Steps to becoming a sheep hunter

[oddsix]

Good day folks.

How does one get into sheep hunting? Have never been on a sheep/goat hunt, don't know anyone that hunts sheep that could provide insight/mentorship but am considering getting into it (next year).

Where do you start? From reading posts over the years I am aware you need good glass, boots, gear etc. Must be in good shape. How about e-scouting? What are you looking for? Certain terrain better than others? What do they eat?

Not afraid to hike hard and go deep as required.

Is it as "simple" as (being prepared) and just getting out there?

Just thoughts at this time. Any info appreciated.

Thanks

[eatram]

Ten years from now, remember this quote. Don't start. Ignorance is bliss...

[oddsix]

Ten years from now, remember this quote. Don't start. Ignorance is bliss...

Why is that?

[Bustercluck]

Why is that?

It’s a long hard road.

I’ve been at it for 4-5 years and still haven’t got one, but I hunt in Alberta where there’s not a lot of places to hunt and an abundance of hunters. That being said I have a good time every trip and see lots of animals, just nothin legal. I started out backpacking and getting out there with no real intentions of sheep hunting and it was just the next natural step. I’d bring my kid on 4,5, or 6 day backpack trips and then they just turned into hunting trips. You can spend a ton or a little bit but all you really need is some basic stuff.

[Rackmastr]

You actually dont NEED anything to become a sheep hunter. If I look back on how I started, it took none of the above, other than maybe being young and full of energy and willing to crawl around the hills.

Its as simple as buying a sheep tag and getting out for a hunt. Obviously knowing legalities of sheep is important (no different than other hunts and understanding the laws of whats required before pulling the trigger). A lot of that can be accomplished online.

Having top end optics, boots, gear etc is sure nice, but I've chased sheep with a pair of 'Cat' boots that I ended up duct taping the sole back on to in the middle of a hunt. And I learned a heck of a lot doing it haha.

Dont start by thinking that there's some sort of gatekeeper to becoming a 'sheep hunter' by buying your way into it. You can dabble your way into it and start to research, hike, pack gear, etc. Every time you go out for the next 15 years you'll learn something new.

The most comfortable items to think about is a good pair of boots no doubt.

[KodiakHntr]

You have time this year. We just walked out yesterday, there is lots of season left yet.


All you need is a positive mindset. That's it. We ran into a couple guys on their way in that were on year 4 of becoming sheep hunters. One dude rocking a pair of jeans, and the other with porcupine repairs on his pack and gear. They are gonna have a great hunt, even if they aren't successful in packing one out.

[bighornbob]

Like others have said , all you need is a sheep tag (still over the counter) and a weapon. That’s it. Well some binos would really help but they have to be a $3000 set either. My first sheep was in a $50 tent and the cloths I wore deer hunting.

you don’t even have to sleep over night. Not sure where you are but Spence’s bridge can be glassed from the highway for a lot of the unit. The more expensive gear can be gathered if you continue the illness, I mean the adventure.

look at some historical sheep hunting photos, jeans, Mack jackets, and straight 4 power weaver scopes on a wooden stocked rifle. Saw no Sitka, Kuiu or Swarovski in the photos. So regardless what others say it can really be done with the bare minimums. It all starts with what’s between the ears and your attitude. Bhb

[oddsix]

Great stuff so far. Thanks fellas.

Generally speaking, are most shots taking place in the 300+ yard range? How close do you try to get? Obviously a lot of variables here (caliber, shooting experience, terrain, weather etc)

What's going to get you busted first....scent? sight?

[Nimrod]

Fitness, more fit than you've ever been.
You can get your self into alot of trouble if you think a couple preseason hikes and alittle gym work a few weeks before the hunt is enough.
When your up a drainage 15 or 20km and your lower back, knee, or feet blow out from days of packing weight your done, you better have a way to signal help.
You need to hike kilometers in your boots with decent weight on your back, repetitively over months so your tendons and bones can get shocked and recover.
After optional gear choices you need fitness and an SOS signaling device.

[kevingm1987]

Like others have said , all you need is a sheep tag (still over the counter) and a weapon. That’s it. Well some binos would really help but they have to be a $3000 set either. My first sheep was in a $50 tent and the cloths I wore deer hunting.

you don’t even have to sleep over night. Not sure where you are but Spence’s bridge can be glassed from the highway for a lot of the unit. The more expensive gear can be gathered if you continue the illness, I mean the adventure.

look at some historical sheep hunting photos, jeans, Mack jackets, and straight 4 power weaver scopes on a wooden stocked rifle. Saw no Sitka, Kuiu or Swarovski in the photos. So regardless what others say it can really be done with the bare minimums. It all starts with what’s between the ears and your attitude. Bhb

Sheep hunting was a little different in the historical photos compared to now a days, more game and less hunters. I would say there is a lot more hike in, backpacking hunters now a days than there was back in the day as well. Not saying you need sitka, kuiu, or swaro but good quality gear will make any trip more enjoyable, there is no denying that. Your gear should never prevent you from going into the backcountry but you should always be prepared for what the backcountry can toss at you.