Old Dad Mtn / Kelso Peak sheep hunt

[bigshot]

My buddy who is 77 years old was drawn for this once in a life time sheep tag and asked me to assist him on this hunt. He can not afford to hire a guide, so I'm excited about helping him, but also a little stressed because I never hunted sheep myself. Just wondering if anyone here can provide any information on where to look and camp. I already spoke with the Biologist (Regina), just wanting info from fellow hunters. Also anyone know of any good books I can purchase that can help me distinguish the difference from just an average ram and a great ram would be nice. The season starts in Dec and runs till Feb.

 

[Muleys 24/7]

So it's officially going to be DIY hunt? Hopefully you can dig up some more info here. I might know another place you can check for info as well.

 

[bigshot]

Yea, my buddy can not afford $4500-$6500 the guides are asking.... He's retired and living on a fixed income.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

bigshot,

I don't know if California will give you the names, but some states will let you know who the prior tag holders were for OIL tags. When researching for friends that have drawn those types of tags, most former tag holders have been really helpful to new tag holders.

 

[bigshot]

Oh, I did not think of that, I'll look into it thanks.

 

[HuntWYODon]

bigshot,
I drew San Gorgonio sheep in 2002, the year the went to a point system. 3 times as many applicants.
I saw sheep in there for years before they had a hunt there. They had no fear of people then. Without getting into detail, mass is a good indicator of age. Also a full curl with tip of horn coming up between jaw and eye. Some will broom the ends off horns off so not to block their vision. They will still score good if have good mass. Measurments are scored by the Circumference of horn divided into four sections so the length isn't a critical factor for score. I'm guessing the average base circumference is between 14 to 15 inches.168 total in. to make Ca. book. Annual rings can usually been seen on horns for aging. Mature rams between 6 to 9 yrs. are normal . If other rams are around you can judge larger rams more easily. They will act more dominate also. I hope this may give an idea but I'm no expert !
If he likes one he sees I'd say shoot !

 

[bigshot]

Thanks Don, that was some good info.

 

[HuntWYODon]

I bet Umpqua Hunter could give you a lot of good intel. He's a sheep huntin mad man ! Maybe send him a PM .

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have a friend who hunts that area whemever he can get a tag and kills some great bucks. The only thing is he is pretty tight with where he hunts. He always says ...find the water, find the animals.

I know one thing, if I drew this tag, I'd find a way to hire one of the outfitters from this area. Beg, borrow or something. Remember its once in a lifetime!!!

 

[verdijoel]

I live in Nevada and have been fortunate enough to draw two sheep tags here. The first tag I Drew it was mandatory to attend an indoctrination course where they would cover topics like field judging and tactics. Last year's tag was not mandatory anymore but I still went because the information is very valuable. If you're friend can look on the ndow website they usually have two classes in Vegas and they're open to anyone who wants to attend. Well worth the time. Good luck!

 

[bigshot]

Thanks for the info Verdijoel, we are scheduled to attend a mandatory meeting with fish and wildlife in October prior to our hunt. So, maybe they'll be providing the same info you mentioned.

 

[Sawfish]

bigshot,
I drew San Gorgonio sheep in 2002, the year the went to a point system. 3 times as many applicants.
I saw sheep in there for years before they had a hunt there. They had no fear of people then. Without getting into detail, mass is a good indicator of age. Also a full curl with tip of horn coming up between jaw and eye. Some will broom the ends off horns off so not to block their vision. They will still score good if have good mass. Measurments are scored by the Circumference of horn divided into four sections so the length isn't a critical factor for score. I'm guessing the average base circumference is between 14 to 15 inches.168 total in. to make Ca. book. Annual rings can usually been seen on horns for aging. Mature rams between 6 to 9 yrs. are normal . If other rams are around you can judge larger rams more easily. They will act more dominate also. I hope this may give an idea but I'm no expert !
If he likes one he sees I'd say shoot !

Now I know where to find a guide that will bring all of the food and even carry out my sheep!

 

[Sawfish]

Hey, I just noticed that are now referring to everyone on this thread as "Senior Members"! Damned Whippersnappers!

 

[HuntWYODon]

Now I know where to find a guide that will bring all of the food and even carry out my sheep! [/QUOTE

I only "help" pack out if you're too old to do it. You draw, give me a call. Have access to mules also. I don't like being the mule unless have to !

 

[Muleys 24/7]

Bigshot, Albert (the tag holder) and I got into the Mojave preserve Thursday night, set up camp. Jim joined up with us later. Friday morning, we set out to do some scouting before opening day (Saturday), but didn't turn anything up until Sunday morning. We were glassing three days straight. It was hard locating any sheep due the die off. It's estimated that the die off number is in the hundreds. Once we spotted some shooter rams, we began what turned into a 5 hour stock. While in the stock, the first time we got within 500 yards, the shooter couldn't get the ram in the scope fast enough. We then hiked over a couple more ridges to find the ram at 200 yards. Still couldn't seal the deal to get the tag holder into position, so we will be heading back out for round two in a couple weeks. Here's a few pics of trip #1. We had a great time locating and chasing around desert bighorns. This is all DIY. I can't wait to draw some day for myself!

some glassing


This is a picture of the rams we found, taken through my zeiss spotter spotted about a mile away.


Here's a picture of a nice ram about 200 yards away, I should have zoomed it in. The ram is heading away topping over.

 

[Muleys 24/7]

Bigshot and Albert


Me

 

[Musket Man]

Good luck! I hope you guys get a nice one!

 

[humbletaxi]

That's pretty cool. I cant wait to see the updates. Good luck to you guys I hope you get a good one. I haven't been lucky enough to get to tag along on any sheep hunts let alone get drawn myself!

 

[Sawfish]

How is the sheep hunt going, or have you been back yet?

 

[Muleys 24/7]

How is the sheep hunt going, or have you been back yet?

I guess the date everyone is going, got pushed back till after the first of the year. The tag is good till feb 2nd.