My Golden Ticket Bighorn Sheep Hunt
Wild Sheep
This story starts in the middle of July when I get a call from Montana Fish and game. They said we see you drew a bighorn sheep tag and haven't purchased the license yet. I say there must be some mistake I don't think I drew anything
I called my contact that helps me with western applications, they looked it up and said I don't see anything drawn. Confirmed for me because I knew I didn't draw I only have been putting in for 8yrs
I call Montana back and said I think you have the wrong guy. They say ok give me your information....nope it's you
Meanwhile 2 missed calls from my application service later and its confirmed I actually did draw. Golden Ticket! ??
I was physically sick to my stomach. So many emotions, something so out of the blue not even on the radar. I did my first sheep hunt 2 years ago for dall and didn't think i would go again for a decade+ until I drew something out west
Turns out Montana had some glitches this year. In May when the results came out some people showed successful the first day and then the results changed to unsuccessful. Must have been just the opposite for me
Man! Talk about a swing of emotions that must have been. Looking forward to reading this!
For sure
Going to run it semi live as well as my hunt started this afternoon
Way kool
Keep us posted
Good luck, Robb
Are you related to Bake??
Wow....congrats on the tag and looking forward to the updates!
This will be good!
Good luck and keep us posted!
Good luck! Keep us posted!
Flew into bozeman yesterday midday. Drove up to camp and got settled. Shot my bow and everything looked good. We went out for a couple hours glassing last night. Smoke was laying in pretty heavy so we were limited on long distance visibility. We spotted a couple younger rams one really pretty stud 4yr old and watched him at 150 yards
Cool pic. The one in the background has good length. Built like an Aoudad
Thanks for taking the time to share this. That looks like some great bowhunting country.
Wow, very nice! Best of luck on your tag.
I've been waiting for this! Good things happen to good people! ;-) GO GET 'EM JUSTIN!
Good Luck! Enjoy every second of it.
You won the lottery! Congratulations! Looking forward to the story! Thank you for sharing!!
Was this a Montana issue, or did you app service not follow up thoroughly? Did they get notifications of the error before you did?
With all my applications I can't trust anyone with my stuff!
Good luck, I assume you are bowhunting for the Bighorn?
The glitch was a montana issue. Clearly the app service didn't check it again after the initial unsuccessful I suppose you better check yourself to confirm. I usually don't check the sheep tags because I was assuming I didn't have a chance until I get 15-20 points. Lesson learned
Yes I am bowhunting at the moment. The tag is good for early archery and then the general season is any weapon
This morning the smoke is making things challenging. Visibility a mile or so. We found fresh tracks, crap and beds so know they are around but didn't turn any up
Fresh bed and old shed
Fresh bed and old shed
I’ll be following this one. Best of luck and enjoy!
I’m checking every 30 min or so for updates..................... ;-)
Definitely stick with the bow and hunt the last few weeks of the season. But hopefully you’re tagged out after this hunt.
With those seasons you need to hold out for a good one, the rut in November would be awesome to bowhunt! Rutting rams are definitely bowhunter friendly
That is cool terrain to hunt sheep, no steep mountains to climb and cliffs to fall off...8^)
Good Luck on your hunt!!!
Good luck Justin! Hope you get a MT giant!
There's some gnarly terrain as well
There's some gnarly terrain as well
Nothing like realizing you drew a sheep tag. Good luck.
Strike up a Lucky Strike and enjoy the hunt.
Man! That would entail quitting whatever job I had and planning to be there every single day of the hunt! So cool!
Lovin it so far! Keep ‘em comin!
One of the mulie bucks bedded
One of the mulie bucks bedded
Tonight was much of the same as this morning. Lots of hiking and glassing. Turned up lots of coyote and mule deer but no sheep. Back after it again tomorrow. Weather has been fantastic, cool in the morning around 50 and 70 for a high. Just need some smoke to clear. Beautiful country loving it
3x3 with a flyer
3x3 with a flyer
That looks a lot like some of the terrain I was in on my 482 hunt.
Have fun and enjoy----->
Good luck, Robb
Super poor visibility this morning early. Couldn't even see 500 yards Mid morning found a young ram. Later in the nothing the smoke lifted and we were able to spot a good size group with one good one a long way off. Going to see how good he is tonight. It's in some nasty stuff so not likely to stalk tonight due to distance and time to get there. We shall see. Exciting to at least find some sheep
Excellent so far. Keep it coming!
Saw one sheep cruising tonight but never got a good look. Didn't turn up the group from this morning. Did have this nice mulie within range
This is awesome! Semi-live archery bighorn hunt, I'm hooked.
Dang… That buck in, range quartered away, surprised you didn’t shoot it!
Patiently waiting for Bighorn trophy pic!
Hmmm, big mulies still in velvet...
Persistence usually pays off Justin....................keep after ‘em!
I'm loving this story! Once in a lifetime draw and a great hunt all rolled up into one! Do you not have a mulie tag? Or is it a question of having to give up sheep time to process a mulie if you shoot one?
I only have the sheep tag All the tags for elk and mule deer are draw which I wasn't applying for
Good luck! Hopefully the smoke clears and you get on a giant.
Found a BIG one this morning about 2000 yards as the crow flies. Going to try to make a play on him. Sitting about 400-600 yards away from them now but don't know where they are too much cover
Must be busy quartering a ram?
What a day. The best hunting day of my life and I didn't fling any arrows. Turns out we were 2 cuts off on the Rams when we stalked around the backside. Things look so diff on the side and back after hiking in. Found them back and put a stalk on. Snuck around and above the ram. BIG ram was bedded steep below me at 75 yards. He had 3 little buddies about 25 yards further down from him. There was a cut on the side I thought I could cut the distance in half and stay out off view of the little guys. Put the stalk on, creeping forward and cut the distance in half. Stand up and no ram ????? Not sure if he heard me or just moved. He moved into the bottom. So close so intense. Awesome experience
Sweet!
Some of the best sheep spot and stalk archery country I’ve seen photos of.
Damn the luck!!
Exciting for sure.
Good luck, Robb
Thanks for the semi live hunt updates. Exciting. Very nice Ram. Go get him !
So close, but yet so far...............keep after ‘em Justin!
Getting closer, keep it up!
You’re in ‘em! Good luck! Hopefully you’ll close the deal on that big ram soon!!
As cnelk would say..."the noose is tightening!"
Found a band of 7 rams right away in the morning. 3 good rams and one being a shooter
Followed them around waiting for the right situation. Got to 94 yards first time
Second time got to 65 but trees blocking any shot opportunities
Tried to crawl to 50 in cover but one of the Rams must have seen something and they moved off
Letting them calm down. Will try to find them back now for night stalks
Definitely tightening that noose!!
Awesome good luck, I really like how MT and WY give you both seasons to pursue a sheep especially since it’s really a OIL tag. Good luck hope you get it done with your bow.
DJ
You are living the dream, enjoy every minute of it.
Good luck!
Holy smokes what an opportunity! Love this, praying for a successful hunt and huge ram Justin!
Didn't find the band of 7 but we did find back the 3 rams we saw on our way out last night. Put a great stalk up and around on top of them Snuck to the edge and had one right below me at 38 yards. I was about to draw and he saw something and we had a 60 sec staredown. Once he dropped his head I drew and released. Probably adrenaline and nerves but I straight gut shot him. Up and down was perfect.
Trailed him a couple hundred yards blood only drips. Feel sick about it. Such a great opportunity and I wound him.
Going to go back the next few days and just search and hope Feeling so low Nothing worse than this
Dang it! Keep your head up, though. Hopefully, he won’t go far and you will find him.
I believe this is the ram I shot
I believe this is the ram I shot
Good luck in the recovery!
Just don't push him, he's gonna die.... No animal survives a gut shot, it just takes time... Good Luck!
He will die. Just give him some time and you'll find him.
You'll find him!!
Good luck, Robb
Will say some prayers for a quick and successful recovery!
You will find him. If you didn’t push him.
You’ll find him! Give him time and he’ll expire!
Prayers sent! I hope you find him.
Hang in there, put in the work you will find him.
Good luck!
Get a tracking dog on him and you’ll have your ram. My camp neighbors Bavarian Mountain Hound would find him in no time, but we’re too far away.
You will find him! Make calls to hounds men or look up tracking dogs!
Hey Justin----->
I talked to my buddy that is Mr. Dog trainer, he said if I knew your area/City closest to you he could reach out and get a Blood Tracking buddy of his to come help you.
These Dog guys train blood tracking, sheds etc. Kinda always needs to Train/not too pricey, maybe to$$ some gas money type deal.
Toss me a PM with your closest City area and your Cell # and I will do the best I can for a Blood Tracking dog.
Well actually it would be my buddy giving us the intel. .
Good luck, Robb
Good luck! Don’t push him and he’s yours!
Sheep die easy. You'll find him.
Scoured all day today with 7 guys. Feel pretty good about the search in the realistic area he would be. Didn't come up with anything. Obviously it's a gut punch. Think I just canted my bow bad, didn't check my bubble caught up in the moment I'm thankful it was a close ethical shot and not a hail Mary just operator error
Will keep after it or hope the birds lead us to him
When semi live hunts go wrong ?? but keeping it real. Appreciate you all following along Overall it was an Amazing week watching and chasing these rams
That's rough, real rough. But he will be dead and if you didn't push hard at the start he won't likely be that far. Buy he may well have crawled into an overhang or very shallow cave. Trouble is they look just like the landscape if they're not moving. You may have to glass areas from different angles and sun angles.
Good luck and hoping for the best possible outcome under the circumstances.
"But he will be dead and if you didn't push hard at the start he won't likely be that far"
Yeah, that's just it, how hard he was pushed at start, after they (or at least deer) are bumped a second time after initial hit that spooked them and hurt them, they may run a long, long way to get away from what is chasing them...
Yeah by now, start watching and listening for the magpies and ravens...
Just keep at it, you'll find him, persistence is now key... Good Luck!
BTW, what broadhead, and did you find the arrow shaft?
Thanks for the thread. I feel for you on the gut shot. Accidents happen and I think it's great that you've been so honest about it. Hope you find him and wishing you the best.
Thanks for telling it like it is Justin- the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY....................... Bowhunting can really humble us all at times! Hang in there and hoping and praying you get some closure!
A lesson from this is that: if you have a for sure gut shot, do NOT allow desperate hope or wishful thinking let you follow the trail. If not bumped the animal will lay down as soon as possible. All bets are off if he knows you’re hunting him.
Dang, sorry to hear that. Keep it up. I don't know sheep at all but from this thread it sounds like they aren't tough, but damn... the country you're looking in can't be easy for finding stuff!
Get high and glass for birds, coyotes and foxes, but time is running out for that too. Once the hide is opened, they clean up a carcass really quick. And don't assume he's on the same side of the mountain you shot him on. Really hoping you can at least salvage the horns and put an end to the anxiety of the unknown.
Several years ago a friend gut shot one and he was able to locate it from accross the valley and watch it. After 2 days of watching it and knowingit was still alive he slipped in and shot it again to finish it off. Never would have thought it could live that long but he did not push it.
I keep checking this thread hoping to see a bunch of pics.....................................KEEP AT IT JUSTIN!
Dang! That's a tough pill to swallow......................................................will say some prayers that the Good Lord gives you a second chance! Thanks for keeping us updated even though you are experiencing a bowhunter's worst nightmare.................................sometimes $#@% just happens and it sounds like you did your best to recover the animal. That's all you can do!
Just part of bowhunting, so don't let it get to you too much. Happens to everyone at some point or another. I appreciate the honesty. I hope you get closure on it.
That is so heartbreaking. Wishing your buddies or you luck in finding him again.
Hoping you will recover the ram or get another shot at him. Best of luck.
Great News! Ram found today
Awesome that’s a good ram.
GREAT thanks for the follow up, but hope you can lay hands on him.
An answer to prayers! So glad to hear it! : ) Can’t wait to see more pics..............
That is definitely wonderful news.
Outstanding update. Assume that he was found dead. Hope that the meat was salvageable because they sure are tasty.....but finding him was #1 regardless of the meat. Looking forward to pictures.....
What an awesome update! Have your buddy send you some pics so you can post them.
38.5 and 40" beams 15.25" bases
YAYYY,,, we need details and pix please...8^)
Man, that's a bittersweet (and sad) pic. It's honest, and it is what it is. I'm really happy for you to finish this thing. Congrats!
Oh, I see the pix come in as I posted...
Can we get details how it was found....
Although bittersweet, CONGRATS!
We found by the birds. Saw them going in and out of the ravine, hiked in and found
Bittersweet for sure
It's hunting, you devoted your time and others to finding him and you did. Great Ram, congrats and thanks for taking us along!
So glad this hunt ended with a recovered animal. Congrats on a great trophy !!
Hoping you will recover the ram or get another shot at him. Best of luck.
Glad you found him. Congrats! If you looked all day with 7 guys you did all you could.
How long had it been between shooting and finding?
If I had 7 guys I would have gone that route too. Do you think if you brought in a dog soon after the kill it would have been able to locate it? I know after that much time and having 7 guys looking that bringing in a dog after that probably would have been futile.
It's always a tough call.
Quinn - History of this thread, Ram shot on the 8th, found on the 12th...
Justin - Curious, about how far did he travel?
Beetles would/will make a great looking skull mount...
You should be congratulated for stopping the hunt and dedicating that amount of time to search.
So glad your ram was recovered. Great ram and thanks so much for the updates.
Congratulations on an awesome hunt and animal. It’s a wonderful feeling grabbing those horns.
We found him 3 drainages from the shot probably 1/2 mile or so as the crow flies
No on the dog because we had hard rain about 2hrs after I shot him that washed things out
That has to be a relief finding your ram. Still gotta hurt to have lost the meat, though. Very commendable job on ending the hunt after the shot and sticking to the search on both your and your buddy’s parts. Hell of a ram! Congratulations!
Congratulations on your perseverance and a beautiful ram!
Strong finish Sir. Nice work
Nice, congrats. It don’t always go how we had hoped.
—Jim
Great news! Im glad you were able to recover the ram.
Good on you. Way to keep after it. I just went through the same thing with my daughter's ram. Found it 4 days later. One of the most difficult things was cutting the head/horns off. Not because it was physically hard, but because nobody just cuts up a bighorn cape. Seemed really strange to cut away at the cape to remove the head and horns.
Wow great news! I’m glad you were able to find him. Beautiful ram congrats!
Not the exact outcome we wish for on a hunt but we all know it happens. Great job on you by not ever giving up!! Congrats on a great, well-earned trophy!!
From: Altitude Sickness 13-Sep-23
You should be congratulated for stopping the hunt and dedicating that amount of time to search.
My sentiments as well...............shows great character!
Good deal! Glad you got closure. Pretty ram! Were you back home when he was found? Do you leave the tag with the guide and they check him in or how does that work?
Great that you got closure!!
Glad you found him, man. Way to stick it out. Congratulations
Awesome ram. I'm glad you found him too, and definitely put in the effort. That's a dream tag for sure
That’s awesome. Was checking in periodically hoping to read this.
Congratulations on a great ram and the hunt as well!!
And though it’s unfortunate you didn’t get to eat it, it’s like I tell my wife: “Meat lasts a season, horns last a lifetime”.
Congratulations! Great ram.
Congrats on a great Ram and so fortunate to find him. I shot a great elk a few years ago and a friend found him a few days after I left.
Right on. Pretty cool they stuck with it for ya and it worked out.
You owned it and stuck it out... says alot of your character. I read your posts and felt that pit in my stomach, hoped you would have some closure, congrats! scentman
I'm sure it's not how you wanted it to go but glad you were able to get the closure. Thanks for keeping it real.
congrats on your ram bring found. if interested you will be able to find a cape
Congrats!!! Glad you found him and got some closure.
Glad you found him, part of bow hunting, especially on that difficult of a hunt. Congrats
Glad you were able to find him & put an exclamation point on the end of the story.
Not ideal hits are part of bowhunting sometimes, it happens to all of us whether they want to admit it or not.
Congrats on the ram- Stone next?
Appreciate it guys
Unless I win a raffle doubtful on a stone... ever Can't justify anywhere close to that kind of coin Hopefully draw a desert or another bighorn in the next decade or two
Congratulations on finding him! I know it’s bittersweet but it happens. God bless!
This is great to read.
I just got back from Wyoming elk and was happy to see they found him.
Makes me think about doing a Semi-Live thread later this fall on my Deseret Ram hunt.
Congrats ,
Robb
"Makes me think about doing a Semi-Live thread later this fall on my Deseret Ram hunt"
Yes, please BULELK1... What state by the way?
Robb I think it's fun taking others along day by day and also to post as things are fresh Good luck on your tag will be following however you post it
Congrats! Glad he was located and recovered.
Congrats on recovering the bighorn! Such a shot is definitely a tough pill to swallow...but it happens.
Yeah pav, those who haven't gut shot an animal just haven't bowhunted long enough...
I don't want to take away from his thread so here is a bowsite link to answer your question Z....
I'll be Solo, DIY, recurve bow so I don't know for sure---->
Good luck, Robb
Some other rams spotted on my journey
Some other rams spotted on my journey
130 yards was the closest I got to these
One of the other rams with mine
Wow, that last sheep is a tank. Looks so much older in the face compared to the ram in front of him.
Thanks for sharing the pics!
Great job. Well done. Persistence pays off you played it right
Great pics and animals Justin!
Bowhunting monster bighorns in Montana...absolutely an adventure of a lifetime!!!
Congrats big time and kudos for not giving up on finding him.
Well done.
So glad for this mostly happy ending! Congrats!
Awesome ram! Congratulations! Glad that you had closure and have him home!
Beautiful Ram! Congrats again!
So happy it played out well for ya Justin.
What a dandy Ram.
Good luck, Robb
Crazy roller coaster of emotions (isn’t that bow hunting)!
HUGE congrats on a great ram!!!
Thank you for taking us along on your entire journey!
Mark
