Pope's Sheep hunt

[popeshawnpaul]

Well I'm 40 years old, have participated in draws, raffles, drawings, etc. for 20 years with no luck.  So this year was time to make my own luck and just pay for the hunt.  Heading to the Wrangell mountains in 5 weeks with a hunt from Aug 10-20.  I'm going with http://www.ultimathulelodge.com/.  Hopes are for a big Dall ram and I won't fall short because of effort (maybe poor shooting or bad weather).  This will be a bit of a religious experience for me, but one I doubt I will repeat unless I ever get lucky on one of these draws.  Those that know me know I hunt sheep every year, just with my camera.  I've been on a bunch of sheep hunts and know the gig well.  I'm hoping the experience won't be too anti-climactic.  I'm excited but in a odd way.

I've been running 3-5 miles a day and can pull off a half marathon when needed.  I think I'm physically there.  I'm dialing in the rifle this weekend with my 6.5/284 and hoping Cory's handloads shoot good.  If not, 120 grain ballistic tips it is.  I have an old pack I can use, but it is purple and Kifaru is calling.  I have old hunting clothes but Kuiu is calling.  Does that stuff ever get off backorder?  I got the La Sportiva "denali" mountain trekking boots advised...no leather as this country would tear up any leather boot from what I'm told.  I sent my banged up Vortex Viper 10x40 bino's in and know they will come back like new with their lifetime warranty.  I'm bringing a Canon 7DII and the new 100-400 L II with me.  It will serve as spotting scope and will document the trip along with my 17mm tilt shift for landscapes and kill shots should that be necessary.  It's going to be a backpack bush plane type hunt as I'm not fond of horses.  Hope my guide doesn't mind all the stops for pictures we will have to take.

This mount may have to go upstairs against the wife's wishes...

[quadrafire]

  Tagging along

[Special T]

Congratulations on the hunt! Im unfamiliar with that molde but own a pair of thier old leathers mountaineering boots. they make excellent product.

[Bwana Bob]

Good luck Shawn on your hunt. You were in awesome shape last year and thanks again for all your help. You're not packing that big ass lens up on that hunt?

I'd stay away from the B-tips in your 6.5. 120 Barnes TS or 140gr Sierra GK would work better than The B- Tips as would any of the cup core bullets for Nosler, Hornady.

Got luck and drew a CO deer tag and WA cow elk. Been running 4-5 days a week but only 3-4 miles at a time. Unlike that sheep hunt, those Mts in CO will probably kick my ass.

Hope you kill a monster.

Bob

[whacker1]

tag

[250savage]

Good luck, stay safe and have an awesome hunt.

[huntnphool]

This mount may have to go upstairs against the wife's wishes...

 I've no doubt you will tag a nice ram brother, but as for the mount going upstairs.....my money is on Anne.

[Falcon]

Shawn,

Out of all the hunters  I have known over the years I doubt anyone including myself really wanted to hunt sheep on their own as much as you. You have done all the hard stuff and now the only thing left is a bit of day dreaming and jumping aboard a super cub. My advice: Savor every moment of this adventure, take lots of pictures which I know you will, and consider keeping a journal of your hunt. It goes WAY too fast.

All the best on your adventure, and come back with a great ram!!!!

Bryan

[FWilliams]

good for you! cant wait to see the photos from this one

[dingle]

Happy for you, I hope it is everything you dream it to be. I sure can't wait to see and here about your trip.

Good luck on finding the one.    Enjoyed the couple days on the butte last year with you, falcon and bob.

[JimmyHoffa]

You should have plenty of fun.  The Wrangells are pretty cool.

[rtspring]

Good Luck!!  Hunt of a lifetime.. 

[MountainWalk]

Way to go Shawn. Not taking the old Browning?☺  Your area, is it a full curl unit? Would you shoot a husky three quarter curl head? Either way, Good Luck to ya.

[KNOPHISH]

I'm 52 & in pretty much the same boat, over 30 years putting if for draws & time to step up. Been on moose & goat hunts but no sheep. I leave for AK on Aug 16th. I'm in my best shape since I was 20. never went to the gym just scouted & hiked & hunted. But now it's 2-3 days a week. I don't want to be the guy who can't hike 10 miles a day with a pack for a week or more. Been thinking about this & preparing for over a year & it sure came fast. Good luck!

[X-Force]

I cant wait to read the story and see the pictures. Enjoy the experience. Good Luck!