First Sheep Hunt (Sept 2017)

[Rookie Hunter]

Hi All,

Mike and Kelly (with hunting partner Garrett) are heading north late Sept to chase Stone Sheep for the first time! Trip will be 7 days of backpacking. Right now we're bouncing around 55-60lb pack base weight including everything below. Shelter will be a Kifaru 8-man with Stove (weight to be shared and not listed below). We are also packing a DSLR camera, which adds approx. 3lb but really looking forward to getting some great photos. Curious what your thoughts are on the list below. Anything you would add or drop? Words of wisdom for Stone Sheep hunting overall?



Item Name
Category
desc


Argali (Bag)
Pack
Kifaru Argali w/ xtra Pockets/Lid & Rain Cover


Rifle + 3 Shells in mag
Weapon
Tikka T3 Stainless Lite (30-06) w/ Viper 2.5-10/ 3 Shells / Sling / Lens Caps


Extra Ammo
Weapon
Nosler Accubond 180 (9)


Boresnake
Weapon



Spotter
Optics
Vortex Rzr HD 22-48X65


Binoculars
Optics
Vortex Diamondback 10X42/Kuiu Case/WindCheck


Tripod
Optics
Vortex Pro GT Tripod


Lens Pen
Optics
Lens Cleaning Tool


Top - Long Sleeve T
Clothing
Merino


Top - Mid Layer
Clothing
Icebreaker 260 Sweater


Top - Mid Insulation
Clothing
Patagonia Nano-air Hoody


Top - Puffy
Clothing
Sitka Kelvin Lite Hoody


Top - Rain/Wind Shell
Clothing
First Lite SEAK Stormtight Rain Jacket


Bottom - Long Johns
Clothing
Icebreaker 260


Bottom - Insulation
Clothing
Taiga 200 Polartec Fleece


Bottom - Outer
Clothing
Sitka Timberline Pants


Bottom - Rain
Clothing
First Lite Boundary Stormtight Pant


Head - Hat
Clothing
Camo


Head - Neck Tube (Merino)
Clothing
First Lite


Head - Beanie
Clothing
Sitka Merino Beanie


Head - Sunglasses
Clothing
Rayban Polarized


Feet - Gaiters
Clothing
OR Crocodiles Goretex


Feet - Socks
Clothing
Darn Tuff


Feet - Socks (spare)
Clothing
Darn Tuff


Feet - Liner Socks
Clothing
Bridgedale


Feet - Liner Socks (spare)
Clothing
Bridgedale


Feet - Laces (Spare)
Clothing
Lowa


Feet - Camp Shoes
Clothing
Crocs for camp and stream crossings


Hands - Dakine Heavy Gloves
Clothing
Goretex


Hands - Dakine MTB Gloves
Clothing



Sleeping Bag
Sleep/Shelter
Mountain Hardwear HyperLamina Torch 0F (Packed)


Sleeping Pad
Sleep/Shelter
Big Agnes Q Core (Packed)


Inflatable Pillow
Sleep/Shelter
MEC Pillow


TBD
Food
OVERALL FOOD ESTIMATE (10lb)


OR Organizer
Gear
ID/license/lighter/firestarter/compass/etc


First Aid
Gear
leukotape, crazy glue, pain killers, pin, bandaids, butterfly strips


Water Filter
Gear
Sawyer + Katadyn Vario


JetBoil MiniMo
Gear
Stove w/ (1) Cannister


Extra Fuel
Gear
(1) 100g


Trekking Pole (1)
Gear
(In Hand)


Siltarp/5 pegs/Cordage
Gear
Weight for sil tarp only


Headlamp
Gear
Petzl


Salt
Gear
Hide Care (Magic Baking Power Case)


Wipes
Gear



Chapstick
Gear



Tape
Gear



Anti Monkey Butt
Gear
Powder - put in smaller container


Knife - Havalon/North Arm
Kill Kit
+ Case + 5 blades


Kit
Kill Kit
Gloves, garbage bag, 25ft 550 cord, 3 bomb bags


Knife Sharpener
Kill Kit



Camera
Camera Gear
Canon T1i/18-55mmIS/1 Battery/32GB card


Extra Battery/Card
Camera Gear
Extra Battery/Card


Delorme InReach
Electronics
Delorme InReach (Emergency)


GPS
Electronics
Garmin 64S (On pack)


Cellphone
Electronics
iPhone


Batteries (AA)
Electronics
AA (4)


Batteries (AAA)
Electronics
AAA (4)


Dark Energy
Electronics
Battery Charger and Cords

[Ferenc]

Eye care... and good sunglasses

[71_camaro]

It WILL snow.be ready

[Jrax]

game bags, toilet paper (highly recommend), I still carry a compass so I can take a bearing with GPS then use the compass for straight shot walking, nitrile gloves for processing, rope, zip ties, Benadryl to first aid kit and trauma pads (I needed these once on a sheep trip and I was lucky to have it), firestarter.

[Sharpish]

I second the Benadryl and/or Reactine. I also bring a recently expired EPI PEN I get from a friend who has a son with a peanut allergy. You never know when some weird bug or plant is going to give you a bad reaction.

[Citori54]

Turned sixty in April and headed into retirement I somehow thought it was a good idea to do my first back pack caribou hunt (my wife always says she married a nice guy not a smart guy). Have hunted for 45+ years but have never done a pack trip and had no gear for this type of trip. The lists posted by members on this site have been very helpful in pointing me in the right direction, and I have received some good advice and purchased gear from some of the experienced members. It does seem though that the lists I have read must be from younger hunters as I see no mention of an AED or a supply of depends:lol:. Good luck on your hunt Rookie Hunter. Hopefully we will be seeing your photos soon.

[darkside]

I second the Benadryl and/or Reactine. I also bring a recently expired EPI PEN I get from a friend who has a son with a peanut allergy. You never know when some weird bug or plant is going to give you a bad reaction.

I second this one just got back ,shot 2 rams my partner got stung by a hornet on the nose while packing out our sheep. had abad reaction . thought he was going to die on me . took him about 1.5 hrs to recover from the sting . almost passed out. wish i had a epi pen there.

good call sharpish

[Rookie Hunter]

Thanks 71_Camaro, we were thinking about snow!

[Sharpish]

I would also recommend ear plugs and sleepin pills. When I'm exhausted at the end of a long day I don't want to be woken up by animals crashing around outside my tent until I'm being mauled. Ignorance is bliss

[ljalberta]

I'm still new to sheep hunting, but I have to say, the Kifaru Gunbearer is a dream. I won't go back to a sling for backpack hunting.

[Rookie Hunter]

I second this one just got back ,shot 2 rams my partner got stung by a hornet on the nose while packing out our sheep. had abad reaction . thought he was going to die on me . took him about 1.5 hrs to recover from the sting . almost passed out. wish i had a epi pen there.

good call sharpish

Yikes, noted. Glad he made it out OK.

[labguy]

Moleskin for your feet. If you get a blister or a hot spot you'll be glad u had some along...

[bloody bellies]

Turned sixty in April and headed into retirement I somehow thought it was a good idea to do my first back pack caribou hunt (my wife always says she married a nice guy not a smart guy). Have hunted for 45+ years but have never done a pack trip and had no gear for this type of trip. The lists posted by members on this site have been very helpful in pointing me in the right direction, and I have received some good advice and purchased gear from some of the experienced members. It does seem though that the lists I have read must be from younger hunters as I see no mention of an AED or a supply of depends:lol:. Good luck on your hunt Rookie Hunter. Hopefully we will be seeing your photos soon.

Preparation H as well

[drum_boy101]

Looking forward to hearing the story on your podcast!

[j270wsm]

More bullets...........personally, 12 rounds doesn't seem like enough to me. I'd take a few extra incase you run into something with big claws and teeth

[Rookie Hunter]

More bullets...........personally, 12 rounds doesn't seem like enough to me. I'd take a few extra incase you run into something with big claws and teeth

Fair statement lol!

[todbartell]

ammo is heavy and likely you'll never need more than 8, let alone 12

[Scance]

thanks all.. I'm heading on my first stone sheep hunt as well in September this site is really helpful.. Salt ? and trekking poles ? Have to say it is great to see experienced hunters sharing knowledge and helping out others.

[albravo2]

Great list! My two cents:
- trekking poles are a must.
- gps is redundant if you have inreach and cell phone.
- knife sharpener redundant if you have a havalon + spare blades
- I am too lazy to carry a pillow. I roll up clothes for that purpose.

[eric]

Do not forget the trekking poles.
Last yr on our hike in, the first morning woke up to 3 inches of fresh snow.
The poles help so much when side hilling, unbelievable.
Will be taking an epi pen this yr as well, my son/hunting partner has allergies to animal hair, never know just how bad his allergies will be.
Good luck

[HarryToolips]

Great list! My two cents:
- trekking poles are a must.
- gps is redundant if you have inreach and cell phone.
- knife sharpener redundant if you have a havalon + spare blades
- I am too lazy to carry a pillow. I roll up clothes for that purpose.
Very good points here, and good list OP....I use my pack itself as a pillow, with equipment out of course, very comfortable for me...saw compass on your list, I recommend a good one like a suunto..make sure you have a good map of the area, don't rely just on your GPS or whatever for that..

[bganz]

Looks pretty awesome. Few minor things that could shed some weight.. Vortex Pro GT is sweet, but @ 4.4 LBs, there are lighter options (depending on budget, or if someone else has a lighter one you could use). You could ditch the spare laces and use the paracord from your kill kit if you need. I'd ditch the sharpener.. One major perk to the Havalon. Id also consider bringing a little sunscreen. Higher elevations and warm weather can cook ya.

[LupieHunter]

3 things to add to a first aid kit for your car or when in the woods: quick clot for any serious bleeds, 81mg baby aspirin ( in case of heart attack) and any prescriptions or meds you or your group members take on a daily basis including a few days extra supply.

[LupieHunter]

Also include a fishing hook and line in the first aid kit to use in place of stitches in the event of a serious cut.

[BCbillies]

7 days is a little shy for a Stone's hunt but at least your getting out. Assuming a day to get in and a day to get out that leaves you with 5 days. The weather can keep you in the tent for a couple days or more at that time of year.
If you're trying to maximize your time and cover ground it can be beneficial to move your camp as you hunt. Not sure how that would work with the tent/stove you are bringing. Look forward in hearing about the adventure.

[cas-has-cars]

Leaving for our Sheep hunt tomorrow, 3 hunters all packing 65 lbs similar gear as yourself with a couple of extra items, NUNNs electrolyte tablets for your water jug or bladder very good help against cramping and keeps the body energized. We also pack an electric bear fence weight around 4 lbs, came in handy on our last trip to Spatsizi, kept a critter away from the camp one night around 3am, all we heard was a loud wimper and a crying sound as an animal ran from our fence.
Also you can not beat wet ones for ass wipe and cleaning your face and pits. Leave the toilet paper and only bring 50 wet ones or so. And I agree 8 bullets per hunter should be enough, 1 for the sheep 3 to scare bears, and 4 for the wolves.
Have a great time, I hope I have a good story to post when we get back.

[oclarkii]

Sh!tloada Starbucks Via's.
Micky (at least) of something alcoholic.
Trust me.

[Rookie Hunter]

Thanks all. Some great suggestions here. We will be considering every one. Keep them coming!

[Quesnel Kid]

I would ditch the water filter. No idea were you are going but I have never had an issue finding good water in the mountains in September. Also make sure you get the bio degradable wet wipes.

Have a a great trip.

QK

[Rotorwash]

Looking forward to hearing the story on your podcast!

which podcast? im always looking for more

[Rookie Hunter]

which podcast? im always looking for more

Hey Rotorwash, check out links in our sig.

[Rotorwash]

I just wanna say that I just powered through a bunch of your first podcasts and I love it!

[IslandWanderer]

Speaking of TP, bring the moistened wipes.

[HarryToolips]

^^^^lol and if ya run out, Mullen is the best natural asswipe if ya can find it at those higher elevations....next is sphagnum moss..

[Weatherby Fan]

Speaking of TP, bring the moistened wipes.

I just got back from a 12 day fly in and yes I had both and mainly used the moist wipes, which you can also use for a PTA bath in a pinch.

I also only carries 8 bullets 4 in the rifle and 4 spares.

[Rookie Hunter]

Thanks Rotorwash! The purpose of the show was to track our experiences, learnings and opinions as we progress as hunters; providing an accessible show for other newcomers. However there is also content for experienced guys. Views around conservation etc. have evolved so while we tried to tackle some big topics upfront (wolves), I think we've better addressed these issues in later episodes.

[Rookie Hunter]

Feeling pretty good about appx 10 rounds. Moist TP, check. We'll only take one water pump between 3 guys. Epi Pen, we'll need to make sure Garrett has one, but some bendryl probably won't hurt.

What are you 7+ day hikers doing for food?

[Ferenc]

Sh!tloada Starbucks Via's.
Micky (at least) of something alcoholic.
Trust me.

The Via's rock.... my daughter works at Starbucks and got
me on to them..... goes very good with Carolines also.

[Weatherby Fan]

Feeling pretty good about appx 10 rounds. Moist TP, check. We'll only take one water pump between 3 guys. Epi Pen, we'll need to make sure Garrett has one, but some bendryl probably won't hurt.

What are you 7+ day hikers doing for food?

we used instant oatmeal with chopped almonds and dried apricots for breakfast, lunch was a mixture of trail mix, steak bites(Costco) and meal replacement bars, dinner was various freeze dried meals
we also used a lot of Ener-C Raspberry flavour crystals in our water mid day and at night before bed so us old guys didn't cramp up ! I sweat a lot during hiking and was drinking about 4-5 litres of water a day while hiking.
coffee was Starbucks instant from Costco

[Scance]

Guys.. just came back from Kyuquot.. I was listening to your podcasts for 3 hours on the drive out.. great stuff keep it up, thanks

[Rookie Hunter]

Guys.. just came back from Kyuquot.. I was listening to your podcasts for 3 hours on the drive out.. great stuff keep it up, thanks

How was it! Kelly will be off to Kyuqout in a couple days! Not to sidetrack the OP....

[Rookie Hunter]

Bivy Sack or no bivy? Note we are using a kifaru floorless shelter.

[BCbillies]

Bivy Sack or no bivy? Note we are using a kifaru floorless shelter.

Yep. You want to be able to spike it wherever you find sheep or when you're a long way from base camp. Bring the sleeping bag, bivy and two or three days worth of food and you won't have regrets.

[Scance]

Rookie Hunter, PM sent.

[Rookie Hunter]

Yep. You want to be able to spike it wherever you find sheep or when you're a long way from base camp. Bring the sleeping bag, bivy and two or three days worth of food and you won't have regrets.

Thanks, any recommendations for lightweight Bivys?

[RiverOtter]

Personally, I'd go with a low set Sil Tarp before a bivy. A good HD black garbage bag can cover the bottom 2/3's of your sleeping bag if weather goes sideways. Garbage bag also doubles as a tent footprint.

That said, this past season I sprung for a Hubba NX 1 person tent and was thoroughly impressed. It's a LOT of tent for a little over 2.5 pounds. Guyed out, it will take a beating. We seen 80k+ wind and rain this year and it shrugged it all. Going on a 3 day side trip to sit on sheep, I simply loaded up for 3 days and left extra food gear at spike camp in a dry bag. Such a little weight penalty over a bivy sack and was a real welcome home when the weather turned and we were pinned down for a day.

[BCbillies]

Thanks, any recommendations for lightweight Bivys?

I actually haven't used a bivy. . . . I''m a little claustrophobic! At one time I was looking at a Taiga bivy and then went with the Hubba Hubba NX one person. I only bring the groundsheet, poles and fly (2 lbs). it accommodates two of us with our packs. Keeps us dry and reasonably comfortable under strong winds and heavy rains. I also bring large industrial garbage bags.

[Rob]

Shouldn't need a bivy on a floor less, lay some tyvek down and it should be fine. Your taking your Kifaru with you if you spike out? I personally couldnt do a bivy either, i would rather a siltarp if spiking if your leaving the kifaru behind

[ajr5406]

What are you guys planning for medication. I would recommend the following:

- advil
- ciproxin (you will need a script, but if you get an ecoli infection it will save your trip)
- t3s (or at least Tylenol w codine)
- gravol + Imodium (gravol will also double for a sleep aid)
- naproxen of Celebrex (in case of injury)
- epi pen (just in case)

[Rob]

What are you guys planning for medication. I would recommend the following:

- advil
- ciproxin (you will need a script, but if you get an ecoli infection it will save your trip)
- t3s (or at least Tylenol w codine)
- gravol + Imodium (gravol will also double for a sleep aid)
- naproxen of Celebrex (in case of injury)
- epi pen (just in case)

Just something to think about..I wouldnt be taking T3 or any meds unless you know you can tolerate it and if you have no allergies against them. If all good T3's could be a good pain reliever, with bad pain it wont do much but i pack a few also jic. I see the Epi pens seem to be popular in most peoples first aid kits nowadays, unless you have a known allergy you wont need one, if one is coming along just because for unknown allergies etc then you should know what you are giving, you should also know your partners health history.

just my 2 cents

[E.V.B.H.]

Ditch the crocs for an ultralight pair of running shoes they weigh the same or less, a water style works good and dries fast. We had a meandering creek we had to cross several times and over a few km and crocs would have resulted in a broken ankle. They suck when wet. A saw is a must if you are planning regular fires. Keep the water filter, one for the group is handy I have pumped water out of Cariboo tracks before, enough tracks fills a bottle! An sol emergency bivy is cheap works great and is breathable for a spike night. I never go anywhere without two headlamps, cheap light and a good spare battery holder. If one goes down that could be big deal

[SWD]

topo map of area, compass . The straw water filtration unit!

[ajr5406]

Just something to think about..I wouldnt be taking T3 or any meds unless you know you can tolerate it and if you have no allergies against them. If all good T3's could be a good pain reliever, with bad pain it wont do much but i pack a few also jic. I see the Epi pens seem to be popular in most peoples first aid kits nowadays, unless you have a known allergy you wont need one, if one is coming along just because for unknown allergies etc then you should know what you are giving, you should also know your partners health history.

just my 2 cents


Yep, good points. The Epi pen suggestion was obviously intended if they actually had a legitimate allergy. Meds should also be tried before you go (with the exception of Ciproxin of course)

Anything with a codeine derivative will cause constipation too, so good to keep in mind with the T3s.

I know Mike and Kelly are pretty fit, but for a hardcore expedition like that, a medical would be a good idea too.

[E.V.B.H.]

topo map of area, compass . The straw water filtration unit!

Map and compass are crucial for sure. Those are great filters for day trips but in areas where small pools in tracks and wet moss patches are the only water you might find for a long time a filter is a must for me to get it into containers

[twoSevenO]

How much food do you guys bring? Do you have a set number of calories you like to eat daily or just ball park it.

I just figured my 5 day meal plan with 2350 calories per day and a total weight of 7.6lb

Seems excessive. But even that's less than my usual maintenance of 2500 calories.

Breakfast: 1/2 cup cashews and cliff bar (900 cal)
Lunch: pack of Jerky nuggets and some dried mangoes (450 cal)
Dinner: freeze dried meal and cashews (1000 cals)

Comes in at 578g per day or 7.6lb for 5 days.

[RiverOtter]

Never did calorie math, but this past hunt I packed...

(Breakfast)
2 raisin and spice oatmeal per day for 1/2 the trip
1 MH Breakfast Skillet each day for the last 1/2
2 SB Via coffee per day and 2 tbsp vanilla whitener

(Lunch)
1 Eat More and 1 30 gram protein bar per day
3/4 cup Kirkland trail mix per day, roughly
1 1lb dark chocolate bar for entire trip

(Dinner)
1 MH or BP Pantry meal per day.

Brought extra lunch stuff home.

[Rookie Hunter]

How much food do you guys bring? Do you have a set number of calories you like to eat daily or just ball park it.

I just figured my 5 day meal plan with 2350 calories per day and a total weight of 7.6lb

Seems excessive. But even that's less than my usual maintenance of 2500 calories.

Breakfast: 1/2 cup cashews and cliff bar (900 cal)
Lunch: pack of Jerky nuggets and some dried mangoes (450 cal)
Dinner: freeze dried meal and cashews (1000 cals)

Comes in at 578g per day or 7.6lb for 5 days.

Mike and Kelly are taking different approaches to food prep and packing which we will go over in an upcoming episode. However, in general we are trying to hit 3000-4000 calories per day in 1.5-2lbs of food per day.

[Highlander Hunting]

One item I just added to my sheep hunting first aid kit is Imodium.
Did a weekender and really wished I had some. Getting sheets in the great outdoors isnt fun.

Enjoy your trip and can't wait to hear all about it.

Cheers.
John
www.highlanderhuntingpodcast.com

[cuervosail]

Do you have a good story to post?

[Rookie Hunter]

Do you have a good story to post?

Hi Cuervosail, please check out episode 47 on iTunes or on our website per our sig below for the full story. Overall the packlist was great. Unfortunately no animals taken, but we learned a lot and have context for next time. Amazing time overall and we're all grateful for the opportunity. One of the things we love most about hunting is the drive to go places you wouldn't otherwise go.

[oskiweewee]

Great thread. I know it's too late for this trip but one thought: Dehydrating your wet wipes can save a few ounces of pack weight. Just add water to re-hydrate.

[Mstromg]

How did u guys make out? Put some meat in the freezer? And what did you forget or what would you leave out next time?

[Zackmartin]

Im curious too? Just downloaded the Podcast.
I got my first LEH ever for Spatsizi on my first sheep hunt, this should be a good adventure for me and my brother whether we fill the tag or not.

[Rookie Hunter]

Hey guys,
We made it out and had an awesome time up there. Very much appreciate all the advice that was posted here. Hopefully it has helped some other guys as well. We actually did some field recordings and put together an episode that documents it all pretty well. It's #47 if you'd like to give it a listen. You can find it on iTunes, any podcast app or from our website: http://www.therookiehunter.com/episodes-3641/
Cheers!