2016 Manson Sheep info

[Ridge_Runner]

After 27 long years  it finally happened.  Sheep tag in hand!  I've drawn one of the coveted Manson sheep tags for 2016.  I'm familiar with the area for bear and deer hunting but not specifically the sheep...namely the quality.  I'm looking for information from any "sheep-junkies" out there that have any info on the unit.  I've read the stories on the previous years on HW's forums.  From what I'm told the biologists are pretty excited about the unit and I've heard it has the same potential as the Swakane.   Any Manson sheep experts out there?

So far in one quick trip I stumbled into this guy.  I'd guess him around 165.

I'll be documenting the whole experience from the scouting through the hunt with video and photos.  I'll be posting what happens!

Thanks ahead of time.

[Falcon]

Congrats on the tag. Not sure if it is the same league as swakane
But you gotta be pumped to have a sheep tag in hand. That is a nice
Heavy ram.  Look forward to your story and pics. Have a great hunt👊🐑👊

[JoeE]

I'd shoot that one you have the picture of

[Craig]

No info for you but that's a good looking sheep. I would take him. I will be following your journey through my computer screen.

[DOUBLELUNG]

In my opinion, there is potential for 180 class rams in Manson, finding and killing them is far harder than in Swakane.  Most Manson sheep harvests come from the Gold Creek/Mitchell Creek area, and quite a few really nice 160s and 170s in that cohort.  That is where the greatest numbers of sheep are during the season, but not necessarily the biggest.  I do think the biggest in Swakane are generally bigger than the biggest in Manson, but the biggest rams in the unit each year have a much better chance of surviving the hunt so a big old Manson ram could rival some of Swakane's best, some years. 

I think the biggest rams in Manson live further uplake, and are difficult to find, and difficult to access.  They are more likely to die naturally than wear a hunter's tag. 

[carpsniperg2]

Congrats and welcome. Looking forward to pic's and a story.

[huntnphool]

 I about had a heart attack when I saw it was "RidgeRunner" posting that, then I realized it was a new one.

 Congrats on the tag and welcome to the site.

[Ridge_Runner]

Thanks guys...and thanks for a warm welcome to the site. 

And thanks DOUBLELUNG.  I've also heard there are rams in the Manson unit that will push 180.  It sounds like there are a few single track motorbike trails that can get you further up the lake from Mitchell Creek.  The Manson tag opens November 7th so I'll be spending a good part of October trying to nail down two or three larger rams.  Hoping for 175-180. 



 



 

[Falcon]

That ram looks to be pushing 170.   Nice to know there is a backup ram if needed👊🐑👊

[Boss .300 winmag]

Lokidog had one of the tags last year, I went with him and the biggest ram we saw was just east of safety harbor on the hill above the creek that flows out there when we scouted in October. Well when the season opened he was no where to be found opening day, then he got his ram later in the day above deer point. It's a fun hunt, I'm was 47 then and not in great shape and it didn't kill me. 

[Skyvalhunter]

Touch bases with Grade Creek

[Boss .300 winmag]

Touch bases with Grade Creek

Dito, his dad was a great help last year for us.

[Ridgerunner]

I'd say you found a good one.  Have fun and enjoy the hunt.


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[grade-creek-rd]

Thanks for the shout out Sky...I just got back from fishing in Mexico...."work related" anyway, Ridge_Runner, I'll PM you in a day and fill ya in...where Lokidog and Boss found their biggest sheep was between Safety Harbor Creek and Falls creek...

There are no single track motorcycle trails in the entire area where the sheep are, which is basically below Grade Creek Rd and the lake from Mitchell Cr to Safety Harbor Cr...Volson will probably tell you to call my Dad about the hunt...he's helped 4 or 5 of the sheep hunters in the past, I think the biggest was like 174" a few years ago (no, the guy isn't on this site before anyone ask, either is my Dad...he can barely figure out FB!)

The only way to hunt this hunt is via boat on the lakeshore and there are several private docks and private lands along the lake, but luckily most of the private lands don't go very far up the hillside...just letting you know you can't just pull up to any dock (and even some shoreline) and park your boat and hike up, but there is plenty of public access. A 180" ram would be a reach but they are in there...the year the guy got the 174" ram another guy got one rumored to be 176"...but he was guided by Mt. Dew GS back when they had a permit to do so (I don't even know if they exist anymore). I also have info for you on a boat service that has a special permit to drop off and pick up people on the lake (if a person is a commercial operation then they have to have a special use permit from the FS...private parties don't need it though)...this guy is on the lake every day and knows where all of the sheep are. If you need a place to hang or store your sheep, my Dad has helped the past couple of years with this as he has a fridge and a carport...I think he even helped Lokidog last year and he helped the 12 year old kid the year before last...google it, there is a blog about it at Northwest Sportsman Magazine's web site...I know the author or the blog...

Grade

[lokidog]

Congratulations on the draw!

Here is my thread from last year, hope it might help, http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,178074.0.html

Mine was 160 5/8 with a muzzleloader.  I think we saw one bigger than mine scouting, but the Bio said the "big" rams had moved out of Manson last year.

Be sure to bring a fishing rod if you are scouting by boat, lots of trout along the shoreline hitting spoons and spinners.

Grade Creek's dad was awesome!