Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 02, 2015, 07:47:26 AM
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...
Post by: quadrafire on July 02, 2015, 07:52:30 AM
Post by: Special T on July 02, 2015, 07:57:55 AM
Post by: Bwana Bob on July 02, 2015, 08:05:36 AM
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
Post by: whacker1 on July 02, 2015, 08:07:47 AM
Post by: 250savage on July 02, 2015, 08:27:58 AM
Post by: huntnphool on July 02, 2015, 08:30:11 AM
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. :chuckle:
Post by: Falcon on July 02, 2015, 08:35:07 AM
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
Post by: FWilliams on July 02, 2015, 08:41:13 AM
Post by: dingle on July 02, 2015, 10:34:04 AM
Good luck on finding the one. Enjoyed the couple days on the butte last year with you, falcon and bob.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on July 02, 2015, 10:39:54 AM
Post by: rtspring on July 02, 2015, 11:01:33 AM
Post by: MountainWalk on July 02, 2015, 11:03:58 AM
Post by: KNOPHISH on July 02, 2015, 11:59:51 AM
Post by: X-Force on July 02, 2015, 12:14:55 PM
Post by: Brute on July 02, 2015, 12:19:42 PM
Did not think you liked the 100-400 too much.
Post by: jackelope on July 02, 2015, 12:20:39 PM
:tup:
Post by: Ridgerunner on July 02, 2015, 12:47:21 PM
Post by: MLBowhunting on July 02, 2015, 01:34:12 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on July 02, 2015, 02:37:35 PM
Post by: coachcw on July 02, 2015, 02:41:28 PM
Post by: wsmnut on July 02, 2015, 02:59:43 PM
Post by: Falcon on July 02, 2015, 04:18:18 PM
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!
Pretty awesome. Going dall sheep hunting!!
Details!!!!!!
Post by: ramslam on July 02, 2015, 05:15:17 PM
Enjoy!
Post by: Fishhuntmike on July 02, 2015, 06:37:30 PM
I got the wife's approval last year (I turn 50 this fall) for the same hunt (wrangles Dall sheep). This was going to be my first and possibly only guided hunt I would get to do and I'm not getting any younger.
After mulling over it and researching it to death I finally decided to turn the arctic sheep hunt into an Arctic Fox 22ft trailer (for the Familys sake) and a comfy hunting "tent" for retirement.
The sheep hunt was going to be my dream hunt of a lifetime.
As luck would have it I drew a WA Ewe tag and a WY moose tag this year for my 50th
so some things go my way once in a blue moon.
Looking forward to hearing your story.
Post by: olsy on July 02, 2015, 07:35:02 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on July 02, 2015, 07:49:20 PM
Post by: NWBREW on July 02, 2015, 08:02:32 PM
Post by: actionshooter on July 02, 2015, 10:24:40 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on July 02, 2015, 10:42:24 PM
Post by: CementFinisher on July 02, 2015, 10:42:59 PM
Post by: whuppinstick on July 03, 2015, 06:47:18 AM
Post by: Whitpirate on July 03, 2015, 06:57:18 AM
Post by: pendoreilleadventures on July 03, 2015, 08:47:59 AM
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Post by: wapiti hunter2 on July 03, 2015, 09:00:19 AM
Good luck. I can't wait for your pictures and story.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 03, 2015, 09:16:25 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 03, 2015, 09:21:54 AM
Post by: coachcw on July 03, 2015, 07:47:48 PM
Post by: shootem on July 05, 2015, 12:20:54 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 07, 2015, 07:19:34 AM
I am bringing version 2 of the 100-400 canon lens. Version 1 I don't like.
On their website, you need to type in a password to get to the hunting section. Out of respect, PM me if you want the password. I don't know exactly what type of ram I want, but I'll know it when I see it. It's not about score but it is about getting an old, mature, ram I'm proud of.
A sheep hunt has motivated me on workouts. I did a 10.5 mile run yesterday and 20 mile bike ride in 50 minutes with hill climbs this morning at 5am. Was dreaming a ram was at the top of every hill...
Post by: RaffleMule on July 07, 2015, 07:23:47 AM
I don't know exactly what type of ram I want, but I'll know it when I see it. It's not about score but it is about getting an old, mature, ram I'm proud of.
This coming from a guy who just told the Chelan Butte tag holder to "keep looking"...... :chuckle:
Post by: bearpaw on July 07, 2015, 07:31:49 AM
Post by: Fishhuntmike on July 07, 2015, 11:26:28 AM
Looking forward to the stellar photography that will come with this trip.
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 07, 2015, 03:37:02 PM
How sharp is that version II of the 100-400 Canon at 400mm wide open compared to the version I ? I'm familiar with the version I. I have a 400mm f5.6 but a new 100-400 would be nice if it beats the old version?
Looking forward to the stellar photography that will come with this trip.
Version 2 kicks ass. The IS on it is also great. Much sharper than the old version at 400mm. I suspect optically it's near the 400 F5.6L but the real world sharpness will be better because of IS...
Post by: mkcj on July 07, 2015, 04:10:47 PM
Post by: Ironhead on July 07, 2015, 04:46:46 PM
Post by: Elkstuffer on July 07, 2015, 04:52:25 PM
Post by: Fishhuntmike on July 07, 2015, 07:45:15 PM
How sharp is that version II of the 100-400 Canon at 400mm wide open compared to the version I ? I'm familiar with the version I. I have a 400mm f5.6 but a new 100-400 would be nice if it beats the old version?
Looking forward to the stellar photography that will come with this trip.
Version 2 kicks ass. The IS on it is also great. Much sharper than the old version at 400mm. I suspect optically it's near the 400 F5.6L but the real world sharpness will be better because of IS...
Cool Shawn! Does the 7D have a lens interlock to prevent the use of the lens at f8 like the older lenses and cameras with a 1.4 multiplier? I have a 40D and with my old 400 f5.6 I use a tamron 1.4 to get 560mm f8 and still have the autofocus function. Supposedly not with a canon 1.4 multiplier.
That lens is going to be awesome working at f8 and 560mm if the autofocus functions with a 4 stop stabilizer!
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 07, 2015, 08:49:56 PM
How sharp is that version II of the 100-400 Canon at 400mm wide open compared to the version I ? I'm familiar with the version I. I have a 400mm f5.6 but a new 100-400 would be nice if it beats the old version?
Looking forward to the stellar photography that will come with this trip.
Version 2 kicks ass. The IS on it is also great. Much sharper than the old version at 400mm. I suspect optically it's near the 400 F5.6L but the real world sharpness will be better because of IS...
Cool Shawn! Does the 7D have a lens interlock to prevent the use of the lens at f8 like the older lenses and cameras with a 1.4 multiplier? I have a 40D and with my old 400 f5.6 I use a tamron 1.4 to get 560mm f8 and still have the autofocus function. Supposedly not with a canon 1.4 multiplier.
That lens is going to be awesome working at f8 and 560mm if the autofocus functions with a 4 stop stabilizer!
It will shoot with the 1.4 or 2x. I have not tried it yet, however. I'll test that out and bring them both but maybe not in my final pack...
Post by: Ripper on July 08, 2015, 10:22:50 AM
Post by: The Weazle on July 12, 2015, 05:10:35 PM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 14, 2015, 07:21:13 AM
Ordered a baselayer set of Kuiu merino 210's. I have a set of synthetics but really don't want to stink too bad after a few days. REI's merino is just so expensive and I'm not sure you get better. Borrowed my dad's 1000 yard rangefinder as mine is old, bulky, and heavy. Hoping my Vortex 10x42's come in from being serviced before the hunt. Gearing up is kind of fun replacing old gear. Wondering how I'm going to carry my camera and 100-400. I kind of want it out to grab pictures quick and don't want it in the pack. Hard to carry it around your neck and have binoculars there.
More things on the list to get:
Kuiu Yukon rain gear
Another merino or synthetic base layer
gloves
beanie
climbing poles
maybe replace my old heavy sleeping bag
Post by: arrowflinger on July 14, 2015, 07:45:13 AM
Post by: quadrafire on July 14, 2015, 08:32:59 AM
Post by: huntnphool on July 14, 2015, 09:10:09 AM
Post by: coachcw on July 14, 2015, 09:28:12 AM
Post by: jackelope on July 14, 2015, 11:34:10 AM
Post by: Netminder01 on July 14, 2015, 11:36:29 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 15, 2015, 09:23:30 AM
Pope the Black Rapid strap (for your camera) works pretty well with a pack and binos. It hangs to the right side. Something to think about
I have that strap and use it often. It does tend to bounce around a lot when hiking with it though. Maybe if I tighten it up or something...
Post by: KNOPHISH on July 15, 2015, 11:08:30 AM
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!
Pretty awesome. Going dall sheep hunting!!
Details!!!!!!
Sorry Falcon I missed this & I'll probably start my own thread on return. Plus I got no camera skills like Pope. heh heh. Going with Max 2nd season & am going to hunt hard. 1 month to go woo woo.
Post by: boneaddict on July 15, 2015, 11:38:35 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 17, 2015, 04:36:52 PM
The 120 BT's shoot good enough for me.
Post by: Fishhuntmike on July 17, 2015, 05:30:23 PM
I have the same rifle (6.5 creedmoor). Mine likes the vlds 140gr with h4350 in case you haven't tried that combo (sub MOA). Haven't used it hunting yet though. Bow hunted deer last 5 years. Anxious to take it on a high buck hunt in Wyoming some day.
Mike
Post by: full choke on July 17, 2015, 05:55:57 PM
After an exhaustive backpack research session and purchase, I received my Mystery Ranch Metcalf today. Great looking pack and will replace the one that got ruined after it was dropped in my motor oil pan and soaked up about 12 quarts over the course of days. In the trash it went after multiple attempts to get the oil out... :bash:
Ordered a baselayer set of Kuiu merino 210's. I have a set of synthetics but really don't want to stink too bad after a few days. REI's merino is just so expensive and I'm not sure you get better. Borrowed my dad's 1000 yard rangefinder as mine is old, bulky, and heavy. Hoping my Vortex 10x42's come in from being serviced before the hunt. Gearing up is kind of fun replacing old gear. Wondering how I'm going to carry my camera and 100-400. I kind of want it out to grab pictures quick and don't want it in the pack. Hard to carry it around your neck and have binoculars there.
More things on the list to get:
Kuiu Yukon rain gear
Another merino or synthetic base layer
gloves
beanie
climbing poles
maybe replace my old heavy sleeping bag
Have you ever tried the Cotton Carrier system? Looks like there might be some configuration of this that may work with a pack on?
http://www.cottoncarrier.com/
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 17, 2015, 07:34:11 PM
Took the Savage ultralight out today. It has a short 18 or 20" barrel on it. It is picky and won't shoot anything well but 120 grain Nosler ballistic tips. I tried 129 accubond, 140 VLD, Barnes, etc. The 120 BT's shoot well so that's what I'm going with. My 5 shot group with a hot barrel was about an inch apart at 100 yards. The covered up holes were the grouping I got with the 129 grain Accubonds LR's.You may not be getting enough velocity with that 20" barrel to stabilize those bigger bullets.
The 120 BT's shoot good enough for me.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 17, 2015, 07:42:35 PM
Post by: coachcw on July 17, 2015, 08:02:40 PM
So I just tossed some numbers in the old calculator and as long as you were getting something over 2650fps or better ( I subtracted roughly 30fps per inch of barrel based on a 26" test barrel), all those bullets show stable flight with the 8 twist. Make Coach buy a Manner's lightweight hunter stock for his system and take that :chuckle:heck why not !
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 17, 2015, 08:04:43 PM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 20, 2015, 09:35:02 AM
Kuiu Yukon rain gear is finally in stock so I ordered pants and a jacket. Got another kuiu merino layer also and picked up some Sitka timberline pants with a jetstream vest. Huntnphool is letting me borrow his airline case and my Vortex bino's should be in today. Next up is a practice hike with the new pack to get it all adjusted right. Maybe PooPoo Point this week after work.
Ridgerunner/Brian got me thinking about sheep mounts should I be successful on this hunt so I'll need to think about the mount and where I'll have work done. I've been happy with some of our local taxidermists on here in the past. Any thoughts from those about bringing back the head? Sounds like Brian put his in a rubbermaid type tub frozen and brought it back on the plane.
Post by: KNOPHISH on July 20, 2015, 10:50:37 AM
Post by: HUNT on July 20, 2015, 10:58:08 AM
Ridgerunner/Brian got me thinking about sheep mounts should I be successful on this hunt so I'll need to think about the mount and where I'll have work done. I've been happy with some of our local taxidermists on here in the past. Any thoughts from those about bringing back the head? Sounds like Brian put his in a rubbermaid type tub frozen and brought it back on the plane.
I brought my horns back in my carryon bag. Wasn't going to let them out of my sight. The security guy pulled me aside after they went through the scanner - just to ask me about my hunt. ;)
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 20, 2015, 03:31:53 PM
So you did mailbox with no pack? I need to google this. Sounds steep & worthy. I've been packing 45 lbs up almost 4 miles with elev gain of just over 2,200. My back if fine but where ya feel it is in the hips. If you have a taxi picked out give him a call to see what they prefer as a shipping method.
This hike is brutal Knophish. I did it with a small pack and maybe 10 lbs is all. I had more in me. I felt it in my thighs, it's a burner. I'm told it is similar to a Rainier assent from Camp Muir so lots of people practice on it. The day hikers take the new trails which is just boring switchbacks. There aren't switchbacks in sheep country...
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mailbox-peak-old-trail (http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mailbox-peak-old-trail)
I have looked at the cotton carrier but managing this with my pack seems a bit much. Was going to try and hook it to my hip belt or just put it in my pack if I have to.
Post by: KNOPHISH on July 20, 2015, 04:09:38 PM
Post by: KNOPHISH on July 22, 2015, 10:37:28 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on July 22, 2015, 10:46:25 AM
Good for you and Good Luck! :tup:
Post by: Hawkeye270 on July 29, 2015, 09:50:43 AM
Good luck on your hunt and like others have said, take your time and enjoy it. It goes by way too fast!
Post by: Gringo31 on July 29, 2015, 01:20:08 PM
Post by: Falcon on July 29, 2015, 07:52:14 PM
I second your welcome :tup:
Would love to see some picks of the hunt.
Post by: Hawkeye270 on July 29, 2015, 08:31:56 PM
Post by: huntnphool on July 29, 2015, 11:47:58 PM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 31, 2015, 04:55:01 PM
Post by: Hawkeye270 on August 01, 2015, 04:24:05 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 01, 2015, 05:41:15 PM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 07, 2015, 07:32:09 AM
Post by: WAcoueshunter on August 07, 2015, 07:34:03 AM
Post by: coachcw on August 07, 2015, 07:37:11 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on August 07, 2015, 07:58:02 AM
Good Luck!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on August 07, 2015, 08:21:58 AM
Post by: gunnarnewt on August 11, 2015, 08:38:59 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on August 12, 2015, 02:57:58 AM
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on August 12, 2015, 05:10:05 AM
Post by: Ridgerunner on August 12, 2015, 02:25:59 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on August 12, 2015, 02:52:07 PM
Hopefully there is a ram down and he's celebrating!:yeah:
Post by: bearpaw on August 12, 2015, 07:27:34 PM
Flying out this morning. The adventure starts!
Good luck on getting a killer ram, looking forward to your story and photos! :tup:
Post by: trophyhunt on August 12, 2015, 07:32:55 PM
Post by: haugenna on August 12, 2015, 07:34:58 PM
Post by: PlateauNDN on August 13, 2015, 10:11:08 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 13, 2015, 07:26:00 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 13, 2015, 07:32:20 PM
Post by: deerhuntr4885 on August 13, 2015, 10:02:29 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on August 13, 2015, 10:12:28 PM
Post by: WAcoueshunter on August 13, 2015, 10:14:39 PM
Post by: coachcw on August 13, 2015, 10:16:48 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on August 13, 2015, 11:34:22 PM
Post by: X-Force on August 14, 2015, 12:20:30 AM
Always enjoyed the effort you put into chasing game with a camera. I can't wait to see and read your story about this hunt!
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 14, 2015, 08:21:52 AM
I’m picked up in Anchorage by head guide Don Martin and we grab some supplies. After we have everything, we head for Chitina. Two other hunters are in the van with me, brothers Todd and Rock from South Dakota. The drive took about 6 hours with stops along the way. We were waiting at the airport when Paul Claus, owner of Ultima Thule Outfitters, dropped out of the sky with a Dahavilla Beaver. He lands the plane in about 40 yards of runway…amazing. We load up and I get to sit in the co-pilot chair.
What I thought would be a fun river flight for 50 minutes turned into something more. We saw mountain goats and sheep as Paul flew along the mountains and cliffs. Then he takes the big plane into a huge rugged canyon. We fly up the canyon and I’m looking at mountain all around. Not thinking he had enough room to turn around, I was nervous. He pointed the big plane up and shot through a tiny pass in the rocks. What a fun ride but it had to end and we landed at the main lodge.
The main lodge is great. We settle in for moose spaghetti and Todd, Rock, and I have some Crown on the rocks. They pair us up with guides. We wondered about the system of how they pair hunter with guide. I was told I was in the best shape so I was paired with Bill. Some of the other guys were paired with older guides or guys that better suited their personality. I got paired with Bill, a happy, enthusiastic 31 year old guy. Bill asked me what type of hunt or experience I wanted. I stated, “I want to come back to this lodge dead sore with blisters.” He asked, “you really want to go into a tough place?” Yep! He said the experience will be fun and we would have a shot at a big ram if we go that route.
-to be continued...
Post by: trophyhunt on August 14, 2015, 08:35:52 AM
Post by: Hawkeye270 on August 14, 2015, 09:05:43 AM
Post by: boneaddict on August 14, 2015, 09:22:26 AM
Post by: KNOPHISH on August 14, 2015, 09:43:33 AM
Post by: 1bugman on August 14, 2015, 09:49:08 AM
Post by: CNELK on August 14, 2015, 09:57:00 AM
Post by: fillthefreezer on August 14, 2015, 10:05:51 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 14, 2015, 10:09:17 AM
Were up early, shoot the Savage Ultralight 6.5x284 Norma and it’s hitting 3” high at 100 yards. Perfect! The lodge at Ultima Thule is great. Breakfast was sourdough pancakes, a special recipe from Donna Claus. She said she got her sourdough from her friend she would fly in and talk to from time to time. He got his sourdough and it is known to date back to the 1880’s. His name was Preneke. I think many of you may know his alone in the wilderness videos.
One of the lodge buildings.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-gzPVvtj/0/L/5D3_9840-L.jpg)
We load the Supercub.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-ZzDCC6J/0/L/5D3_9863-L.jpg)
We fly up and through mountains, eventually finding ourselves on the Barnard glacier. We fly up the glacier, up a fork, and then another glacier fork to the top of the glacier at 7500 feet. Along the way I spotted white dots on the various mountains all around.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-GBGSRVt/0/L/5D3_9925-L.jpg)
The plan was to hunt down the glacier, find a big ram, sit on him until he is in a shootable position, and pack him out to the nearest spot a Supercub can land.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-rkjmSwh/0/L/5D3_9942-L.jpg)
Guide Bill glassing the mountains.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-3Dgz3vR/0/L/5D3_9943-L.jpg)
Hiking a glacier is the toughest thing I’ve ever done. It’s not just ice like you think…there is about 1-2” of rocks on top and those slip. Every step is effort and there is never a flat place to walk. It’s up, down, around, over, through a creek, etc. We hiked 10 hours that first day, only making it 3 miles as the crow flies. A look at my gps track log shows 9 miles and none of them easy with a 50 lb pack. On a glacier like this, 9 miles felt the equivalent of twice that. On a trail or good footing I could rack off miles easy. It was really a fun experience.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-bshPszJ/0/L/5D3_9982-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-qLXsBgt/0/L/5D3_9960-L.jpg)
6 miles in, I spot a ram on the ridge above staring down at me. Yep, I packed my 100-400 with a 1.4x and my 7D2. I snapped a pic of him…half curl. There is another one with him, also small. In 3 years, one of you guys can shoot him if you are nuts enough to come to this glacier.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-CzLL8fx/0/L/2R4A9836-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-6JMrWd3/0/L/2R4A9827-L.jpg)
My guide Bill is a good hunter. He moves slow, uses the glacier to hide our movement, and he is patient. I told him the night before, I basically want a friend that wants to hunt sheep with me that knows the area and can share in the experience. He understood. No pressure, he says we have 10 days and we aren’t in a hurry. I like this guy! Not wanting to spook these rams thinking they could spook a nearby big ram, we sneak through the glacier to get away from them. We spot more sheep a long ways away, and work our way down to the west fork Barnard glacier. After a long day of hiking and trying to find rams, I was dead tired about 7pm. Bill finds a spot on the rocks/ice and calls it camp for the night… Glad I brought a blow up air mattress. It rained all day, but I had a sheep tag in my pocket and I was in one of the more remote areas of North America. Weather couldn’t ruin my mood.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-xLHthLs/0/L/5D3_9996-L.jpg)
Post by: h20hunter on August 14, 2015, 10:13:31 AM
Post by: CNELK on August 14, 2015, 10:20:33 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on August 14, 2015, 10:36:24 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on August 14, 2015, 11:07:53 AM
Take your time! Lay it all out here in detail.......you'll find yourself reading it a few years from now and remembering things you forgot. :twocents:
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 14, 2015, 11:17:15 AM
Post by: dobby on August 14, 2015, 12:11:02 PM
Congratulations :tup:
Post by: X-Force on August 14, 2015, 01:00:01 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 14, 2015, 01:13:19 PM
Post by: Bullseye108 on August 14, 2015, 01:18:34 PM
Post by: Watimberghost on August 14, 2015, 01:31:22 PM
Post by: Holg3107 on August 14, 2015, 01:39:01 PM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 14, 2015, 03:42:19 PM
Post by: 92xj on August 14, 2015, 03:44:02 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on August 14, 2015, 04:10:29 PM
Post by: coachcw on August 14, 2015, 04:57:13 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on August 14, 2015, 05:22:03 PM
Post by: Falcon on August 14, 2015, 05:52:49 PM
Congrats of the hunt of a lifetime. Very happy for you. Can't wait for the rest of the story and some world class pics👍
Post by: bearpaw on August 14, 2015, 06:09:40 PM
Sounds like an awesome experience, I can't wait to hear the rest!
Post by: bearpaw on August 14, 2015, 06:55:31 PM
Post by: quadrafire on August 14, 2015, 06:56:45 PM
Post by: dingle on August 15, 2015, 06:46:27 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 15, 2015, 07:06:25 AM
It took me hours to get warm from the night before. We hiked and scouted all day in the pouring rain. Kuiu Yukon rain gear worked well but eventually, everything gets wet. Hot water bottles in my bag and dry clothes helped and I finally got warm. The ground was cold because it was rocks on top of a huge ice glacier. But it’s opening sheep season and this is all part of the experience! In between pouring rain, it would let up and only drizzle.
I get out and start glassing. We pack up camp, and Bill spots a big ram on the mountain a mile or so away. We both agree, he has a big rangy curl with lots of length. I estimated about 38” with some mass. A very pretty ram, with equal sides and lamb tips. He is by himself in a tough position. Even if we could make a stalk, it would take half a day to get in position to start up the mountain for a stalk. That being said, we move closer to try and tell if he is legal. In Alaska, the ram must be full curl or 8 years old. So he may be big and he may be long, but he still might not be legal. We know it’s going to be a close call on the full curl but he looks like he could be at a long distance. Time to get closer so we can get a better look.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-Jcgp8Fr/0/L/5D3_0004-L.jpg)
What looks lie a big pile of rock in the pictures is actually the glacier. There is a few inches of this rock/gravel on top of the giant ice sheet. You never take a step without the rock slipping and you seemingly never get a good foot hold. After hours of hiking, we come to a stream. We have to pass it. I take off the boots, put on flip flops and wade across the thigh high stream. I had to use walking poles and be careful. One slip and I would ruin thousands of dollars in camera gear and I might be swept downstream. These streams are just melted ice flowing on a big ice sheet. I was thankful to make it across. Down the glacier we hiked, hiding and going around the big ram on the mountain.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-Lct3858/0/L/5D3_0006-L.jpg)
We come to another stream crossing. This one isn’t as high as the other, only being about at our knees. However, if we slipped on this one the stream takes you around a corner and it would be difficult to get out. We lock arms, hold hands, and walk across together and Bill lets out, “this isn’t gay, it’s just safety.” I crack up and we make it across.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-nMkgGfJ/0/L/5D3_0010-L.jpg)
Down the glacier we go, skirting the big ram so we can get to a draw that we can get up and take a closer look if we need. I take pictures of the ram in between the rain/fog. Along the way, we spot other sheep that are smaller. A band of 3 half curl rams are making their way to the big ram, seemingly going to join up. I spot goats on various cliffs. I could have made this a goat combo, but I didn’t want to be distracted from the sheep.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-JjK7Gqw/0/L/2R4A9854-L.jpg)
One of the big ram photos I have. Most are at distance and not great quality. This is blown up and about the same magnification of a 60x swaro.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-VgNKRVc/0/L/2R4A9846-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-GdKqm4N/0/L/2R4A0024-L.jpg)
We hike all day, making only about 2.5 miles as the crow flies, but my gps says 3x that and they are grueling miles of climbing on your hands, knees, slipping, cutting yourself, etc. Exhausted, we called it a day as it started to pour rain yet again. Another Mountain House dinner…yum. Anything tastes good in the cold, rain, on a glacier, with a sheep tag in your pocket!
Post by: trophyhunt on August 15, 2015, 07:27:28 AM
Post by: rtspring on August 15, 2015, 07:30:29 AM
Post by: X-Force on August 15, 2015, 07:33:28 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 15, 2015, 07:39:21 AM
Never had an urge to kill a sheep. Sounds like funI love elk hunting as much as anyone, but, I couldn't imagine being able to take a dall sheep. I will probably never be able to do a hunt like this, but if I could pick one hunt to have, it would be a dall sheep hunt. We get to hunt and kill elk, a dall hunt is out of reach for 90% of the hunting population. But I get it, my elk hunting partner could care less to kill a ram as well. I myself could care less to go on an African Safari. The only African animal that I like is the Kudu.
Post by: elkaholic123 on August 15, 2015, 08:00:02 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 15, 2015, 09:09:54 AM
It rained all night. In the cold, I’m up first but tired/sore. What’s this? Sun! For the first time the sun is out. What a morale boost. My guide Bill is prepared, he has Starbucks Via packets and we have coffee every morning to warm up. The plan is to look the big ram over and make a decision on whether he is legal or not. I know he is big but that doesn’t make him legal. While I know sheep well, it is nice to have another person there for their input on the legality. I think it’s close, and in images I have him at full curl. The problem is he is wide and a very large curl. Smaller rams with tight curls are legal no problem.
Because we are camped down in a hole in the glacier, we can’t see the surrounding territory to glass. We did this so we could camp out of sight from the ram on the mountain above us. We pack up the tents, load the packs, and I head up the rock scree hill on the glacier to glass around. On the way up, I spot 4 rams headed my way on the mountain 250 yards from me on the glacier. Because there is cliffs above them, the only easy way to get past this part of the mountain is for them to go lower and through this rock/scree hillside. The lead ram is obviously big and the one we had been watching. I motion Bill up and he puts the spotter on him. He says, “I’m 100% sure he’s legal”.
He is the bottom left lead ram. Two of the small ones are trailing. I shoot him a minute or so after this image.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-CFC95L9/0/L/5D3_0016-L.jpg)
I unload my pack, get the gun out, and rack a shell in the chamber. I put the safety on and adjust the scope to 14x preparing for a longer shot. I take one quick photo before the large ram walks down out of sight. At this point, we need to stalk up to another rock/ice hill to get a clear shot of him. The trailing small rams are in sight and they spot us. I’m not worried because the big one hasn’t though and we are a ways out. I figure we have a minute or so until the small ones spook. We climb up to the top of the ice/rock hill and I lay my rifle on a large boulder. Bill brought his sleeping pad and puts it on the boulder. Nice guy!
I tell Bill, grab your swaro. I want you to confirm he is full curl one last time. I look at him, he looks good to me. I see a perfect circle but it’s just there. Bill looks and confirms. I’m not passing a ram this big with good mass. My Nosler box says the 120 grain ballistic tip should be 7” low at 300 yards when sighted in at 200 yards. I aim for the top of the shoulder as Bill ranges him now at 330 yards. He stops and I ready for the shot, then he starts walking again right to left on the hillside. He comes to a large rock on the hillside, oblivious to us. It’s sunny out, blue skies, and I’m 30 miles from the nearest town. I have a sheep tag, I’m in rugged amazing country, experiencing an adventure.
The large ram stops again, and looks over the large glacier below him. He turns back toward the 3 younger rams following him that he picked up last night. I’ll never forget the majestic look he had when he looked back. I take the shot and he is down. The rifle shoots flatter than I thought as I hit right where I was aiming. I give him one more just to speed up the process for this beautiful animal. A flood of emotions hit me. No high fiving and no screaming like kid. I sit there with myself and take 5 minutes. I let Bill know I don’t hunt for the kill, that actually my least favorite part about hunting. He let me have a few minutes to collect my thoughts.
40 years of waiting for this moment and it finally happened. Most people I know love sheep after they have killed one but I always have. This was sort of the pinnacle of my hunting life and my love for sheep. I’m not sure I will ever do this again and I’m not sure I need to. I’d like to though if WA or ID ever draws my name! We make our way over to the ram. I always told myself I’d like to take a moment and go up to the ram myself. Before I could tell Bill that, he said, “take the lead and go get your ram”. I walked very very slowly to him, trying to savor the moment. I put my pack down and he was a great ram. I say my thanks to the ram, Bill, and grab on to the horns.
It’s 7AM and we have all the time in the world. I set up my camera and we take tons of photos, from various angles. The sun was great but it made shooting images tough as the sun was coming in perpendicular to the mountain. We take images from a few angles for about an hour. Satisfied, we begin the caping, deboning, and process of packing the animal up.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-6NpnG2p/0/L/2R4A0124-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-jxnXKVB/0/L/2R4A0070-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-dXtQJcM/0/L/2R4A0146-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-Kdc8HfZ/0/L/2R4A0161-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-65nQQpp/0/L/5D3_0050-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-gZKNCMM/0/L/2R4A0234-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-gTSLMBL/0/L/2R4A0210-L.jpg)
We take our time, and head toward the nearest landing strip (glacier). Bill tells me there is one 7 miles (or 21 hiking miles) down the glacier, or we can go back up where we came from which is 5 straight miles (~15 actual miles/2000 vertical feet). The Bernard glacier was tough, and the unknown in the next 7 miles with packs that are now twice as heavy seems daunting. I tell Bill I’d prefer to go up to where we were dropped off. The rivers on the glacier get wider and deeper the further you go down. I really didn’t want to have to do many more harrowing stream crossings. On the way back up, we could avoid the streams as we aren’t out in the middle of the glacier and hiding from the big ram now.
Mystery Ranch makes good backpacks. My Metcalf I just got worked well. However, no backpack is fun at over 100 lbs. Each step was hard. We hiked a half mile in 3 hours. Then the rain hit again. We set up camp for the night. After a nap, we woke up and the rain stopped. We took turns on my 9oz bottle of Glendronach 15 year scotch I brought for after the kill. Bill got a flat rock and put his stove below it. We put pieces of fat on the rock and it melted into grease. We cut up chunks of tenderloin and backstrap. Nothing better than rock seared backstrap with scotch on a glacier! I must have had 2 lbs of meat, maybe more. Sheep is a cross between lamb and venison to me. This dall sheep is better than any rocky ram I’ve had. Must be the green grass and lack of sage/bitterbrush in their diet.
I fall asleep a happy man to more rain, all night long.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-kXGVszS/0/L/5D3_0126-L.jpg)
Post by: Hawkeye270 on August 15, 2015, 09:23:16 AM
Post by: Ricochet on August 15, 2015, 09:40:49 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 15, 2015, 09:43:52 AM
The next morning comes, we have our coffee and prepare for a long day of hiking. We know we aren’t going to make it out today. We take a moment to explore an ice cave.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-QKQn6vX/0/L/5D3_0154-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-MTHqZpX/0/L/5D3_0166-L.jpg)
What’s for breakfast? Why sheep of course! Were on to the backstraps as we finished all the tenderloin for dinner last night.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-nWf5jgp/0/L/5D3_0168-L.jpg)
The first ¼ mile takes almost 2 hours. We have to scale a river canyon. Bill makes it up first. At the top, the hardest part comes and I try and make one last jump up. It will be a long hard slide to the bottom and I surely would be injured if I didn’t make it. I wasn’t going to make it…I was slipping and Bill reaches down, grabs the horns attached to the top of my pack and lifts me up to safe ground. Thanks!
We hike/climb/muscle/battle long and hard for 10 hours, but only make it 2 miles as the crow flies. Then the rain starts to come on hard. Time to set up the tent. What’s for dinner? You guessed it, sheep! This time I mixed it up and added it to my Mountain House mac & cheese. Yum! At this rate, we should eat half our pack weight in no time.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-w82NqJT/0/L/5D3_0175-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-xbnsM47/0/L/5D3_0185-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-9jCC6kS/0/L/5D3_0197-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-ZMzFLnj/0/L/5D3_0187-L.jpg)
I get into my sleeping bag and guess what? It rains all night again.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on August 15, 2015, 10:12:27 AM
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Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 15, 2015, 10:30:26 AM
Today we have 3 straight miles up a side glacier to our pickup point. It’s going to take about 7 hours as the last mile is on open ice and while steep, it’s easier going as we won’t have to snake our way through rock canyons, outcrops, crevices, etc. There was one tough part where we had to take half the load at a time so we didn’t hurt ourselves crossing a river canyon. It’s sunny and nice for the first time all day! Hoping it holds by the time we get to the top of the glacier so they can fly and get us. We make it to the top, exhausted and tired. I was physically in shape for this, but you can’t simulate a 100+ pound pack and a glacier in my Bellevue spin class. A call on the sat phone and the planes were there in a half hour. At 7500 feet, at the base of a 14,500 foot mountain straight above us…it was cold. I put every piece of clothing on to stay warm while waiting for the planes. A quick 15 minute fight and we were at the remote lodge, in 70 degree weather! Time to strip off all the layers. I fell asleep early, passing out and I couldn’t even finish my glass of Crown Royal I was so tired.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-gWH7HzF/0/L/5D3_0289-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-pGJG68v/0/L/5D3_0211-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-2gDSJXG/0/L/5D3_0300-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-7QLgD5f/0/L/5D3_0337-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-GQRbBVB/0/L/5D3_0313-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-TQC4Qqh/0/L/5D3_0335-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-q6VBRWg/0/L/5D3_0362-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-VMHMMGV/0/L/5D3_0351-L.jpg)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-hnPfXpL/0/L/5D3_0368-L.jpg)
Guide Bill and I at the glacier, getting on the Supercub.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Dall-Sheep-Hunt-2015/i-LtG8M6R/0/L/5D3_0408-L.jpg)
And with horns plugged and sealed, I'm in Anchorage. Ram ended up being 7.5 years old. He was symetrical 38.25" on each side. Bases are 14.25". I rough rough scored him at 163.5". If he doesn't "dry" up too much and my math was correct, he might make the 160" B&C Awards. What next? I'm going to Denali for a week to shoot sheep pictures of course!
Post by: Ridgerunner on August 15, 2015, 10:52:51 AM
Post by: Hunting Cowboy on August 15, 2015, 10:56:24 AM
Post by: shanevg on August 15, 2015, 11:23:11 AM
Post by: elkaholic123 on August 15, 2015, 11:44:02 AM
Post by: CNELK on August 15, 2015, 11:57:38 AM
Post by: huntnphool on August 15, 2015, 12:20:27 PM
Post by: blacktailer on August 15, 2015, 12:20:59 PM
Post by: lokidog on August 15, 2015, 02:46:47 PM
Nice ram and write up. Congrats on fulfilling a dream
:yeah: :tup:
Post by: coachcw on August 15, 2015, 03:26:16 PM
Post by: jdb on August 15, 2015, 04:21:49 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on August 15, 2015, 04:27:33 PM
Post by: X-Force on August 15, 2015, 04:32:20 PM
Post by: Falcon on August 15, 2015, 05:52:58 PM
That has to be one of the finest hunting write up and pics I have ever seen. You did all the work and research and your dream came true.
It will a while before you come back to earth😁
Post by: trophyhunt on August 15, 2015, 07:17:15 PM
Post by: slim9300 on August 15, 2015, 08:12:05 PM
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Post by: TVHunts on August 15, 2015, 08:23:12 PM
Post by: quadrafire on August 15, 2015, 09:15:26 PM
That's some damned big country up there
Post by: Vek on August 15, 2015, 09:27:04 PM
Post by: Vek on August 15, 2015, 09:34:41 PM
Post by: Wacenturion on August 16, 2015, 08:17:33 AM
Post by: Ironhead on August 16, 2015, 08:56:58 AM
Post by: Hawkeye270 on August 16, 2015, 09:11:53 AM
I'm still anxiously/patiently waiting for mine to get done. Been just over a year now but should be done any day
Post by: saylean on August 16, 2015, 09:29:25 AM
Post by: Whitpirate on August 16, 2015, 09:40:40 AM
Post by: MuleySniper on August 16, 2015, 11:21:28 AM
MS
Post by: Netminder01 on August 16, 2015, 11:52:47 AM
Post by: bearpaw on August 16, 2015, 12:50:24 PM
Post by: Fishhuntmike on August 16, 2015, 01:26:49 PM
Now that you put some time in that rugged country what would be your Dslr 2 lens or 1 lens recommendation for a trip in that place assuming you had the smaller non-full frame camera sensor? How did you like your 100-400? What wide angle lens did you take? Awesome photography in that harsh and somewhat sterile environment!
Very cool. Thanks for sharing!
Mike
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 16, 2015, 01:53:32 PM
Outstanding writeup! You gave me an idea of what my dream hunt would be. A couple years ago I was planning to do a Wrangle trip for this year as I will turn 50 but could not make it happen financially (although wife approved of trip). It certainly looks harder than I imagined with more rugged country as well. Reminds me of my 30th bday McKinley trip.
Now that you put some time in that rugged country what would be your Dslr 2 lens or 1 lens recommendation for a trip in that place assuming you had the smaller non-full frame camera sensor? How did you like your 100-400? What wide angle lens did you take? Awesome photography in that harsh and somewhat sterile environment!
Very cool. Thanks for sharing!
Mike
Next time I would only bring one body. I could also make a case to leave the 100-400 home. In that particular spot, there were no other animals other than sheep and pika. No ptarmigan, etc. The shorter focal lengths I took most of my images from. I brought a 24-105L. Some zoom in that range would be perfect. I could also make a case for just bringing the 24mm pancake lens with a body. Most of my shots were at 24mm at it would save weight.
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 16, 2015, 01:56:49 PM
So what did you decide to do as far as the mount goes? Did you bring horns and cape home or leave in AK? Full body or shoulder? Which taxidermist?
I'm still anxiously/patiently waiting for mine to get done. Been just over a year now but should be done any day
Great question! I've been pondering this still. Right now it's at Knights Taxidermy in Anchorage and they are going to tan the hide at minimum for me. They charge $1,100 for a shoulder mount which seemed steep to me, but they are guaranteeing it done by Christmas. If I bring it down to the lower 48, I'm certain I'll get it by Christmas of 2017. I hate waiting that long for this particular mount. I'm leaning toward just leaving it here and have them ship it all done to me by X-mas.
Anyone have thoughts on this or experience with Knights? Seems the reviews I've found are good. Looks like they also had some TV show for a while but I've never seen it.
Post by: Fishhuntmike on August 16, 2015, 02:32:21 PM
How about your feet? Are you happy with your boots? Would you do anything different next time?
Thanks again!
Mike
Post by: huntnnw on August 16, 2015, 11:08:13 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on August 17, 2015, 08:20:38 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on August 17, 2015, 08:22:35 AM
Post by: coachcw on August 17, 2015, 08:33:15 AM
Post by: Harbor_hunter on August 17, 2015, 08:47:47 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on August 17, 2015, 09:39:06 AM
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on August 17, 2015, 09:42:49 AM
Post by: Machias on August 17, 2015, 11:39:48 AM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on August 17, 2015, 12:20:20 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on August 17, 2015, 01:10:30 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on August 17, 2015, 01:43:00 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on August 17, 2015, 01:44:42 PM
Post by: Huntboy on August 17, 2015, 01:57:10 PM
Post by: RadSav on August 17, 2015, 04:41:21 PM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 18, 2015, 12:31:48 PM
Thanks Shawn for the lens recommendation.
How about your feet? Are you happy with your boots? Would you do anything different next time?
Thanks again!
Mike
Great question. They mandate plastic 2 piece boots up there. They do this because the rocks are sharp and constantly "attacking" your boots. I took La Sportiva EVO GTX. The guy at the mountaineering store and based on the reviews said this is the better all around boot. If I bought plastic boots, I would only use them on that hunt and then never again. The EVO I can use in rocky and steep sheep stuff where my Kennetreks don't offer enough support in the ankle and sole. My boots took a beating. They look like they are 5 years old after 5 days on this glacier. If I were to guide there all season, I would have to buy a new pair each season. I understand why they mandate the plastic boots but mine did great. The guy at the store said every Denali and many Rainier guides have this boot. Once you add 100 lbs on your pack, then the boots really start wearing on the rocks. They are warm and never leak on small stream crossings. They don't have a liner so you have to take them off when crossing the deep rivers and put crocs or flip flops on.
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 18, 2015, 12:46:40 PM
As a full on gear junkie, what items passed the sheep test, and which ones would you axe? If the stars align, and my brother gets Fairbanks as his next duty station, sheep may be in my future.
Rain gear is a must. I went with Kuiu Yukon pants and jacket. After it's saturated, it is damp on the inside. I don't know if that's because I was sweating so much on the inside or just dampness from the outside. They still worked well and I highly recommend. Basically, any breathable rain gear is going to have this problem. The only rain gear that worked 100% is heavy rubber stuff we get to go fishing. I couldn't imagine hiking in that though. The Yukon gear was thick and tough and withstood the abuse, crawling, and rocks. Thin rain gear wouldn't have made it.
Every day I wore merino wool layers. I did this so I didn't stink. Merino keeps your odor down significantly. I noticed the difference between me and my guide...lol. I wore a merino pant and top every day. The Yukon rain pants I wore every day. I tried to wear my Sitka Timberline pants but when the rain started, they just had to come off. If I had to do it again, I would bring the Yukon pants and one pear of Merino base. I wore a merino shirt under my merino long sleeve base every day. Then I had a Sitka jetstream vest that stayed on me the whole time. Then the Yukon jacket. When it got cold, I would add my permaloft puffy insulation coat under the Yukon jacket. I brought one extra merino base long sleeve shirt for when it got wet, I could change it out.
Gloves ended up being inportant not because it was terribly cold, but because when you fall over and over, you'll cut your hand on the rock. The first day I went glove free and have cuts and scrapes on my hands to show for it. I had some thin neoprene type Serus gloves that stayed dry but eventually they soaked through. The nice thing is even though they would be wet, they would still be warm as they were a neoprene type material. Putting the wet gloves on kept me warm even when it was cold out.
Boots, I did that right in the LaSportiva EVO GTX. Now I can use them on other tough hunts.
Poles were important. I broke one of my Black Diamond Z-poles when I slipped on the glacier and tried to use one pole on all my weight plus a heavy pack...
The Mystery Ranch Metcalf worked great. It is small when you need it and can carry a lot when you need. When I loaded the sheep on the shelf between the pack and the frame, it worked well. I utilized the load lifters with such a heavy pack and they saved my shoulders. The first day of the 3 day packout I didn't have these adjusted right and I noticed my shoulders took a lot of the abuse. The only issue I had was under 100+ lbs, the waist strap buckle would slip a little, dropping the pack lower on me. I would then need to tighten it or adjust the shoulder/load lifters again. That much weight is just never fun no matter the pack.
Vortex Viper 10x42 worked great. My camera was the spotting scope (should be about 84x when zoomed in). Gun should be protected better next time. It took a beating in the falls and on this glacier. You never need it quick so next time I would put it between the pack and frame. I did this on the pack out and it didn't get hammered so much. That's all the thoughts I have on gear unless there are other questions.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on August 18, 2015, 04:12:22 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 18, 2015, 04:49:39 PM
Post by: X-Force on August 18, 2015, 05:23:51 PM
Post by: M_ray on August 18, 2015, 06:12:16 PM
Post by: Fishhuntmike on August 19, 2015, 01:05:26 PM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 20, 2015, 06:18:42 AM
If I missed it I apologize , curious what tent, sleeping bag and pad you used? Love this thread! :tup:
Thermarest pad. I would do this slightly different if I had a choice. The air blowup type is the best as you are on top of rocks on top of ice. It helps to even out the rocks from sticking in your back.
I got a kelty backcountry bed for this hunt. It is rated down to about 20 degrees...but I got cold when it got below 40 degrees. I would buy a warmer or different bag.
The guide had the tent and it was awesome. With the constant downpours all night, mine would have surely leaked. It was a Hilleberg and I don't care the weight. This is bombproof and will keep you dry no matter the conditions. It's on my list of things to buy.
Post by: trophyhunt on August 20, 2015, 06:29:13 AM
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Post by: gunnarnewt on August 24, 2015, 08:30:49 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on August 25, 2015, 05:32:03 AM
https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Family-1/2015-Dall-Sheep-Hunt (https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Family-1/2015-Dall-Sheep-Hunt)
Thanks for the kind words all!
Post by: Elkpiss on August 26, 2015, 11:47:02 AM
Post by: X-Force on August 26, 2015, 12:17:47 PM