug-21
Great story and pictures. Fantastic Ram! Congratulations
From: Ambush
31-Aug-21
What a gorgeous ram!! That takes grit and determination to recover from the heartbreak of missing and then keep going full force to the end. You may end up changing your handle to Ramfanatic. They say after your first sheep hunt, you'll either swear to never go again or swear to go every time you can. By the enthusiasm in your story, I think we know which one you are!
Huge congratulations!
From: JB
31-Aug-21
Awesome story! Congrats and thank you for taking us along. Write up was extremely well done!!
From: Bowfinatic
31-Aug-21
Ambush you made me laugh out load ramfanatic has a nice ring to it Yes I now have a problem...... how do I fund the next one....=)
From: IKE220
31-Aug-21
Congrats on a trophy ram! Thank you for sharing the story. It had it all, heartbreak to jubilation.
From: Rupe
31-Aug-21
Thanks again for sharing your incredible hunt. Pictures were beautiful. Congratulations
From: WV Mountaineer
31-Aug-21
Awesome hunt and write up. Congrats on a memory that time can’t erase.
From: Mike Ukrainetz
31-Aug-21
Those are some great sheep! Age matters!!
From: bowhuntercam
31-Aug-21
Awesome story and hunt. Congrats and thanks for sharing. Cam
From: Hitchcockhntr
31-Aug-21
Awesome story and congratulations on a memorable hunt!
From: iceman
01-Sep-21
Congratulations on a hell of an adventure. Thanks for taking the time to do the write up.
From: ki-ke
01-Sep-21
DOOOOOD!! Spectacular adventure!! Great story, beautiful ram! Thanks for sharing
From: zabwelch
01-Sep-21
Absolutely awesome!! Great pics, great story. Thanks for sharing!!
From: Smtn10PT
02-Sep-21
What an amazing trip! Congrats on your ram!
From: deerhunter72
02-Sep-21
Absolutely fantastic all the way around! Thanks for taking us along on the journey!
From: standswittaknife
02-Sep-21
Wow.... amazing...
From: APauls
02-Sep-21
Man what a read!! Felt like I was there with you. Congratulations on a heck of a hunt and adventure!
From: Rocking R
02-Sep-21
Awesome! Congrats! Thanks for sharing with us. I remember our phone conversation so I’m glad you were able to get with Harold and make it happen. Gana River is a special place. I can only hope I get back there some day. Truly amazing country and awesome people.
From: BigSkyHntr
02-Sep-21
Yep awesome!! Congrats on a great ram and thanks for sharing the story.
From: bowhunter24
03-Sep-21
WOW!
From: muliemad
08-Sep-21
Someday... But for now I get to dream and live it through your hunt. Thx for taking us along.
From: Spiral Horn
15-Sep-21
Wonderful and uplifting story. What a great read! Cherished moments that will never fade. Love seeing those joyous, contented smiles.
From: Spiral Horn
15-Sep-21
Wonderful and uplifting story. What a great read! Cherished moments that will never fade. Love seeing those joyous, contented smiles.
From: Oryx35
15-Sep-21
I missed this one when it was first posted. What an incredible hunt! Thanks for taking us along!
From: JohnMC
16-Sep-21
Awesome read. Congrats on a great ram! That is some beautiful country.
From: T-rex
16-Sep-21
Great story telling man! Congrats again!
From: M.Pauls
16-Sep-21
Unreal!! Thoroughly enjoyed that!! Congrats soak it all in
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
17-Sep-21
Been away doing some hunting and then catching up on work. So glad this story popped up! Awesome write up and WHAT A HUNT! Congrats to everyone!!!
From: BowJangles
12-Oct-21
Woah! What a story and what a sheep!!! Congrats on an epic adventure!
From: glidingindian
12-Oct-21
Congrats on a fantastic ram story! THe best part is you are young enough to do it again!
Glad you have no hard feelings for Ravens Throat. Had an adventure of a lifetime there in2017 , their first year. Killed a great ram and smallish caribou and rebooked for moose caribou in 18.I Too got that dreaded call that they would no longer bow hunt but chose to go with a rifle for thee first time in almost 30 years. I like them that much, they are wonderful people. Had to cancel due to back surgery then rebooked for 2020 but China virus hosed me. Finally made it this year and killed a monster moose and good caribou albeit a rifle. Hell , I just wanted to go back ! Ironically I booked with them initially because Harold Grinde told me they were a class act. By all accounts he is as well and runs a fine operation. Given your youth and passion I suspect we will see more stories from you in the future. Hope they are as fun as this one!
From: Bowfinatic
13-Oct-21
Your hunts with Ravens sounds amazing Glid. My brother is still planning on going with them next year so I will get a first hand accounting of the operation. Norman Wells had a covid outbreak when we left so we had to leave our horns behind at the outfitter. Just received word yesterday its shipping out today. Looking forward to holding them again =)
From: Treeline
13-Oct-21
Just did a full re-read. Spectacular ram, fabulous write up, Hunt of a Lifetime!
Can’t wait to see how the taxidermy turns out!
From: Bowfinatic
13-Oct-21
Thanks Tavis!
From: EliteFan
13-Oct-21
Not sure how I missed it but that was a tremendous read and your ram is a cranker!!!!!!! Congrats and way to stick it out with the bow. I have to admit with two days left I'd have had to tell the guide to hide the damn rifle from me on that ram.
From: Korey Wolfe
14-Oct-21
I’ve had this open on my phone for well over a month and finally had time to read the entire story. I’m so happy for your success. Thanks for taking us all along.
From: Aubs8
14-Oct-21
Great job! Beautiful ram! Thanks for sharing.
Mike
From: Jeff Holchin
14-Oct-21
Well done, excellent story telling with great pics and especially with recovering from the missed shots. Way to hang in there!
From: Bottomdweller
14-Oct-21
What an adventure with a story book ending! Awesome read!
From: Royboy
15-Oct-21
Congratulations on a great ram and story, thanks for sharing
From: Bowfinatic
27-Jul-22
I don't know about you guys but I need to hear some sheep stories soon! Hopefully we have some bowsiters heading up north that will share there adventures soon. Good luck and happy hunting!
From: T-rex
27-Jul-22
I figured you'd be back there again this year after that amazing hunt last year?!
From: MQQSE
27-Jul-22
Flying up for Stones today. Toting rifle though.
From: Inshart
27-Jul-22
Re-read it again -- still a GREAT read. 2 thumbs up for sure! I've always been a sucker for happy endings (like Disney movies) - not disappointed, that's about as good as it gets!!!
From: Bowfinatic
27-Jul-22
I wish T-rex Someday again but probably not soon. Brother going next month so will live vicariously thru him
Good luck Adam!
From: Bearman
28-Jul-22
Excellent story/pics.
From: wkochevar
28-Jul-22
Great story and congrats! Hunted with Harold and his crew in 2019. Great outfit and cranker animals.
From: TREESTANDWOLF
28-Jul-22
Excellent storytelling and great hunt. I love the fact you kept after it and kept your head in the game. Perfect, Congrats!
From: Vaquero 45
28-Jul-22
Congrats. Thanks for sharing , fantastic hunt , descriptions , pic's etc ! With the way you described the trip , hunt and pic's etc . @ Times we were there also . " thumbs up for sure " ......
From: TGbow
28-Jul-22
Still a good story ..Congrats
From: Bou'bound
26-Sep-23
Still a classic all time great
From: Treeline
26-Sep-23
Absolutely! Incredible story for sure! Worth a re-read!
From: Mark Watkins
26-Sep-23
Great adventure, great ram, great story telling!
Thank you!
You held it together under immense pressure....nicely done!
Mark
From: Maverick7
29-Sep-23
Awesome story and hunt. Congratulations and thanks for sharing
From: TMac
29-Sep-23
Wow what a great adventure and hunt you guys had congrats!
