Alaska Dall Sheep Hunt 10657
The Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) is perhaps one of the most iconic big game animals in Alaska. It is by far the most physically demanding of all hunts but the rewards of a successful hunt are immeasurable. For the hunter who is physically and mentally prepared, fair chase hunting Dall Sheep is an experience that has no comparison. This hunt is located on the North Eastern portion of the Brooks Range, located in world famous Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in a designated wilderness area. The area this outfitter is permitted to guide in is home to some of the highest sheep population densities in the state. It has historically produced high quality rams usually in the 35 – 38 inch range, with the potential for a few sheep in the 40 inch range. This is also one of the most remove areas you can hunt. The sheer vastness and beauty of the Arctic will leave a lasting impression.
Your trip begins with you flying to Anchorage, and then onto Fairbanks. Once in Fairbanks you will fly on a regularly scheduled flight with Air Arctic or Wrights Air to Cold Foot. When you arrive in Cold Foot you will be met either by the staff of Coyote Air (they will have all of your information). Coyote Air will then fly you to the hunt area.
Once in the hunt area you will be set up with a small gear cache and begin the hunt the next day after flying. The Assistant Guide the hunter and the head guide each carry enough freeze dry food and gear for 10 full days. You do eat real meat once the animal is harvested but until then it is almost all freeze dry. Hunting is all backpack style, spot and stalk. The camps consist of small backpack style 2 man Kuiu or Hilleberg tents for the guides and 1 man Hilleberg tents for the hunter. This is a true expedition style hunt. The walking is surprisingly enjoyable for those who are prepared, but hunters should be ready to walk many miles with a heavy pack of up to 50 pounds. Once you set camp in a location the guides like, the group goes out on day hunts with packs that weigh far less, usually 15 – 25 pounds. The camp location is moved as needed, hunting valleys as you go along.
Hiking the main river valley and side tributaries enables the group to cover great distances with relative ease. Because of this sheep are able to be sorted through the until the larger old age class rams are found. You hunt as a mobile unit, moving camp as needed hunting the rugged upper valleys looking for older rams. Once the group finds a ram they like, they watch and wait for the right time to make a stalk on him. This may be a matter of minutes or several days. Patience is key. Grizzly Bear and Caribou may be taken at any time during the hunt on a trophy fee basis, and can be taken at any point during a hunt.
Once the sheep is harvested you pack the meat, hide, and horns down the mountain and back to spike camp. You then pack up spike camp along with the sheep and head back to the landing point and gear cache. From here you generally camp and hunt bear and caribou, or the passing wolf, until pickup date. Anyone who has successfully harvested a Dall Sheep will count it as a crowning achievement in of their hunting lives!
