as for the Swak tag holder.

[shedcrazy]

Sweet ram, glad to see it went to a local guy, congratulations!!!!

[testar77]

Man what a pig!!!! Congrats Aaron!

[brutus1]

Nice ram for sure, once in a lifetime for both you and the ram.

[JCClement]

Absolutely awesome Ram.  Congratulations.  Nothing can be said that can quantify what that Ram must mean.  OIL for sure.  Thanks for sharing.

[carpsniperg2]

that is such a sweet ram!

[Bows4huntn]

That is awesome!  Seen Aaron and looked like a couple of gamies along the highway yesterday afternoon. Was hoping that was what all the commotion was about!  Beautiful ram

[boneaddict]

Absolutely awesome Ram.  That is certainly the king of kings.   I can't imagine seeing another ram like that in this state anytime soon.

[BOOM!!]

WOW!! Congratulations!!

[quadrafire]

In the burn area! that is amazing! Way to get it done!!!

[bornforhorns]

Aaron, it's bittersweet for me to look at that ram, but to know that a good, local guy got him makes it easier.  Why? Because I shot and missed that ram in 2007...ironically I had just bought a new BDC reticle scope from none other than Hooked on Toys instead of trusting the old Tasco...what I estimated to be around 200 yds uphill was more around 170...the bullet if you're reading Aaron sailed a mere inch or two over his back using the 200 yd crosshair, twenty minutes before that I was on him for 40 minutes at 50 yds but he had surrounded himself with 6 other rams (no safe shot) .  I found him the next weekend and to make a long story short... shot the wrong ram, HE was actually between me and the ram I shot but, obviously not in sight...as some know rams are hard to judge from the back especially when there all big.  My ram was 169"...I wonder if your ram would of broke the record that year too?  He looks like hes put on a few inches if not more.  I am truly glad he went to a man like you Aaron, and that he didn't get hit by a car, that he didn't get sick and just die, that he didn't get burnt in a fire, that he didn't die of old age from a closed unit and that he now  can be enjoyed by us all through your trophy photos.  Aaron you may or may not remember me but you have helped me numerous times with archery gear and actually set me up with my first bow when I was teaching in Cashmere.  I only wrote this to add some drama to a truly great animal and make the legend even bigger...I would love to finally touch those horns someday and I am truly happy for you.  Great Job.  My story can be found in the fall 2007 WAFNAWS issue...it's a shortened version of the hunt and maybe the start of the legend.  Can't wait to tell you congratulations in person.  Hunters especially have to believe that everything happens for a reason, mostly when it doesn't turn out the way you wanted...it took three years but I finally got my reason. My story is now linked to a new world record (he might not of been back than)and I'm so glad it's a man of your values and stature rather than throw out some dollar bills and pull the trigger. It took me awhile to know how lucky I was to experience the hunt but it finally sunk in, Ken Harris told me I was now part of the Swakane faternity and that he was glad someone like myself had drawn the tag and that some really humble guys had drawn that tag...you absolutley have continuued that tradition and even though he may lose the record I can't help but think he feels the same waay about you.  Ram of the year for sure and probably for the rest of our lives.

[jackelope]

Great post bornforhorns.
Amazing ram...it would be neat to get Aaron on here to share some pics and more of the story.
Congratulations, it sounds like you're a good guy and well deserving of your trophy!

[carpsniperg2]

that is a great post bornforhorns

[provider]

Well, I just got back out of the Pasayten highcountry to read this thread.  Must admit it didn’t come as a complete surprise, though I guess one never fully prepares for a change in history.

I can only hope that most of you picked up on “bornforhorns” sentiment describing not only what his experience with a Swakane bighorn sheep permit meant, but what the history of this herd, and all the other past permit holders has meant.  I can honestly say that no one else has “got it” like him.  Reading “bornforhorns” account definitely brought me back to what is truly important.  I remember talking to him shortly after he drew the permit, and after getting through the usual  shock each individual goes through, he conveyed an understanding  to me not yet seen.  We kept in touch throughout his experience all the way to the end.  Interestingly, he provided details to me not revealed until his last post here.

  Make no mistake, Todd was exemplary in the quintessential Swakane bighorn permit holder position.  I can only say we were very fortunate in that nearly each year. 
The reason I mention his understanding is because it is of ultimate importance… not only to the Swakane sheep hunt, but to all of us as hunters/humans.  Ethics, understanding to commitment, dedication, the meaning of life and death and an appreciation of both more, the need for conservation, recognizing efforts made by others before us, protecting this genetic imperative that hunting is, remembering the argument is too important  and never removing yourself from it.  I mean that with every fiber of my existence…  and so did “bornforhorns” from what I could gather.

I was fortunate enough not only to draw the Swakane bighorn sheep permit  in 2002, but to have learned from past permit holders like Andy Kelso, the Biologists like Tom McCall, Beau Patterson, and David Volsen who taught me then (and continue to do so) now that these magnificent wild animals deserve the utmost in respect.  Todd mentioned a Swakane fraternity, that’s true, but applies to all hunting.  All of you should never forget that and never dismiss the opportunity to further that objective.  Get involved and do your part.  Give back and join groups likes WAFNAWS, SCI, MDF, and become a Master Hunter.  Trust me you will not forget it and forever be supportive.  Benefitting all of us.

I remember being asked shortly after I killed my ram if I thought anyone would every break my “record”.  My answer was the same as now…  “yes, because records are meant to be broken.  And someday I can only hope that that person appreciates their bighorn sheep ram as much as I do mine.”  Well, I hope Aaron will?  Because not a day goes by that I do not think a about my Swakane bighorn sheep hunting experience.  Not a day, to this day.  Just like “bornforhorns”, John Brandvold, all of them etc…
So, no, I’m not crying in my Cheerios.  Instead, believing that Aaron will continue a unique fraternity that understands the worldwide importance of this bighorn sheep herd.  Continuing to contribute to it’s benefit forever.
Congratulations Aaron.  I mean it.

[boneaddict]

Great posts guys!

Looking forward to seeing what this state can continue to put out.  Beau had a great part in getting that Chelan Butte tag going.  Hopefully his followers can keep up the good management.  I really liked what you said Bornforhorns.  Perfectly said.  It was a terrible loss down here with that bug this last Spring.   It is a precious resource, and many of us envious hunters will never get a chance to fulfil that dream.  In the meantime we will live vicariously through you.

[yelp]

Great posts guys!

Looking forward to seeing what this state can continue to put out.  Beau had a great part in getting that Chelan Butte tag going.  Hopefully his followers can keep up the good management.  I really liked what you said Bornforhorns.  Perfectly said.  It was a terrible loss down here with that bug this last Spring.   It is a precious resource, and many of us envious hunters will never get a chance to fulfil that dream.  In the meantime we will live vicariously through you.

Well said