collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!  (Read 47210 times)

Online Karl Blanchard

  • Trade Count: (+22)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2008
  • Posts: 10049
  • Location: Selah, WA
  • Jonathan_S hunting apparel prostaff
  • Groups: Sitka Gear Fan Boy for LIFE
Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« on: July 13, 2022, 11:02:00 AM »
Sheep hunting is one of those things that a guy just never imagines he will actually get to do. While I have always had a strong desire to head north after these monarchs, the barrier to entry has just been too great.

As many on here know, my little brother is active duty Army and an Alaskan resident. As a resident he gets to hunt unguided for the species most only dream of hunting and as his brother, I'm allowed to accompany him unguided for those same dream species.  With that said, the duties and demand of a war fighter has kept him away for most hunting seasons...but every once and a while we get a window to sneak north. This is one such window.

Originally this trip was slated for 2020, but in steps covid and scrambled our plans.  The hunting gods however have once again smiled upon us and here we are one month from flying out on the greatest hunting adventure I may ever go on in my lifetime! I do have mixed emotions however. In a perfect world we could push this trip out to maybe catch a better time for finding mature rams. AK sheep populations are on a gradual decline and back to back to back hard winters have left mature rams in short supply. This could be the only opportunity we'll ever get to go though so it's foot on the gas and full steam ahead! There's a legal ram somewhere out there, we just have to walk till we find him  :chuckle:

We knew late winter that this trip was going to be a reality so the planning and preparing started early.  Physical fitness, diet, and gear evaluation were all a top priority for me. As lots of you know my "little" brother is a man among men. He will outlift/out work everyone in the gym and then go run a marathon and then do it all again the next day. Top 5 Placer multiple times in The Best Ranger Competition, his fitness, land navigation skills, and mental toughness are second to very few.....and I gotta try and keep up!?! 😬

In 2021 covid left me in shambles. It put me down for almost 3 full weeks. I atrophied away to a mere 165lb. Add in the fires and smoke in Yakima and my lungs took forever to rebound. With no cardio and no muscle the hunting season destroyed me.  I survived but I was mentally and physically drained. For basically all of winter I slept and ate. I made it all the way up to 200lb for the first time ever (and not a good 200). I've always taken pride in my ability to out hike, out work, and out grind everyone on the mountain. My current condition left me ashamed of how far I had fallen. So as winter began to fade into spring I really had my work cut out for me to get back to where i had been. I was quite literally starting from ground zero.

 Anyone who is hovering or surpassed that 40 mark and has attempted to get fit can attest to the "2 steps forward, one step back" kind of progress. You wanna hit it like you used to but your body says "not so fast buddy". The hardest part has been having to check my own ego and throttle back what I'm doing. The old "it's a marathon not a sprint " mantra comes to mind. Instead of running miles through the streets of selah and lifting weights I found a trail in union gap that has an aggressive elevation gain and I would just hike it.  Bring my clothes and pack to work and just go grind it out every day. "Stop looking at your watch Karl! Time doesn't matter just get it done and make sure you're sweating. You're not racing anyone" is what I would have to tell myself.  Early wake ups for push-ups, jump rope, 8 min abs, and various other body weight exercises are the new norm instead of bench, squat, clean.

About 2 months ago I started getting bad lower back/hip pain. Turns out not enough self care and ramping it up too soon isn't good for you 😆 A little sciatica became my enemy. I found a great chiropractor and an even better massage therapist. I realised really quickly that I needed to give my body more care. Gone are the days of foot on the gas, *censored*'ll buff out mentality. Now it's weekly adjustments and massages to work out my lifetime of quirks.

As I've gained traction getting past my Sciatic issue I started adding in soccer sessions with my son, runs with my daughter, and some hill workouts. Sure enough Friday left me with a strained right calf. Nasty little issue that has me gimping around like I'm 80. It was feeling a touch better Sunday so I figured maybe I just need to work it out so I hit the track for 3 miles worth of 400's, stretching each lap. WRONG MOVE! Now it's RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevate) until better. It's at 50% already so hopefully by next week I can put my pack back on and get back to it. I've been DILIGENT about adequate stretching but the one time I get lazy it really bit me. Just glad I didn't tear the calf.

I had many big hikes planned leading up to this trip but mother nature and her snow pack have been working against me 😆 Last one I attempted was supposed to be 28 miles and around 7hrs but after post holing through crotch deep snow for 4 miles to get over the ridge it ended up being a bit over 9hrs and way more calorie output than I wanted 🤮.

At this point I think my base is strong enough that I'm going to just transition to full on maintenance mode. Stretching, massage, and pack hikes EVERY OTHER day. Too close to fly out to risk screwing something up.

It's been a few years since I've done a thread on a hunt so be patient as I blow the dust off my writin fingers

First day on the hill vs the last time I actually clocked it. Slow gains...
« Last Edit: August 03, 2022, 10:55:15 AM by Karl Blanchard »
It is foolish and wrong to mourn these men.  Rather, we should thank god that such men lived.  -General George S. Patton

Aaron's Profile:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=2875
Aaron's Posts:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2875
Aaron's Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/aaron.blanchard.94

Offline 2MANY

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 4687
  • Location: Yup
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2022, 11:17:16 AM »
Try Coke Classic.

Online Karl Blanchard

  • Trade Count: (+22)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2008
  • Posts: 10049
  • Location: Selah, WA
  • Jonathan_S hunting apparel prostaff
  • Groups: Sitka Gear Fan Boy for LIFE
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2022, 11:20:28 AM »
Try Coke Classic.
How dare you sir! We don't use the C word around here 😡
It is foolish and wrong to mourn these men.  Rather, we should thank god that such men lived.  -General George S. Patton

Aaron's Profile:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=2875
Aaron's Posts:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2875
Aaron's Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/aaron.blanchard.94

Online Karl Blanchard

  • Trade Count: (+22)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2008
  • Posts: 10049
  • Location: Selah, WA
  • Jonathan_S hunting apparel prostaff
  • Groups: Sitka Gear Fan Boy for LIFE
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2022, 11:37:51 AM »
 My view from the bottom of Fullbright hill and my only friends on the hill the bullsnakes.
It is foolish and wrong to mourn these men.  Rather, we should thank god that such men lived.  -General George S. Patton

Aaron's Profile:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=2875
Aaron's Posts:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2875
Aaron's Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/aaron.blanchard.94

Offline trophyhunt

  • Forum Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+11)
  • Explorer
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2008
  • Posts: 18678
  • Location: Wetside
  • Groups: Wa Wild Sheep Life Member
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2022, 11:48:10 AM »
Well, as a guy over 50, this thread makes me feel much better about myself! Karl isn’t immortal!!!     :chuckle:
“In common with”..... not so much!!

Online vandeman17

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+9)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2007
  • Posts: 14119
  • Location: Wenatchee
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #5 on: July 13, 2022, 11:50:17 AM »
but has your bench press and bicep curls improved? Those are the most important and it is summer time
" I have hunted almost every day of my life, the rest have been wasted"

Online Karl Blanchard

  • Trade Count: (+22)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2008
  • Posts: 10049
  • Location: Selah, WA
  • Jonathan_S hunting apparel prostaff
  • Groups: Sitka Gear Fan Boy for LIFE
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #6 on: July 13, 2022, 11:52:48 AM »
The daily route...
It is foolish and wrong to mourn these men.  Rather, we should thank god that such men lived.  -General George S. Patton

Aaron's Profile:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=2875
Aaron's Posts:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2875
Aaron's Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/aaron.blanchard.94

Offline RB

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2838
  • Location: Arlington, washington
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #7 on: July 13, 2022, 11:53:58 AM »
Right on! Best of luck be waiting to see the write up.
IAFF #3728

Online Karl Blanchard

  • Trade Count: (+22)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2008
  • Posts: 10049
  • Location: Selah, WA
  • Jonathan_S hunting apparel prostaff
  • Groups: Sitka Gear Fan Boy for LIFE
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #8 on: July 13, 2022, 11:55:34 AM »
but has your bench press and bicep curls improved? Those are the most important and it is summer time
I've traded in my bro tanks for shorty shorts. Instead of sun's out guns out its now skies out thighs out  :chuckle:
« Last Edit: August 03, 2022, 10:51:19 AM by Karl Blanchard »
It is foolish and wrong to mourn these men.  Rather, we should thank god that such men lived.  -General George S. Patton

Aaron's Profile:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=2875
Aaron's Posts:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2875
Aaron's Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/aaron.blanchard.94

Offline fishngamereaper

  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 7989
  • Location: kitsap
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #9 on: July 13, 2022, 11:56:47 AM »
Two weeks before launch are the worst...
Desire to train but fear of the pain...

If you need a stand in I'm available... just in case... :chuckle:

Online Karl Blanchard

  • Trade Count: (+22)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2008
  • Posts: 10049
  • Location: Selah, WA
  • Jonathan_S hunting apparel prostaff
  • Groups: Sitka Gear Fan Boy for LIFE
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #10 on: July 13, 2022, 12:01:31 PM »
The dreaded high school bleachers. Hated them in sports and I still hate them to this day :chuckle: luckily I've got the best workout partners a guy could ask for...
It is foolish and wrong to mourn these men.  Rather, we should thank god that such men lived.  -General George S. Patton

Aaron's Profile:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=2875
Aaron's Posts:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2875
Aaron's Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/aaron.blanchard.94

Online vandeman17

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+9)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2007
  • Posts: 14119
  • Location: Wenatchee
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #11 on: July 13, 2022, 12:05:38 PM »
but has your bench press and bicep curls improved? Those are the most important and it is summer time
I've trades in my bro tanks for shorty shorts. Instead of sun's out guns out its now skies out thighs out  :chuckle:

Blue skies bring out the thighs. Jorts for the win
" I have hunted almost every day of my life, the rest have been wasted"

Offline Jpmiller

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: May 2016
  • Posts: 3830
  • Location: Wilkeson
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #12 on: July 13, 2022, 12:06:11 PM »
Heard from some folks up in Alaska that there are rumors flying about mule deer sightings, don't get distracted and go after deer! Good luck, thanks for bringing us along.

Offline mburrows

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2007
  • Posts: 1528
  • Location: Montana
  • Go Cougs!
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #13 on: July 13, 2022, 12:13:01 PM »
Stoked for ya and excited to hear how this trip plays out!

Online Karl Blanchard

  • Trade Count: (+22)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2008
  • Posts: 10049
  • Location: Selah, WA
  • Jonathan_S hunting apparel prostaff
  • Groups: Sitka Gear Fan Boy for LIFE
Re: Brooks Range Dall Sheep - Foot on the gas!!!
« Reply #14 on: July 13, 2022, 12:32:29 PM »
Logistically this hunt isn't too crazy. Planning wise it seems about like going to Kodiak except your last civilization stop is a touch smaller than Kodiak...and by a touch i mean a lot :chuckle:

We fly out Friday Aug 12th from SeaTac into Fairbanks. From Fairbanks we get on a smaller plane with Wright Air and fly into Bettles. From there we jump into an even smaller Brooks Range Aviation plane and out into the bush. We settled on BRA after talking with or getting ghosted by other outfits. Their communication is great and they seem to run a solid outfit. Biggest decider was fishngamereaper used them on his caribou hunt last year so if they suck I can lay 100% of the blame on him  :chuckle:

Just a few numbers on the travel...

•SeaTac to fairbanks round trip $608
•Wright Air Fairbanks/Bettles round trip $340
•BRA bush flight $2,900 top end. If they can reach our spot in the Cessna it will be considerably less. This is an unknown till Judy can run it past the pilots and they know our total weight.

Wright Air really pops you on baggage. You're allowed 40lb and then it's $1.80 per pound over that. I'm budgeting $500 for this just to be on the safe side.

Probably the most daunting task of all of this is selecting where you want to get dropped for your 2 week adventure. Lot of phone calls, triangulation based on the list of areas BRA provides you of spots they have taken sheep hunters in the past, etc. Finally came down to just picking a spot in the vicinity of known sheep populations that provided multiple routes to hunt. From our little lake we have 3 distinct drainages/ranges we can hunt through all being about 40-50 miles a piece and all looping back to our "home base".
It is foolish and wrong to mourn these men.  Rather, we should thank god that such men lived.  -General George S. Patton

Aaron's Profile:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=2875
Aaron's Posts:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=2875
Aaron's Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/aaron.blanchard.94

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Springer 2024 Columbia River by Blacklab
[Today at 02:35:54 PM]


Springer Fishing Opportunity 3/29 & 3/30 by Blacklab
[Today at 12:48:56 PM]


Long Beach Clamming Tides by dilleytech
[Today at 12:39:19 PM]


Let’s see your best Washington buck by abhold87
[Today at 12:03:27 PM]


Bearpaw Season - Spring 2024 by bearpaw
[Today at 11:45:41 AM]


Walked a cougar down by Rainier10
[Today at 11:17:49 AM]


SB 5444 signed by Inslee on 03/26 Takes Effect on 06/06/24 by hughjorgan
[Today at 09:03:26 AM]


Average by lhrbull
[Today at 07:31:56 AM]


CVA optima V2 LR tapped hole for front sight by Remdawg
[Today at 07:09:22 AM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal