This thread is definitely the reason I joined HT and it's the only thread I have an alert set for. Growing up as a kid in TN, hunting in the mountains of the west were only a dream, and a big horn ram was the epidemy of those dreams. That meant watching PBS nature documentaries or thumbing through a sports afield magazine at the book store. I joined the Army at 17 and left high school early. I was in my mid 30's before my first western hunt for elk in CO with only 1 trip a few years later. Next year will be WY elk, muley, and antelope, but I would trade a lifetime of hunting deer in TN for 1 BH sheep.
I follow this thread because it keeps the dream alive that one day I might actually make it happen. As a NR who didn't join the points game decades ago, this is the only opportunity that exists. I work multiple jobs, my wife's a teacher, and we are raising 4 boys. Life comes first, but at least there's still hope with the UL that I can hunt sheep one day (unguided). I've made gear lists, maps, marked way points e-scouting, planned routes and more for something that it years away from happening. When I finally get to do an UL hunt, this thread and forum will be the reason.
I haven't discovered any secret spots due to un-blurred landscape pics or anything close. Maybe I'm not trying hard enough. Even though I've never hunted sheep, I remember someone saying "don't go chasing dead rams", but I think that was from a podcast. You still have to make a big commitment to try for a sheep in the UL, even as a NR. I've picked up a few good tips on here related to gear, glassing, bears, etc., but it's not truly UL or even sheep specific stuff. I think the popularity in hunting (even though much of it these days is spread by d-bag social media influencers), the widespread sharing of hunting tips/knowledge on forums in general, and apps and websites that confirm your suspicions that you will NEVER draw a sheep tag, all play a part in increased numbers of hunters in the UL. It's not just the fault of this thread. 25 years ago the gear to keep you in the backcountry was much different as well. Things progress, time changes all, and sometimes adapting sucks. My oldest son turned 13 yesterday, I know. Anyway, I'm very thankful for this thread and the few others like it where guys encourage and celebrate the efforts and trials that each other share. I hope it stays.
