Post by: Gringo31 on July 20, 2016, 04:31:09 PM
Post by: Curly on July 20, 2016, 04:32:59 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on July 20, 2016, 04:35:10 PM
CONGRATS GRINGO.
Post by: trophyhunt on July 20, 2016, 04:45:25 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on July 20, 2016, 04:56:22 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 20, 2016, 04:57:13 PM
Post by: JoeE on July 20, 2016, 04:59:40 PM
Post by: HUNTaHOLIC5 on July 20, 2016, 05:01:29 PM
Post by: Miles on July 20, 2016, 05:04:18 PM
Post by: bobcat on July 20, 2016, 05:05:47 PM
Post by: Bushcraft on July 20, 2016, 05:14:55 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on July 20, 2016, 05:21:53 PM
Quote
Which units can you hunt?
Lincoln Cliffs, Mt. Hull, Manson, Chelan Butte, Quilomene, Umtanum, Selah Butte, and Cleman Mountain herds are available.
I have never bought raffle tickets before. My son drew a youth cow moose tag, so I thought I'd splurge and buy (I think it was 6) moose tickets so I could hunt a bull while he was hunting cows, then decided to buy one of each of a few of them as well. Think I spent $108 if I recall correctly.
Post by: Whitenuckles on July 20, 2016, 05:33:15 PM
Post by: muleyslayer on July 20, 2016, 05:45:23 PM
Post by: benhuntin on July 20, 2016, 05:54:38 PM
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Post by: actionshooter on July 20, 2016, 06:07:18 PM
Post by: bearhunter99 on July 20, 2016, 06:46:31 PM
Post by: seth30 on July 20, 2016, 06:51:47 PM
Post by: starbailey on July 20, 2016, 06:56:00 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on July 20, 2016, 07:03:53 PM
Post by: MLBowhunting on July 20, 2016, 07:52:02 PM
Post by: teanawayslayer on July 20, 2016, 08:17:19 PM
Post by: grundy53 on July 20, 2016, 08:22:17 PM
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Post by: boneaddict on July 20, 2016, 08:22:54 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on July 20, 2016, 08:24:09 PM
Post by: huntnphool on July 20, 2016, 08:24:42 PM
Post by: kevinlisa06 on July 20, 2016, 08:30:37 PM
Post by: WAPatriot on July 20, 2016, 08:39:24 PM
Post by: X-Force on July 20, 2016, 08:41:32 PM
Post by: WAPatriot on July 20, 2016, 08:41:36 PM
Post by: stew pidasso on July 20, 2016, 08:57:18 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on July 20, 2016, 09:02:38 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on July 20, 2016, 09:04:09 PM
Post by: WAPatriot on July 20, 2016, 09:04:57 PM
Post by: Brushbuster on July 20, 2016, 09:11:02 PM
Post by: blacktailer on July 20, 2016, 10:17:03 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on July 20, 2016, 10:27:17 PM
I'm stoked for you. That's how it should be.
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:
I'm never buying more than 1 again, buying four tickets is way to greedy! :tup: :chuckle:
Post by: TheSkyBuster on July 20, 2016, 10:33:44 PM
Post by: Buckjunkie on July 20, 2016, 10:47:17 PM
Post by: REHJWA on July 20, 2016, 10:50:59 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on July 20, 2016, 10:57:30 PM
Post by: westside bull on July 21, 2016, 06:13:06 AM
Post by: Bango skank on July 21, 2016, 06:15:51 AM
Post by: coachcw on July 21, 2016, 06:26:46 AM
Post by: Ridgerunner on July 21, 2016, 06:52:08 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 21, 2016, 07:08:56 AM
Might be the best of all the species to hunt that's so awesome.
"Might" be? It's a no brainer! :chuckle:
Post by: LabChamp on July 21, 2016, 07:53:54 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 21, 2016, 07:59:20 AM
Just got the call.....
Nice going, Gringo. Couldn't happen to a better guy. :tup:
Post by: RatRodMike on July 21, 2016, 08:02:03 AM
We will of course need lots of pics and stories on this one.
Post by: Rainier10 on July 21, 2016, 08:02:18 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on July 21, 2016, 08:08:09 AM
I've never killed a big game animal in this state with a rifle and would like to keep that streak going. It's a long season and while I would shoot one with a rifle, the days/harvest stats on prior hunts make me feel I'd like to up the challenge.
I'm sure there's a Montana or Texas joke in this but I got sheep on the brain! My boys cow moose will take priority during his season....what a year, God is Good!
Post by: ramslam on July 21, 2016, 08:10:00 AM
Congrats and enjoy the ride!
Post by: jackelope on July 21, 2016, 08:12:11 AM
Congrats on a one in a million win, Gringo. I'm so happy that a long term Hunt-WA guy got a tag like this. Here's to an amazing fall for you.
:tup:
Post by: Bango skank on July 21, 2016, 08:25:10 AM
Congrats on a one in a million win, Gringo. I'm so happy that a long term Hunt-WA guy got a tag like this. Here's to an amazing fall for you.
:tup:
Looks like it was actually a 1 in 3,802 win.
Post by: GurrCentral on July 21, 2016, 09:32:38 AM
Post by: Natures Way on July 21, 2016, 09:40:07 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on July 21, 2016, 12:10:49 PM
Quote
Congratulations!! That is Great, well lets make it a little bit better! Your elk will be ready next week!
:yike:
Way Cool.... :tup:
Send me some pics when you get the chance. :IBCOOL:
Post by: BULLBLASTER on July 21, 2016, 12:46:21 PM
I'd be stressed and overwhelmed if it were me. :chuckle:
Looking forward to pics
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 21, 2016, 01:03:44 PM
How would a guy ever decide where to start with a opportunity like this raffle?Did I or did I not tell you to be a champion today :nono: you go where the genetics and age class are :iamwithstupid:
I'd be stressed and overwhelmed if it were me. :chuckle:
Looking forward to pics
Congrats again Gringo :chuckle:
Post by: JoeE on July 21, 2016, 01:22:13 PM
Post by: crowinghen on July 21, 2016, 01:24:31 PM
How would a guy ever decide where to start with a opportunity like this raffle?
I'd be stressed and overwhelmed if it were me. :chuckle:
Looking forward to pics
:yeah:
But have a great time with the tag!
Post by: BULLBLASTER on July 21, 2016, 01:32:18 PM
See that's the problem. I barely know what sheep look like let alone where they live... Or where the champion sheep play king of the hill! :chuckle:How would a guy ever decide where to start with a opportunity like this raffle?Did I or did I not tell you to be a champion today :nono: you go where the genetics and age class are :iamwithstupid:
I'd be stressed and overwhelmed if it were me. :chuckle:
Looking forward to pics
Congrats again Gringo :chuckle:
Post by: whacker1 on July 21, 2016, 02:48:18 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on July 22, 2016, 07:32:57 AM
Post by: teanawayslayer on July 22, 2016, 08:57:26 AM
good thing he has 4 months to figure it out! :IBCOOL:See that's the problem. I barely know what sheep look like let alone where they live... Or where the champion sheep play king of the hill! :chuckle:How would a guy ever decide where to start with a opportunity like this raffle?Did I or did I not tell you to be a champion today :nono: you go where the genetics and age class are :iamwithstupid:
I'd be stressed and overwhelmed if it were me. :chuckle:
Looking forward to pics
Congrats again Gringo :chuckle:
Post by: Falcon on July 22, 2016, 10:42:28 AM
You just won the ultimate powerball :drool:
Enjoy every moment of your journey. Look forward to the story and pics👍
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on July 22, 2016, 12:05:18 PM
Post by: hirshey on July 22, 2016, 12:07:48 PM
So happy for you! If you want a spin around the Chelan Butte, that's my backyard (literally). How exciting!
Post by: fishngamereaper on July 23, 2016, 12:32:10 PM
Post by: jmscon on July 23, 2016, 01:40:10 PM
Looking forward to the read on this one!
Post by: popeshawnpaul on July 23, 2016, 06:05:53 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on July 25, 2016, 06:07:59 AM
I had a dream the other day. I had probably been asleep 20 min and the dogs started barking and I hopped up, checked it out and then started telling my wife what my dream was.....
In my dream, the raffle results had come out online and everyone could see where they ranked. The guy who had the second place tag was a die hard sheep guy his whole life. He was that sweetheart of a guy who helped everyone he could on these sheep hunts and only dreamed of one day getting his own tag....he was in his mid 60's, and he had purchased 10 tickets or so.
In my dream, I called up WDFW and declined my tag. (And you know how dreams go) next thing I know I'm at a press conference! :chuckle: (looking back it was a good move to tell my wife this dream) At the press conference, I went through some of my personal history, talked about facing some tough times, talked some of watching a family implode for the persistent actions of my ex, and then talking about how my current wife of just over a year was a hand picked gift from God himself.
You see, my cup overflows with or without this tag. While dreams are just dreams, they do show how your mind has been working. I lack the time to (as some would say) "do it justice" and that's ok. I intend to make a scouting trip or two, learn all I can about judging sheep, listen and be thankful for information shared and enjoy this hunt as much as possible knowing the gift it is.......and am in no hurry as I don't want it to be over quickly.
Why did I share all of this? Because I think it's all part of it. Every hunt, every experience, every outlook is all a bit different to each of us. Some of us don't agree with the way others think and that's probably not going to change any time soon :chuckle:
In the mean time, I'm trying to sort out my schedule, working through getting my pack ready, check lists, need to start shooting the bow (which I haven't touched since last November) talking to my 3 brothers (2 are from out of state), changing a few plans we had to hunt together this fall and exchanging that schedule for this hunt or hunts.....trying to sort out in my head my personal goal of doing it with my bow, vs the scenario that the days which my brothers would be able to come is limited.......Ahhhh, decisions, decisions :tup:
Life is Good! To the 4-5 people who have reached out with advice, help etc....
Thank You. :tup: :tup: :tup:
Post by: bearpaw on July 25, 2016, 06:25:56 AM
Post by: jkthomps on July 25, 2016, 03:13:46 PM
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Post by: jackelope on July 25, 2016, 04:01:50 PM
:tup:
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on August 01, 2016, 01:08:37 AM
Post by: rasbo on August 01, 2016, 05:09:46 AM
Post by: Machias on August 02, 2016, 07:06:18 AM
Post by: badnewskruse on August 07, 2016, 05:58:28 PM
Post by: GurrCentral on August 07, 2016, 06:24:04 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on August 15, 2016, 09:11:43 AM
Still can't figure it out tho. Never had this issue before even Mt. Goat hunting in Alaska.
Got my tag in the mail :tup: Still sorting out all the questions in my head and trying to balance priority of killing the biggest on the mountain, doing it with a bow, doing it with loved ones (knowing my brother from out of state is only able to come out on one trip). There is a part of me that doesn't want to harvest a ram in September. Part of me wants to really soak it all in and get to sheep hunt multiple times on this one tag. Would hate to kill one Sept 1st....even if it was the biggest.
It's a bunch of fun stuff to have rolling around ones head. Did get to see a couple rams hit horns tho :tup: First for me.....
Post by: 2MANY on August 15, 2016, 09:22:43 AM
Sounds like a bunch of tough choices.
Go for a plane ride and learn the country.
Probably easier on your feet.
Nothing wrong with flying around as long as you don't run right out and hunt.
Good luck.
Post by: Jpmiller on August 15, 2016, 09:26:19 AM
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 15, 2016, 09:30:22 AM
Post by: WildBear on August 16, 2016, 10:58:12 AM
Post by: coachcw on August 17, 2016, 09:39:28 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on August 17, 2016, 09:42:39 PM
Hold out my ubet is you can kill a giant with your bow in the rut , end of oct.
This!
Cannot wait to see what you drum up Gringo!
Post by: Gringo31 on August 25, 2016, 02:02:24 PM
He's ok, just helps keep everything in perspective of the things that really matter and how everyday is indeed a gift. :tup:
On a side note, took my old beat up work boots and feet felt great
Post by: Jpmiller on August 25, 2016, 02:35:53 PM
See any sheep or no time with the medical emergency?
Post by: Gringo31 on August 25, 2016, 02:54:55 PM
My boys started football so outside of hunting, my weekends are trashed. But I think I know what i need to at this point.
Post by: coachcw on August 25, 2016, 08:37:06 PM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on August 27, 2016, 07:03:07 AM
glad your buddy's ok
:yeah: Always a good hunt when everyone returns safe and healthy.
Post by: Miles on August 27, 2016, 08:34:22 AM
If you don't mind me asking, and I think it helps everyone recognize symptoms, how did you know what was happening? Did he recognize that he was having a heart attack? I have seen a lot of people who kind of go into denial when stuff is happening. It's critical to get to the hospital as soon as possible with this type of stuff.
Post by: NOCK NOCK on August 27, 2016, 09:30:06 PM
Post by: bulldogs40 on August 28, 2016, 12:52:47 AM
:yeah: Good question Miles:yeah:
A heart attack in the 30's sounds terrifying
Post by: Mxracer532 on August 28, 2016, 07:05:04 AM
:yeah: Good question Miles:yeah:
A heart attack in the 30's sounds terrifying
My best friend had a heart attack and passed away at age 29. He had a 2 yr old son and a baby girl that turned 1 a couple weeks later. The sad part is they could have saved his life but the life flight had a malfunction and couldnt take off after they got him loaded into it. Its no joke, can happen to anyone.
Post by: csaaphill on August 29, 2016, 01:01:26 AM
grats on the tag too though.
Post by: Gringo31 on August 29, 2016, 09:35:43 AM
Always lots to be thankful for, with or without a sheep tag :tup:
Post by: Miles on August 29, 2016, 11:19:31 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on September 01, 2016, 10:00:45 AM
Post by: huntnphool on September 01, 2016, 10:09:11 AM
No I'm not out there for the opener. I'd really love to see what the other raffle tag holder or auction tag holder comes up with. I'd imagine at least one tag is filled today?
A couple are using archery gear, it's going to be a challenge.
Post by: Alchase on September 01, 2016, 10:10:45 AM
I was fortunate to have several things going for me. I've volunteered in our local fire dept for the last 10 years or so, so I've had some training and experience. He displayed all the classic symptoms....pain in chest, numbness or pain in left arm, sweating, labored breathing etc. Also very fortunate we weren't 2 miles from the truck when it happened. (more like 10 feet and he self loaded) Possible different scenario if I didn't have cell service to get folks able to help on the way as well. People talk about the golden hour. Different than the hunting golden hour, it's the hour from onset to rolling in an emergency room.
Always lots to be thankful for, with or without a sheep tag :tup:
Of all the places and times your buddy could have had his heart attack, he was lucky someone like yourself was there and knowledgeable to know the signs.
Hope this turns into the hunt of your life!
Praying for your friend.
Post by: Gringo31 on September 01, 2016, 11:04:21 AM
Quote
A couple are using archery gear, it's going to be a challenge.
I figured the auction tag would be, didn't know the other raffle as well?
Would be cool if all 3 did as it's my intention to go this route as well.... :tup:
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 07:30:52 AM
Part of me doesn't know where to start. All of the thoughts, feelings and emotions that go through a guys head before, during and even after a hunt like this are fun to sort through. It starts off with the initial shock of getting the call. It sinks in more when you actually see the tag.....and when you are up scouting, there's a part of it that just doesn't seem real.
During that early part of the game, I appreciate the folks that reached out to me. For me, it's a slippery slope. On one hand, knowledge is power, on the other, I'm more of a DIY kind of guy and felt that too much help would personally take away from the experience or challenge. But, I suppose that all depends on what the actual goal is.
To each it's different, but to me it started out killing a good ram with my bow. I had all the time in the world to do it with a 4 month season and feel comfortable enough with stalking mules that a sheep should be doable. The part that kept weighing on me was the scale of priority. What meant more to me? The weapon used? The people I was able to experience it with? Or the caliber of animal I took? I asked myself that 1000 times, including asking advice from my brother in Alaska who wasn't able to go and some close friends. Everyone gave me the same answer....that it was my hunt and don't worry about anything other than what I wanted. I realize that's the right answer, but it's something that was heavy on the brain. I knew in all likelihood my brother from Wyoming was only able to make it out on this one trip. Eventually, I decided to throw a rifle in the truck as well. I asked myself......When I'm 70 and look back on this hunt, what would mean more to me, the score or who I was with.....and that settled it for me. :tup:
Post by: tlbradford on September 12, 2016, 07:34:39 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 07:53:26 AM
So, putting together a team. I touched on this before, but I wanted to share this experience with a few loved ones. In general, the pics of a sheep or moose or trophy elk with 8 guys behind the animal seem a little off to me, but to each their own!
My plan was to have my brother from Wyoming, a buddy I met in college (who's one of the best men I've even met) and my little brother from the west side was going to meet up with us Friday night after work.
My WY brother flew in tuesday, buddy was going to roll in Friday morning.... Again, thanks to all that offered to help!
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 08:01:14 AM
Post by: bradslam on September 12, 2016, 08:01:38 AM
Post by: tlbradford on September 12, 2016, 08:13:19 AM
Post by: starbailey on September 12, 2016, 09:59:03 AM
Post by: WAcoueshunter on September 12, 2016, 10:10:19 AM
I'm going to be long winded. . . .
Yes, please! Thank you for taking us along!
Post by: Woodchuck on September 12, 2016, 10:10:35 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 10:12:17 AM
We would start everyday about the same with some glassing low, then some glassing high followed by a plan. Took off from the top with bow in hand to just enjoy the day. That country can suck you in! You start off just going to walk to a point to glass, to then look over the next one and next thing you know you have a hike back to the truck to get your gear when you were just going to do a little glassing.
We worked our way down a ridge, saw 6 rams that didn't do much for us, worked the other side with the same result. Plan was to grab all our gear and walk out a canyon I've never been down. Decided to take one more look at the original 6 and saw different rams that looked better. So, we decided to make a move and see what happened.
Found ourselves about 260 yards above them for 4 hours. Watched them, studied them.....just enjoyed them. Talked it over, shared opinions thoughts etc (this is a part I probably looked most forward to prior to the hunt) Problem was these rams (now a band of 24) wouldn't move to a spot I had a chance with archery tackle. With my inexperience with sheep, I really had no idea how much pressure they would take or what the flight zone was. In all honesty, there were 2-3 in that group I would have been fine with harvesting. I've said it before, but I'm not much of a score guy. I appreciate scores and know what they mean, but hate people just chasing score. IMO it takes away from what success is. I know I wanted a good ram, but looking over this band, I recall telling my brother that if two or three rams were taken off this mountain before me, that would be fine with me as there are lots of good sheep that I'd be happy with. I suppose it's fun to have opportunities that we each can fill to our own wants and desires. Every hunt is custom made despite what the "hunting community" may or may not think. :twocents:
Pics...
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160912%2F4f68c404ac1e0ae1c2a0fe57c1e5db66.jpg&hash=e2ed3f78daf9e37edf12729972c92b34d94ee740)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160912%2F153111670922c04117662e8c8484d665.jpg&hash=98c751bb420b7e3568c45799f5f78cae7082df64)(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160912%2F2ec9d69da715bac0e61ac70595ddbda7.jpg&hash=c96a4a7d1b44ce886acdb3c6f14f0c11c4559968)
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 10:19:49 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: MooseZ25 on September 12, 2016, 10:32:12 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 10:34:21 AM
Post by: Jpmiller on September 12, 2016, 10:43:11 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 10:53:00 AM
So, I decided to put a stalk on them full well knowing that they would see me on the first part of the approach. I would be exposed, then hidden, then had an opening to get through.......but if I could do that, one small draw should put me on them at under 50 yards. Everything was going well until I slipped and sent a bunch of rocks rolling. That busted them. I figured I had another 15 yards to go before completely hidden and they were gone. When I busted them I ranged them at 136 yards. While they were leaving, I tried a sheep call with my voice out of curiosity. It made them grab the next gear. :chuckle: I think I might have offended them or something.....
We walked out the bottom with the fun of the experience and your mind starts going. I was in this constant battle between the people I was with and the weapon I would use. On that hike out, I decided come the tail end of the hunt, I'd trade the experience for the weapon...with no regrets. In reality, it kinda felt good. Again, to each their own but I think the "selfishness" feeling of my sheep, my way, with my weapon of choice never settled well with the lifelong experiences with loved ones.
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 10:58:45 AM
As I said, I now was OK with using a rifle, but with my youngest brother rolling in after work tonight, I'd take the bow again. I didn't want to harvest a ram without him, but absolutely would should it happen. This morning my college buddy rolled in first light. We had spotted a couple real good rams from down low in some rougher country and decided to see what came of the day.
Crappy pic...
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160912%2Fd153d775ae25ab07898e5be7c800dd52.jpg&hash=5408f534b2ae924ebe0e8cf57c846d1a01da3475)
Just found a better one
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160912%2Fa204adb94981fb9ad501b80b734b2750.jpg&hash=f6425e99f7079fa4c3c2426143bd5747a1cbda03)
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 12:07:11 PM
I tape up my feet and it's at this exact point......
I realize I'm the dumbest _____ (feel free to use any word you'd like here.... I deserve it) person in the world. :bash: :yike:
I could try and make up a story, I could try to cover it up, but it's all part of the experience. My buddies keep saying that it's not a story that they would share but if you can't laugh at yourself for being an idiot, you take life too seriously.....
So, I tape up my feet, grab my bow and realize I only have my bow......no quiver! The whole stick and string thing is challenging enough, but trying to get it done with just the string is a bit over the top! :chuckle:
Fact of the matter is that I NEVER take off my quiver. It's always on my bow, but when I put it in a case it doesn't fit. I probably put it in a case once every few years. So....I took the quiver off and put it in my toolbox and it's sitting in my truck.
I mean I'm speechless! My brother and buddy are out of view but when I then tell them we're done for the day they start getting excited as though I stumbled on a ram or something. Then I start getting questions of, "you had us hike this hill for what?" :chuckle: I got nothing.... :sry: I am embarrassed by it but just shake my head....to make that mistake, on a hunt like this is just unforgivable....and if my buddy or brother ever did such a thing....I KNOW I'd NEVER let them forget it.
So....back to the "hunt"..... I'm discouraged, feeling like an idiot but figured we'd make the best of it and check out the other band we saw on the way to the bottom. Where they were at they weren't visible from the bottom or the top....so salvage what we can of the day and intel will help us make a plan for the next day when my other brother shows up.
Post by: Holg3107 on September 12, 2016, 12:47:49 PM
Love the stories, keep them coming.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 12, 2016, 12:58:30 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 01:43:18 PM
During this walk, I believe I fell twice, once landing on my bow pretty good. I didn't bring a target with me and so at this point felt it was time to just put it away. We get back to the bottom and walk to buddies truck we parked. Rifle was in camp, but hunter orange was in my truck at the top. Suppose we had to go get it anyway so we get it....
On the way down, I called another buddy who was going to come up and have a beer that night filling him in. He said he was on his way, and I told him we were going to grab the rifle and if we got after it, were going to hike up to that last band and take a good look at them. Figured if we pushed it we'd be up to them in 1.5 hours...maybe less, but that is where we'd be till dark.
We find a good spot to park and head up. Wind is terrible! Its blowing right up our backsides most of the way. We have no other play for the night so keep going. We kick up a few deer and spot our sheep higher than where we left them. Most are content in this smaller canyon with one up on top that I don't remember seeing again.
We are now on the rim and I can tell if they are still there, they are in trouble. The expected escape route is 260 yards at the top and they should be still in the bottom. I peek around the corner with both my brother and buddy with a camcorder. 6 rams or so are looking my way, a couple of them still bedded and I'm looking them over in my scope....I'd say 160 yards. But.....to top it all off, there are 3 rams 40 yards in front of me staring!!! Now...again, I feel like a dummy for leaving my bow. They probably stare for 20 seconds and then start walking off. First lead ram looks good to me! I tell them I'm going to shoot him. My brother took some great footage but of the wrong ram! I shoot and the ram drops and rolls down hill, my buddy and I are excited while my brother is following a ram I never shot at up the hill in the video camera wondering what we are all excited about as it looked like that ram was moving just fine.
I shot him just in front of the shoulder but my neck shot was a little high....maybe 3" down from top of meat. Low and behold, he's on his feet at the bottom walking slow. I watched him for a second and decided to give him one more in his heart. At the shot, he never flinched. Stood there for one second...maybe two, reared up on his hind legs and tipped over.
At this point I get a text from the buddy that was going to show up that night that he watched it from the highway below! We were taking some pics and cutting him up with buddy comes up the hill with a six pack of cold beer! I know some of you have good buddies, but I think that takes the cake! :tup: You'd be surprised how good a can of Miller light tastes on a day like that. We split up the ram and get to the truck with 10 or so minutes left of light. We get to camp and my little brother who came from West side best us there by 5 min. That part kinda sucked.....
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 01:50:22 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160912%2F75a36a7c32f595cf3386b6a42459f09d.jpg&hash=aed41a69b4eb73ebc751d99320810a9b80e3f342)
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Post by: Woodchuck on September 12, 2016, 02:00:04 PM
Post by: huntnphool on September 12, 2016, 02:04:06 PM
Post by: tlbradford on September 12, 2016, 02:13:06 PM
Post by: outdooraddict on September 12, 2016, 02:17:02 PM
Post by: outdooraddict on September 12, 2016, 02:17:35 PM
Post by: RatRodMike on September 12, 2016, 02:18:58 PM
PS I haven't hit my refresh button so much since I was waiting for the permit draw results. Made for a fun Monday morning.
Post by: bowhunterforever on September 12, 2016, 02:25:40 PM
Post by: starbailey on September 12, 2016, 02:32:04 PM
Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 02:33:50 PM
I was taking my brother to the airport this morning at 4am. Realizing a shared experience between us is over and longing for the next. Thankful for family, time, opportunity.....my cup overflows! On the way back a song on the radio I had not heard. It hit home and sums up my experience, attitude and thoughts on it all....
Quote
I have won and I have lost
I got it right sometimes
But sometimes I did not
Life's been a journey
I've seen joy, I've seen regret
Oh and You have been my God
Through all of it
I'm just thankful, grateful, humbled.......to have been blessed this much. During the dark days, you dream of just a cloudy one with no rain. You do the best you can despite the real forces of evil and realize whatever you got ain't enough... (I'm "hypothetically" talking about an ex wife who intentionally destroyed a family....well, because she wanted to) To walk that walk, endure that situation and then to be blessed with a new wife (just over a year ago) with this as well......is just incredible.
Post by: Gringo31 on September 12, 2016, 02:36:45 PM
Quote
I know you have said you dont care about score, but can anyone tell me what this ram scores. Im only asking because my sheep hunt opens thursday and im trying to find every possible way to judge a sheep
I too did a lot of studying. I think it's helpful! I suggest taking the sheep you want, don't get in a hurry and soak it in the best you can. I could be not even close but I'd guess my ram goes around low to mid 170's?
That's my guess, maybe the taxi will tell me and that's fine. Biologist had him at 7.5 years old.
Post by: combs338 on September 12, 2016, 03:06:55 PM
Glad you got to experience it with family and close friends.
:tup:
Post by: MtnMuley on September 12, 2016, 03:11:33 PM
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Post by: mp.hunter on September 13, 2016, 07:15:40 AM
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Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 13, 2016, 07:23:33 AM
.....And THANK YOU for sharing about leaving your quiver. SO glad to know I'm not the only one who's done something like that!
Post by: jmscon on September 13, 2016, 07:28:12 AM
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Post by: Karl Blanchard on September 14, 2016, 06:27:46 AM
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Post by: Falcon on September 14, 2016, 06:51:23 AM
Congrats on a great ram and a super write up. Happy that you got to share that experience with your brothers. A hunt that will remembered forever👊🐑👊
Post by: HornHoarder on September 14, 2016, 06:57:16 AM
Post by: gunnarnewt on September 14, 2016, 08:43:23 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on September 14, 2016, 08:49:15 AM
Quote
Just catching up on my huntwa. Absolutely amazing animal gringo! Very happy for you! Just wow
Thanks....
You know....you didn't do too bad yourself :chuckle: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
Post by: Elkpiss on September 14, 2016, 10:06:58 AM
Post by: bearpaw on September 14, 2016, 01:56:28 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on September 15, 2016, 07:19:24 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on September 18, 2016, 12:15:50 PM
https://vimeo.com/183217331 (https://vimeo.com/183217331)
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Post by: Timberstalker on September 18, 2016, 12:29:48 PM
Post by: hirshey on September 18, 2016, 01:38:15 PM
Post by: dingle on September 18, 2016, 03:13:34 PM
I to took my ram on the butte in 2013, it is a special place. Thanks
Post by: L8NITE on September 18, 2016, 04:39:28 PM
Post by: REHJWA on September 19, 2016, 09:53:42 AM
Post by: lokidog on September 20, 2016, 10:16:21 AM
Post by: X-Force on October 26, 2016, 04:52:26 PM
Post by: mathewsbow4elk on October 28, 2016, 08:30:46 AM
Post by: ryan2202 on October 28, 2016, 08:47:39 AM
Post by: GurrCentral on January 20, 2017, 09:15:56 PM
Post by: Falcon on January 21, 2017, 05:32:00 PM
Congrats on a fantastic ram!! Would love to see it in person at the Washington Wild Sheep Foundation banquet March 11th!!
:yeah:
Post by: saylean on January 21, 2017, 05:51:42 PM