I was lucky enough to draw a California Bighorn tag this year. I killed a Rocky Mountain Sheep a few years ago and then started putting in for the other species of sheep here in the state.
Crazy year for me with Business, family, racing, and hunting so I didn't ever get a chance to scout the area. There were also 4 other tags already filled in the unit before I could get out and hunt. I wasn't expecting too much except getting out and experiencing new country and seeing sheep. This is a very remote are without cell service or towns. Roads are very rough and there is a wilderness area surrounding the canyon. There are spots where you can drive less then a mile from the rim to many miles of hiking to get there.
I took off the last week of the season and headed out. I had contacted some friends and we all networked. I received a phone number of a person experienced in the area and made contact. He planned to meet me out there during the weekend. Cool.
So I slept in the truck as I had no good idea where to start. First light of Thursday morning and I found a spot on the rim. It was blowing a good 30-40 mph and snowing. Found sheep right away across the canyon. Ewes and lambs only but still warmed me up. I then hiked most of the day until the wind and cold got the best of me. Saw a few bands but no Rams.
Friday; much better weather. Still on my own and hiked a few miles in a different direction. I finally saw a ram on my side of the canyon. I stalked up to 38 yards, but not quite the ram I was dreaming of. He was 5-1/2 years old according to the rings. Cool, having a great time. I could see sheep across the canyon, but had no idea how to get over there. I have hunted very tough country before, but this was impassable country with no way to get across.
http://s721.photobucket.com/user/IdahoRob/media/canyonviewofsheephunt.jpg.html
Crazy year for me with Business, family, racing, and hunting so I didn't ever get a chance to scout the area. There were also 4 other tags already filled in the unit before I could get out and hunt. I wasn't expecting too much except getting out and experiencing new country and seeing sheep. This is a very remote are without cell service or towns. Roads are very rough and there is a wilderness area surrounding the canyon. There are spots where you can drive less then a mile from the rim to many miles of hiking to get there.
I took off the last week of the season and headed out. I had contacted some friends and we all networked. I received a phone number of a person experienced in the area and made contact. He planned to meet me out there during the weekend. Cool.
So I slept in the truck as I had no good idea where to start. First light of Thursday morning and I found a spot on the rim. It was blowing a good 30-40 mph and snowing. Found sheep right away across the canyon. Ewes and lambs only but still warmed me up. I then hiked most of the day until the wind and cold got the best of me. Saw a few bands but no Rams.
Friday; much better weather. Still on my own and hiked a few miles in a different direction. I finally saw a ram on my side of the canyon. I stalked up to 38 yards, but not quite the ram I was dreaming of. He was 5-1/2 years old according to the rings. Cool, having a great time. I could see sheep across the canyon, but had no idea how to get over there. I have hunted very tough country before, but this was impassable country with no way to get across.
http://s721.photobucket.com/user/IdahoRob/media/canyonviewofsheephunt.jpg.html
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