I just got back this morning off the mountain and my body is killin' me! I headed into the mountains of northern BC in search of a full curl stone sheep. All my gear was packed up ready to go as I made the 10 hour drive northwest of my home to the beautiful sheep mountains of the north. I left on September 28th and I would have been able to hunt until October 6, giving me a week of solid solo hunting. I was in the same area last October and was fortunate enough to kill a beautiful 10 year old ram. I had my father along with me and we had a hell of a trip and arrowing such a amazing animal was a lifetime goal of mine that I had set years back and I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to do it! This time around I was on my own which was fine by me. As much as I enjoy other peoples company on hunting trips, there is something special to me about roaming the mountains on my own as well. I made the 7 hour hike up to the top of the mountain and found the perfect location to set up my tent. The first couple of days I seen many ewes and lambs also the occasional young rams ranging from 4-6 years old. On day number 3 I finally found the bigger boys, a band of 7 rams. 3 were legal, 2 being full curls and one legal 8 year old that was however not a full curl. I observed the sheep that evening trying to figure out where they were going to bed down so I could make a plan in my mind on how I would have the best opportunity to put myself into bow range of the sheep the following morning. Daylight hit right around 7:00 a.m. And I was wide awake ready to go. I spotted the rams about 600 yards straight below my tent, this time of the year you will find them feeding in the lower valleys of the mountains during the morning and day time before they wander off into the hidden rock bluffs for the night. I made my way down towards the feeding rams, taking my time and using as much rocks as cover as I could to try and stay off their radar. I succeeded in doing that although it took several hours. The 600 yards then turned to 150 and all I was able to do from then on out is wait. I managed to get ahead of the rams a bit and figured my best chance was to wait them out and let them feed towards me. I could see one of the full curl rams coming straight towards my direction. In front of him was a 7 year old ram that I was able to range at 53 yards. The younger ram was licking minerals out of the shale rocks and soil and that kept him occupied. I had to wait just about two hours and FINALLY the full curl stepped out from the revine and I got a good look at him. He made his way over to the other ram and prior to that I had my slider sight already set at 53, praying he would stop where the other ram was enjoying getting his minerals. Just like that amazingly enough everything had worked in my favor. The ram was slightly quartering away I got to my knees from my laying position, drew my bow and squeezed the release. I watched my arrow pass thru both lungs and could hear it smash against the rocks behind the ram. I was in disbelieve.. (Still am haha) 2 beauty archery rams in back to back years?!? Haha yup! I shot the sheep at about 1:30, sat there and looked at it, holding it, and trying to calm down before I have a heart attack from all the excitement. I took some pictures and enjoyed every second. I caped the ram, got all the meat and made my way back up to the tent. The mountain was so steep it took me nearly 6 hours to make it up to the top and just as I made it the sun started to set in the background. Everything was perfect. The next morning I left my camp sit at 9:00 a.m. And it took me 10 hours to get back down to where I parked my truck. My 100+ lb. pack made for a rough and hurtin' hike. I am now sitting at home enjoying a tall JD and coke at 3:00 am PT not being able to sleep still to pumped up! Just thought some of you guys would enjoy the story Best of luck to all you guys/gals and I hope all your hunting goals and dreams come true, just like mine have!
Two rams in two years is pretty bad *** brother! Congrats and well done, certainly a bucket list hunt for me.
When I first clicked this I thought this was from last year again. Congrats. I've always heard one of the toughest animals to hunt as far as physically demanding terrain. 2 in two years deserves a few JD and cokes.
Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate the comments. Gotta say I'm extremely lucky to be a BC resident. I pay $60 for a over the counter tag and head in the mountains.. I could not afford these hunts other wise that's for sure!
Thanks for the nice comments everyone! Best of luck to you all, whatever it may be your chasin this fall!
