Got the itch

[dru88]

So like many others i find myself all of the sudden wanting to try sheep hunting. I have never hunted sheep or goats but think now is the time in my life to start before its too late. So obviously I have some questions and will have more along the way. I am going to try and plan a hunt for 2022 to give myself a full year to train and learn as much as I can about sheep and terrain. i guess the first question is what kind of sheep Bighorn or Thinhorn and that's where I have a real dilemma. I live in the lower waste land so I would assume the answer would be bighorn as they are closer so more opportunity to scout and hunt more frequently or is going north for thinhorn better odds of seeing a legal ram. I am exited to get started on my new adventure chasing sheep in beautiful BC training starts hard Jan 1,2021.

So what would you chase as your first taste of sheep hunting?

[Bubbacanuck]

Funny, I've kind of been thinking the same thing. Dall sheep and stone sheep are two subspecies of the thinhorn sheep category. Both are in BC I believe. Bighorn sheep have 2 subspecies (used to be 3), California & Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. The thing I worry the most about hunting sheep is ensuring a legal ram is harvested...besides the risk and physicality of hunting sheep. I have no idea where to start, so I will likely be a 2023 or 2024 sheep hunter. I have to start somewhere though....

Good luck on your search & training!

[ActionJackson017]

When I think of sheep or goat hunting I don't think just in years in terms of 2022 or 2023, I also think in lbs as I'd personally need to lose ie. 30 or 40lbs to do this type of hunt. I give mucho respect to those that endeavor for these hunts and think it's a serious commitment. Good luck to you and I hope you achieve your goal!

[porthunter]

Step 1... Join the Wild Sheep Society of BC

Step 2... Pick up some sheep hunting books(some great threads on that here)

Step 3... Get good optics, if you have the budget to get top quality stuff, do it. ALSO learn how to use them, most people don't understand what that means

Step 4... Learn to understand what the legality requirements of all separate species/areas in BC are, you can never look over to many sheep to understand what is legal

Step 5... Learn to be patient as ****, the sheep hunting game is not an easy one and there will be many of moments in which you question why you're doing it

Killing a bighorn GOS in BC is commonly said to be tougher than killing a thinhorn GOS but I'm far from an expert

PS. DONT SKIP STEP ONE; if you can afford a $65 sheep tag, you can afford a $50 membership(atleast)

PSS. Jack O'Connor once said "There is no halfway. After his first exposure a man is either a sheep hunter or he isn't. He either falls under the spell of sheep hunting or he won't be caught dead on another sheep mountain" This quote is true for so many reasons

PSSS. Theres another old saying in the sheep hunting community that goes something like "Your first ram is born the year you start sheep hunting" although not 100% accurate, it does say alot... especially when the average age of rams being taken is probably in that 7-8 year old realm if I had to guess

[KodiakHntr]

Its a long time till August. Start walking now with weight in a pack. Lotta fat guys have killed rams.

If you put it off to 2022/'23 it is easy to put it off to '24, so on so forth... Realistic goals and targets are the best way to do it. Lots of in shape guys have tried it once, and said never again.
Lots of fat guys have tried it once, and are sheep hunting machines now.

My first trip was with a Coleman Peak 1 backpack, a $200 Bushnell spotting scope, and a 9lb rifle. Just do it.
There is always the next year to start buying the expensive gear. (And if you keep sheep hunting, there is a real high likelihood of there being a lot of expensive gear....lol)

[Bustercluck]

Like it was said above. Just get out there. I’ve been out the last two years, seen lots of rams, none of them were legal. We passed on one that was borderline, be ready for that. If you haven’t done any alpine camping, that’s a good place to start as well. You’ll get a good idea of what kind of gear you’ll need and if you actually like it up there.

It is probably a good idea to get out there and decide if you want to do it before you spend $10,000 on gear. You don’t have to spend that much to hunt sheep, but it definitely helps make things more comfortable.

[264mag]

I went on my first stone sheep hunt at 50 yrs old, now 53. I have not killed a ram yet but am absolutely addicted. Since I contracted sheep fever I have lost 25 lbs and have maintained it. I feel better and younger than I ever have. This is not a cheap disease but as mentioned you can start with what you have. 2 feet and a heartbeat. Last year I went on a 12 day hunt with two 29 year olds and we saw almost 40 rams, one of my partners killed an awesome double broomer. I passed on 4 broomed rams as I am not yet confident on shooting on age. I am equally proud of that sheep as if I had killed it. I did all the planning, research on the area, and all the gear details. On our way out we booked the same drop point for opener 2021. I also booked a second hunt for September with two of my kids in an area that holds goats, caribou, and sheep.

I look at these hunts as adventure hunts not species hunts. Sheep is where it all usually starts. I can’t stress how valuable this site has been and the BC Wild Sheep Society and its members as well. On another note the Wild Sheep Foundation is holding a week long virtual convention in January and that will be an amazing resource as well.

216 days til opener!

Be safe !

[dru88]

Thanks for all the reply so far. I am ready to put in the work and looking forward to getting out into the mountains. Am I right in my thinking that maybe trying Bighorn around the spences bridge area would be my best bet as it is closest to me or should i be looking to go north? I will be on the lookout for some new boots as my Irish setters have finally bite the dust i am looking for a boot that i can use for hiking in the mountains or looking for moose in lower elevations does this exist or do i really need 2 pairs of boots, i don't mind buy once cry once just not buy twice and cry twice. I think i really need to nail down a specific species to hunt so i can start really dissecting some areas to hunt.

Thanks again for all the replies and i hope they keep coming.

PS i will be joining the bc wild sheep society this week.

[Ridgehunter604]

I’ve had that same itch.
I’ve been trying to fulfill it with some hiking but seems after about 3 days of heavy hiking that itch turns into a bad rash, wet wipes help but think I may need to start using some gold bond.

Joking aside I’m on a similar path. I’m an adult onset hunter. Been hunting for a few years now and have been successful each year but would really like to get into more mountain hunting. I’ve grown up in the mountains so it’s not new to me but just now started carrying a rifle. This is the year I get serious about it, have started training and emptying my wallet. The plan is for a fly in hunt at least but may try and do some more local stuff as well.

Super thankful for posts like this as I’ve been able to learn a lot from the minds here. Hopefully I’ll be able to repay the favour soon and add some positive advice to these threads.

Thanks to the OP for posting and everyone who’s helping guys like us out.

[Huntingtyler123]

I’ve had the itch for a couple of months now. Just reading a lot about mountain goats and how to identify billies. Hopefully one day I can connect on one

[dru88]

Well yesterday was Jan 1,2021 and I started my training for 2022. I am having issues trying to find alot of the sheep books that were mentioned in other threads does anyone know where the best place to find some of the local sheep books. In the coming weeks the search for some new hunting boots starts as in trying some on my question is I have wide feet what brands should I try first and what brands should I not waste my time with.

Thanks again for all the responses so far.

[pg83]

Google worked for most of the books I have purchased, specifically Amazon and Ebay, but there are a couple of online bookstores as well as the Boone and Crockett website that have decent selections.

[Skull Hunter]

Well yesterday was Jan 1,2021 and I started my training for 2022. I am having issues trying to find alot of the sheep books that were mentioned in other threads does anyone know where the best place to find some of the local sheep books. In the coming weeks the search for some new hunting boots starts as in trying some on my question is I have wide feet what brands should I try first and what brands should I not waste my time with.

Thanks again for all the responses so far.

Try ABE books. Sheep books tend to be on the pricey side, especially some of the rarer copies so be prepared to pay up. I was able to find most of what I was looking for a couple years ago for less than $50 per book. ABE is a great resource for older/hard to find books.

[Redthies]

I’m not a sheep hunter, but I am a reformed mountaineer and ice climber. I’ve spent a ton of time at higher altitudes in weather from summer to mid January. You want a GOOD mountain tent, sleeping bag and decent goretex gear. For boots, anything good for light to moderate mountaineering will serve you for all types of hunting. Scarpa is one brand I recall fitting wider feet. La Sportiva makes amazing boots, but typically run narrower.

I might need to take up sheep hunting to lose the stubborn 15 lbs I need to ditch...

[twoSevenO]

Step 1... Join the Wild Sheep Society of BC

Step 2... Pick up some sheep hunting books(some great threads on that here)

Step 3... Get good optics, if you have the budget to get top quality stuff, do it. ALSO learn how to use them, most people don't understand what that means

Step 4... Learn to understand what the legality requirements of all separate species/areas in BC are, you can never look over to many sheep to understand what is legal

Step 5... Learn to be patient as ****, the sheep hunting game is not an easy one and there will be many of moments in which you question why you're doing it

Killing a bighorn GOS in BC is commonly said to be tougher than killing a thinhorn GOS but I'm far from an expert

PS. DONT SKIP STEP ONE; if you can afford a $65 sheep tag, you can afford a $50 membership(atleast)

PSS. Jack O'Connor once said "There is no halfway. After his first exposure a man is either a sheep hunter or he isn't. He either falls under the spell of sheep hunting or he won't be caught dead on another sheep mountain" This quote is true for so many reasons

PSSS. Theres another old saying in the sheep hunting community that goes something like "Your first ram is born the year you start sheep hunting" although not 100% accurate, it does say alot... especially when the average age of rams being taken is probably in that 7-8 year old realm if I had to guess

How does being a member help one's hunting?

[twoSevenO]

Stones seem far easier than GOS big horns.

Most beginners who are successful early have been fortunate/smart enough to make friends with a more accomplished sheep hunter and get mentorship advice, including pointers on where to head into.

My advice would be make more friends with sheep hunters first :)

[whitlers]

How does being a member help one's hunting?

It is more about supporting an organization that dedicates their entire being to wild sheep conservation in BC among other ventures. As well as networking with countless individuals who are successful sheep hunters and biologists.

Obviously it is not required to be successful by any means but it can be a good place to start.

[porthunter]

It is more about supporting an organization that dedicates their entire being to wild sheep conservation in BC among other ventures. As well as networking with countless individuals who are successful sheep hunters and biologists.

Obviously it is not required to be successful by any means but it can be a good place to start.

Bingo!

Not to mention, I feel that if you intend to hunt/harvest a sheep, you should be doing something to support the conservation of the species. To many people just want to take and never feel the need to maybe give a bit back.

[twoSevenO]

It is more about supporting an organization that dedicates their entire being to wild sheep conservation in BC among other ventures. As well as networking with countless individuals who are successful sheep hunters and biologists.

Obviously it is not required to be successful by any means but it can be a good place to start.

Yeah, ok, so basically what I covered in ny second post. Which makes sense. If you surround yourself with successful hunters, you're bound to pick up some good tips.

[3than]

Well yesterday was Jan 1,2021 and I started my training for 2022. I am having issues trying to find alot of the sheep books that were mentioned in other threads does anyone know where the best place to find some of the local sheep books. In the coming weeks the search for some new hunting boots starts as in trying some on my question is I have wide feet what brands should I try first and what brands should I not waste my time with.

Thanks again for all the responses so far.

Try looking for books that are still in print there a lot cheaper and you can usually find them easier. Mountain Sheep and Man by Valerius Geist is a good one that is still in print. I also recommend getting Dream Rams of BC its on the pricier side but well worth it imo.

[bcmulie]

I wouldn't wait until 2022 to start sheep hunting - you never know what life might throw at you.

Porthunter has given you a good start with some excellent advice. I agree 100% with his post, especially that you shouldn't skip #1. My experience is that finding a legal bighorn is way tougher than finding a legal Stone's ram. If you have the time and skills for a northern BC hunt, I would highly recommend that route. The country up there is spectacular.

For sheep hunting books, I suggest starting with Wilf Klingsat's book, Mountain Sheep Hunting in British Columbia. You can get it on Amazon for $55.

For boots, I am currently running Crispi's, which I love. Other good brands include Meindl, Kenetreck, Hanwag.

Good luck!

[Huntingtyler123]

The beast the colour of winter is a good book that I read at the end of last year (last month lol) was good and informative.

[bighornbob]

How does being a member help one's hunting?

Because old sheep hunters are more likely to help you out if you are at the sheep count or at the annual fundraiser then sending info via the internet.

BHB

[twoSevenO]

Because old sheep hunters are more likely to help you out if you are at the sheep count or at the annual fundraiser then sending info via the internet.

BHB

Yes, I covered that in my second post .... wanted to hear his answer.

[porthunter]

Yes, I covered that in my second post .... wanted to hear his answer.

Still waiting for my answer or have the posts before answered that? Like I said, if you want to hunt sheep, I think spending $50 a year towards an organization doing more for them in the province than anyone else is a good start.

And also, just like everyones noted above, there's alot of knowledgeable people involved with WSSBC that would probably be more willing to spread knowledge to those who show like minded views, atleast that's been my experience.

Cheers!

[Bubbacanuck]

Bingo!

Not to mention, I feel that if you intend to hunt/harvest a sheep, you should be doing something to support the conservation of the species. To many people just want to take and never feel the need to maybe give a bit back.

I think that is a good start but I believe hunting predators would also be a good place to start if you want to help the populations of animals

[porthunter]

I think that is a good start but I believe hunting predators would also be a good place to start if you want to help the populations of animals

For almost all ungulates I'd agree with you with the exception of sheep. While yes, cats do target sheep in the southern part of the province, I truly do believe(and history has shown) that the biggest threat to wild sheep, is disease.

So supporting organizations like WSSBC or WSF who are working hard on diseases(aswell as helping with predator management) is the biggest help IMO

[Sterling]

Sheep/goat hunting is an amazing adventure. Definitely worth the effort.

I presume, as we're all hunters here, we're all capable of being in the bush and know to carry proper bush craft equipment, like an old fashioned compass and map.

If I still lived in the lower mainland and really wanted to know whether sheep hunting was for me I'd go on a few multi day alpine hikes. Ie. Mt Joffre and Mt Matier are both easily accessible from the lower mainland. Each mountain has a certain amount of technical ability though both can be done by scrambling. If your closer to Chilliwack try Mt Rexford.

Much of the skills required to traverse through the Northern Rockies and Purcell ranges can be gained from right where you live. You can test your gear, learn what works and doesn't, get in fantastic shape, break in your equipment but not your bank.

On the other hand if you decide your not much for tenting or indeterminant weather you haven't lost much.

I am very grateful for my alpine experiences when it comes to sheep and goats in B.C. Much of my ability to route find, interpret the mountains and anticipate the weather around me can be contributed to the lower mainland mountains.

AA

[Weatherby Fan]

How does being a member help one's hunting?

Most WSS of BC members are crazy dedicated sheep hunters more so than any hunters Ive met, very similar to you and your alpine Mule Deer addiction, meeting and talking to a lot of successful Sheep hunters doesn't hurt, ie-areas to go and gear to use, could save you a lot of grief and time wasted, not to say you have to be a member but it doesn't hurt to support the Wild Sheep of BC instead of just taking these people put something back into the preservation of Wild Sheep in BC....and the best part they do this without financial gain....its totally non profit.

[BCHunterTV]

im on the same path, ive killed 3 goats...and helped with half a dozen more. My focus this year is a Ram. I want to lose 38lbs, and exercise daily burning 60,000 calories from Dec 3 til Sept 10th

[BCHunterTV]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8gUaMx8G7I&list=FL8eoZoxNUQQMKjo5jB7fw6w&index=3&t=377s


I’ve had the itch for a couple of months now. Just reading a lot about mountain goats and how to identify billies. Hopefully one day I can connect on one

[stoneramhunter]

Re got the itch.

ive been hunting sheep for over 50 years. Happy to pass on what knowledge that I have along with proven areas to hunt. Hunted stone sheep in many of the drainages of northern b.c. I have several photos in the gallery. If your interested to meet drop me a line. I’ve assisted at least 3 other hunters on their first sheep hunts.

[jac]

Stoneramhunter


I looked at some of your pics in the gallery very cool. In one of the photos it looked like you had a hockey shin pad on?

[stoneramhunter]

Stoneramhunter


I looked at some of your pics in the gallery very cool. In one of the photos it looked like you had a hockey shin pad on?

thats true I had a green fracture before I went in sheep hunting and was just about healed but anything banging against it would send pains shooting thru my body. So to minimize I wore the protection. Lucky I did lol

[jac]

I see good Idea. I thought you were ready for a rodeo on your horses or something.

[REMINGTON JIM]

How does being a member help one's hunting?

You MEET Great sheep hunters at the conventions and Most will share VERY Valuable knowledge if you just listen ! ;-) RJ

[stoneramhunter]

I see good Idea. I thought you were ready for a rodeo on your horses or something.

Yes 5 day horse ride in . Needed to protect against branches and brush. Lucky there was no rodeo lol.

[dru88]

Re got the itch.

ive been hunting sheep for over 50 years. Happy to pass on what knowledge that I have along with proven areas to hunt. Hunted stone sheep in many of the drainages of northern b.c. I have several photos in the gallery. If your interested to meet drop me a line. I’ve assisted at least 3 other hunters on their first sheep hunts.

Stoneramhunter PM sent.

[dru88]

Update I just became a member of the WSSBC this morning, looking forward to meeting new people and helping out with the sheep habitat and anything else I can.
Thanks to all that have taken the time to reply to this thread.

[Weatherby Fan]

Update I just became a member of the WSSBC this morning, looking forward to meeting new people and helping out with the sheep habitat and anything else I can.
Thanks to all that have taken the time to reply to this thread.


congrats and thanks for your support of Wild Sheep in BC.

[callnmin]

Hmm, sheep hunting never done it, but would have love to do a sheep hunting in my younger days. But this I know, in many aspects like has been said, it is not only about the physical preparation, but it is also about the mental preparation. This year I have hunted moose, whitetail and now getting ready to go for elk (for the first time). One thing I have learned this year is that I really needed to get my head around being able to switch from hunting the different species. It is as though I had to become one with them to be able to be in their environment and yet be undetected. I found it took me a while to be mentally prepare i.e., making the switch. One more thing, I have had it happen several times now were I had a dream of the the hunt I would be doing and the hunt turned out like the dream I had; however, this is a whole other topic. The mental prep is equally as important as the physical prep.

[LBM]

I think that is a good start but I believe hunting predators would also be a good place to start if you want to help the populations of animals
So you dont consider bears cats wolves coyotes etc animals.
Or what do you consider a predator.

[LBM]

For almost all ungulates I'd agree with you with the exception of sheep. While yes, cats do target sheep in the southern part of the province, I truly do believe(and history has shown) that the biggest threat to wild sheep, is disease.

So supporting organizations like WSSBC or WSF who are working hard on diseases(aswell as helping with predator management) is the biggest help IMO

Yes disease is a big threat as well as humans. Cats kill sheep wouldnt say they target them they have been used as a scape goat for some thing to blame.
Only thing that really targets sheep is humans.
I wont join or give money to any organization that supports killing off one animal for another with no solid evidence to back it.

[porthunter]

WSF Sheep Week just kicked off, there's a great place for the next few days to jump in on seminars/videos by industry guys who know what theyre talking about.

For $50USD its probably well worth it for someone wanting to learn new things.

[dru88]

Update My training is ongoing and I seem to be gaining a little strength and endurance. I have decided that this year I will spend some time in MU 3-17 looking for bighorn sheep. I figured this is a good way to get into some sheep country close to home (lower waste land) can make multiple trips and gives me a chance to test some of my gear before heading north next year for stone sheep. I am now going to spend some time trying to find a good starting point to get into the hills.

[Walking Buffalo]

Yes disease is a big threat as well as humans. Cats kill sheep wouldnt say they target them they have been used as a scape goat for some thing to blame.
Only thing that really targets sheep is humans.
I wont join or give money to any organization that supports killing off one animal for another with no solid evidence to back it.

We all know You wouldn't say that.

Keep the blinders on.
Ignore all the scientific research that pinpoints individual cougars becoming specialists in killing certain species, including sheep.

[LBM]

We all know You wouldn't say that.

Keep the blinders on.
Ignore all the scientific research that pinpoints individual cougars becoming specialists in killing certain species, including sheep.

Dont need any scientific research to know if a cat is in a predominantly sheep area the odds it will kill sheep same if in a predominantly mule deer area odds are it will kill mule deer.
Best way to see what goes on is get out there and see and learn. Cant rely on books or papers people are changing there minds every time they do another study, which comes with
the changing enviroment. One thing for sure is humans are the biggest cause for death /decline of things.

[pg83]

One thing for sure is humans are the biggest cause for death /decline of things.

No argument from me on that, the science is pretty clear.


But I do wonder if turning away from scientific studies and conservation organizations while at the same time preaching that we are all better off doing nothing is really your only solution. Or have I missed something?

Now I'm no scientist, but it seems to me like doing something we know makes a difference like conducting habitat improvement projects or increasing predator control is better than not doing anything.


As you said, we got ourselves into this mess. In my humble opinion, it is we who need to fix it.

[boxhitch]

"One thing for sure is humans are the biggest cause for death /decline of things."

Need some context there. If 'humans' means hunters, this is wrong.
If 'humans' means highways, rail lines, habitat destruction, pollution, then 100% right

[LBM]

No argument from me on that, the science is pretty clear.


But I do wonder if turning away from scientific studies and conservation organizations while at the same time preaching that we are all better off doing nothing is really your only solution. Or have I missed something?

Now I'm no scientist, but it seems to me like doing something we know makes a difference like conducting habitat improvement projects or increasing predator control is better than not doing anything.


As you said, we got ourselves into this mess. In my humble opinion, it is we who need to fix it.

Studies can be good but many are flawed as well some organizations can do good for some things.
Lots of habitat improvement projects have done nothing maybe even caused more of a problem
and as all ready stated many times predators are just used as a scape goat and are not the problem.

[LBM]

"One thing for sure is humans are the biggest cause for death /decline of things."

Need some context there. If 'humans' means hunters, this is wrong.
If 'humans' means highways, rail lines, habitat destruction, pollution, then 100% right

Humans mean humans , but hunters/trappers can have a serious effect on certain animals.

[Walking Buffalo]

Dont need any scientific research to know if a cat is in a predominantly sheep area the odds it will kill sheep same if in a predominantly mule deer area odds are it will kill mule deer.
Best way to see what goes on is get out there and see and learn. Cant rely on books or papers people are changing there minds every time they do another study, which comes with
the changing enviroment. One thing for sure is humans are the biggest cause for death /decline of things.

More biased drivel.

First you claim there is no research proving that cougars will specialize to kill sheep, the you wobble to the opinion that this research is flawed.

There is plenty of research where individual cougars have specialized on killing sheep, even where deer are predominant.
This trait is not limited to sheep. Mature toms have often been confirmed to specialize in killing horses, despite there being a predominance of deer or elk in the area.
I've helped with killing these horse killers. These cats are not focused on hunting foals or yearlings, they will, but they seem to prefer full size horses 4-8 years old. Impressive.

Those that are "on the ground", hunters, trappers, ranchers, are often the ones alerting the researchers to the problem.

There are many instances of extremely well observed sheep herds where the vast majority of mortality is caused by cougar predation, often by just a single cat.
Fortunately for the sheep, a human has often noticed this happening and the cat is eliminated, saving the herd from extirpation.

[upnover]

Well put Walkingbuffalo

[dru88]

UPDATE
Training is going well my cardio workout has been extended and my weight program has seen me increase the weight i am lifting.

My new Question is What are people using for pants on a mid to late Aug sheep hunt up north?
I see Sitka is pretty popular but was wondering who uses non hunting brands for mountain hunts (figure might get more band for my buck if isn't camo)

[LBM]

More biased drivel.

First you claim there is no research proving that cougars will specialize to kill sheep, the you wobble to the opinion that this research is flawed.

There is plenty of research where individual cougars have specialized on killing sheep, even where deer are predominant.
This trait is not limited to sheep. Mature toms have often been confirmed to specialize in killing horses, despite there being a predominance of deer or elk in the area.
I've helped with killing these horse killers. These cats are not focused on hunting foals or yearlings, they will, but they seem to prefer full size horses 4-8 years old. Impressive.

Those that are "on the ground", hunters, trappers, ranchers, are often the ones alerting the researchers to the problem.

There are many instances of extremely well observed sheep herds where the vast majority of mortality is caused by cougar predation, often by just a single cat.
Fortunately for the sheep, a human has often noticed this happening and the cat is eliminated, saving the herd from extirpation.

Sure studys can be flawed just like your comments can be flawed or made up, not sure where I made a claim that there is no research but you can make up what ever you like.
Have to chuckle at your words of biased and the term those that are on the ground. Ranchers so many of them dislike anything with teeth/fangs and paws/claws so there pretty
biased on there views on them same as many hunters they dont like the competition think ungulates are there for them to kill not for cats to feed on. And trappers you mean the ones
that are out there once a week to check there lines.
Funny how so pro science you are here but in the thin horn thread it almost sounds like you dont like it or maybe you only agree with what benifits you.

Forgot to ask about the horses wild or livestock.

[LBM]

UPDATE
Training is going well my cardio workout has been extended and my weight program has seen me increase the weight i am lifting.

My new Question is What are people using for pants on a mid to late Aug sheep hunt up north?
I see Sitka is pretty popular but was wondering who uses non hunting brands for mountain hunts (figure might get more band for my buck if isn't camo)

I prefer solid colors over camo check out hiking web sites/stores doesnt have to be sitka or kuiu.

[dru88]

OK I need to upgrade some of my gear for mountain hunting. I am in the market for some decent rain gear that wont break the bank( if that exists ) seems like paying 700 to 1000$ is going rate seems pricey anyone have any brands that will leave some money in my wallet for other gear i would like to buy.

[whitlers]

OK I need to upgrade some of my gear for mountain hunting. I am in the market for some decent rain gear that wont break the bank( if that exists ) seems like paying 700 to 1000$ is going rate seems pricey anyone have any brands that will leave some money in my wallet for other gear i would like to buy.

What are your expectations from your rain gear? Do you expect to be hiking in it or just something to keep you dry around camp?

[LBM]

OK I need to upgrade some of my gear for mountain hunting. I am in the market for some decent rain gear that wont break the bank( if that exists ) seems like paying 700 to 1000$ is going rate seems pricey anyone have any brands that will leave some money in my wallet for other gear i would like to buy.

Best time to buy any clothing is in the off season will save you some money.

[KodiakHntr]

FaceBoko is a good one for finding used gear at good prices. Kuiu buy and sell canada is a pretty good one, and they do have their rain gear pretty dialed in.

[dru88]

What are your expectations from your rain gear? Do you expect to be hiking in it or just something to keep you dry around camp?

I would like to be able to hike in my rain gear and not feel restricted while moving around.

[dru88]

Alright another update I have started to walk with 20lbs in my pack when out exercising and have lost some lbs and my cardio is getting better by the week.

Now time for another question. I have a lever action 308 and a bolt action 270 both rifles shoot well and the weight difference is very close my question is for mountain hunting is a bolt better than a lever or I am over thinking.

[Bustercluck]

Alright another update I have started to walk with 20lbs in my pack when out exercising and have lost some lbs and my cardio is getting better by the week.

Now time for another question. I have a lever action 308 and a bolt action 270 both rifles shoot well and the weight difference is very close my question is for mountain hunting is a bolt better than a lever or I am over thinking.
How far are you shooting? I’ve never really thought about buying a lever gun for any kind of precision distance work. Get comfortable out to at least 300 yards and I’m betting your bolt gun is going to be at your side, but whatever works best I guess.

I haven’t been following this thread for the last few pages, but I have a little routine I do after work that takes 20-30 minutes. I loaded my bag with as much water would fit in it(over 90lbs) and I do 10 squats, 10 step ups on a stair with my right leg, 10 calf raises and then 10 step ups on a stair with my left leg. Do this routine 3 times after work and you’ll likely have a good sweat on. You can step up on a stair, but I built a small wooden platform like the old step aerobic steps that’s a bit higher than a stair.