Wyoming Sheep Hunt

[highplainsdrifter]

I have maximum sheep preference points (21) and can probably draw a tag in almost any Wyoming unit. Since I am not getting any younger, I am planning to cash them in this fall. It will be my first sheep hunt. It will also be my first guided hunt. In the past, I have been strictly a DIY hunter.

I am leaning toward Area 5 and using 7D Ranch Outfitting as my outfitter in mid-September: http://www.7dranchoutfitting.com/home.html

Anybody see a problem with this plan...either the Area, the timing or the outfitter?

Would you do something different?

Thanks!

 

[Hilltop]

Sounds like a solid plan but I would give the outfitter a chance to give some input on what area they felt would be the best hunt. It looks like you would be 100% draw on any of the areas they guide. That said, if I had the time to scout some I would likely hunt without a guide. Sheep are tough mainly due to the terrain but I believe you would have a high chance for success without a guide. I'm sure you could find people willing to tag along for help...would be a blast.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I've hunted Unit 5 twice for sheep, once with my son (outfitter) and the other on a DIY hunt. The outfitter you mention (Meade Dominick) is very good. A couple others worth mentioning are:

Justin Jarrett - Wapiti Ridge Outfitters http://www.wapitiridgeoutfitters.com

John Porter - Morning Creek Outfitters http://www.wyominghunts.com

The outfitter my son hunted was Cort Feeley. Cort passed away in a car accident about a week after we hunted with him. I believe Justin Jarrett got his outfit, but I am not positive. On my son's hunt, he had to go mid October due to scheduling issues. He shot his ram down in the sage, in sight of the paved road.

http://forum.eastmans.com/album.php?albumid=464&attachmentid=15396

On my hunt, I backpacked in solo in mid September into the non-wilderness. I saw 42 rams on my hunt. I hired a packer to bring my ram and stuff out.

http://forum.eastmans.com/album.php?albumid=464&attachmentid=15398

I believe Unit 2 is producing some super rams now, but I am not following this closely. I would talk to the three outfitters above and pick the one you think fits you the best. All of them should do a fine job for you.

Also give Kevin Hurley a call at the Wild Sheep Foundation. He used to run the Wyoming sheep program, and is probably one of your best resources on Wyoming sheep.

https://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/Page.php/cp/OfficeStaff

They have lowered the tags in Unit 5 so it would be good to ask Kevin the reasons for that. Have they lost some sheep, or what factors are involved.

 

[wyohunter1]

From what I heard, they lost quite a few sheep in 5.

 

[Triple BB]

Doubt you'd be guaranteed a tag, but I'd be looking at 12 & 20. They've been pulling 170 and better class rams from each area the past few years. A couple outfitters I've hunted with recommended Justin Jarrett. Personally I think Porter's an azz.

 

[RICMIC]

If you decide on a DIY, then I might be interested in serving as your mountain mule. That's the only way I'll ever get out on a sheep hunt. UH sure gave you a lot of info to check on. Carpe Diem.

 

[highplainsdrifter]

If you decide on a DIY, then I might be interested in serving as your mountain mule. That's the only way I'll ever get out on a sheep hunt. UH sure gave you a lot of info to check on. Carpe Diem.

I'm still leaning toward guided because I'm 67 years old, I will never get another license, and sheep tend to be further back than what I am willing to pack out. Having said that, I'd rather go DIY if anyone knows of a unit where that might be feasible without killing myself? I don't have access to horses.

 

[RICMIC]

I've made a number of back-pack DIY trips and also some elk hunts with an outfitter who hunts sheep in the same area. I'm 63, and I know what you mean about packing in on some of those places. If you have the bucks, I think that you will enjoy the guided hunt as well as having a much better chance to score than busting your ass up and down a mountain on your own.

 

[mntnguide]

Justin Jarrett is a top notch outfitter and guy. He is well known when it comes to big sheep. Also Lost Creek Outfitters (griz turner) slams some big rams yearly. Shoshone outfitters and josh martoglio....And then Dominick Meade as you mentioned is always a big name in the WY sheep game. I dont think you could go wrong with any of the above, I personally have met JJ and know multiple people who have hunted with him and there is never a bad thing said about him. He works damn hard, and is a sheep hunting fanatic.

 

[480/277]

IF it were me, on a once in a lifetime tag, at 67, hunting an area I wouldn't step foot in till hunting season, I would definately hire a guide.
YMMV
Good luck in the draw and hunt

 

[Maxhunter]

With that many points I would look at area 3,4,12, or 20. Area 5 is ok but not really known for big rams. You'll draw 3 and 4 guaranteed with the points you have.

I've heard good things about this outfitter! http://www.wapitiridgeoutfitters.com/locations/hunting-trips/big-horn-sheep/

 

[beartooth633]

Never hunted with 7D but the Dominicks are stand up folks. Great people all around. I don't doubt Meade would bust his ass to find you the right ram. Best of Luck!

 

[NHK9]

I'll burn vacation to come pack out for you! Just say when.

 

[highplainsdrifter]

I'll burn vacation to come pack out for you! Just say when.

Thanks, but the outfitter will pack it out. I will post some pictures here after the hunt.

 

[1sg]

With Max points you are pretty much able to have almost 100% chance in all the units. As I said almost, I was 63 , a non resident had only 15 pp back in 2014. Wanted to go sheep hunting before I got too much older, so I put in for a area that most over look because of the terrain and sheep densities are lower. Area 1. No doubt with max points you would draw it. No one with max points puts in for it. Area 1 has some Big rams. I used Crandall Creek Outfitters. Corey Fisher, Their base camp is in area 1 and they know the area VERY well after 23 years. They consistantly harvest rams in the mid 160's and higher . Mine scored 170 5/8 BC . In 2014 all their hunters but 1 harvested their ram in area 1. The one who did not was a archery hunter. Most years they are 80+ % or better on sheep. They had 4 hunter in area 1 that year that I know of (2014) may be more. The other two besides scored on rams that were upper 160's or in the 170's

 

[highplainsdrifter]

I am still leaning toward area 5. I have talked to two outfitters and am trying to decided which to go with. One strongly recommended area 5 saying it has the best genetics in the state for horn circumference at the base (good mass). Will have to make a decision soon and make a deposit to hold open 10 days on the calendar...probably mid-September.

 

[WY ME]

I am still leaning toward area 5. I have talked to two outfitters and am trying to decided which to go with. One strongly recommended area 5 saying it has the best genetics in the state for horn circumference at the base (good mass). Will have to make a decision soon and make a deposit to hold open 10 days on the calendar...probably mid-September.

In the past I'd always heard that area 5 was the best area in the state for sheep but I would make some calls to some of the guys mentioned in the previous posts and get some expert opinions. Just keep in mind that Wyoming is not known for big sheep so I'd keep that in mind when you get one in your sights. I got picky and blew an opportunity at a ram in area 7 in 1994 and have had "sheepmares" ever since. When it comes to sheep the score is secondary to the hunt.
It's highly unlikely you'll have an opportunity at a book ram anywhere in WY so I'd ask myself what difference does it matter what it scores. An older age ram would might be a goal to strive for. Don't have sheepmares.

 

[highplainsdrifter]

Sheepmares...that's funny!

 

[Matthoek21]

Sheepmares...that's funny!

That is funny! I wonder if he goes to bed counting sheep jumping over fences or barreling off the mountain. I'm sure sheepmares are the worst. I may never find out. I have elkmares though.

 

[highplainsdrifter]

For me it is turkeymares. I have had a tough time with them over the years.