To Fly or Not to Fly

[Leryt]

Really the question is can I pull off to afford it.
I was lucky enough to draw DS204 and am planning to head out there taking my Double Broomed Mountain Rifle and a pack and see what I can do. I have a couple of ideas but honestly am still fairly inexperienced to mountain hunting but this will be my 3rd sheep hunt in 4 years. I'm excited to get back into the mountains and have been warned that DCUA has a ton of Grizz so to watch and prepare for that.

I'm down 10 pounds and going through gear already trying to cut weight from my last two outings as I was way heavy.
Anyway - any pointers or ideas that anyone would be willing to share will be heeded and added to the knowledge I'm Collecting. Thanks guys.

 

[Leryt]

I did my first Sheep hunt in 2020 - Chugach Archery and was unsuccessful but learned alot - and alot about back pack hunting.
Last year I tried to go out and spent about 5 days out but unfortunately due to stupidity had to cut my hunt short and learned that it isn't worth trying to go around sometimes and better to hike up and over - at least you wouldn't loose the rest of your hunt that way.
This year I'm looking to either quad/hike in since I'm in the late season but I was told I should look into flying. So I am pursuing multiple options into DCUA to see what I can accomplish.
Right now loosing weight, being healthier and soon hitting the range and preparing mentally will be the big steps. I'm hoping to take a couple of decent pokes at some Black Bear that will also help set my tone and mood for the rest of the year.

 

[Daveinthebush]

There is a ton of information in the search feature of this forum on sheep hunting/pack/food and other ideas that will help you. You're on the right track with the exercise. My first hunt I bought a treadmill and lost 22 pounds before the hunt. I even loaded my pack with the correct weight and hiked every other day up and down hill to work out. In 9 days of hunting, I lost 14-16 pounds.

If I could fly in and save myself some climbing and get farther away from people, I would. Problem is you never know if you landed in a great spot or a dead zone.

 

[4merguide]

A couple things: Unless you know of some honey hole you can hike in and out of without it taking too much time or hassle, then it's always better to fly in if you can afford it. Not only should you lose weight and eat healthier, but exercise. Imo, other than the mental aspect of sheep hunting, your leg strength and cardio will probably be tested the most. Lastly, I know you mentioned that you are trying to cut gear weight.... Along those same lines, I once had a fellow sheep hunter say to me, "I should have cut that top button off my shirt cause I sure as hell didn't need that!" I also remember reading an article from a die-hard sheep hunter that said, (this was back in the days when the MT House used to have a bag inside of a bag that you put your water in,) he used to get rid of the outer bag. Imo, that's how important it is to go in as light as possible. No doubt that it's nice to have a few luxuries when up there, but always remember that if you're going in solo and are successful, you'll not only be carrying a whole ram out on your back, but all that gear you brought in, minus some food. If you're strong enough it's nice to be able to carry the ram out in one trip rather than shuttling the meat. Remember EVERYTHING adds weight. When you are looking at the stuff you want to take, if you really have to think about it for very long, then you probably don't need it. Good Luck!

 

[4merguide]

There is a ton of information in the search feature of this forum on sheep hunting/pack/food and other ideas that will help you. You're on the right track with the exercise. My first hunt I bought a treadmill and lost 22 pounds before the hunt. I even loaded my pack with the correct weight and hiked every other day up and down hill to work out. In 9 days of hunting, I lost 14-16 pounds.

If I could fly in and save myself some climbing and get farther away from people, I would. Problem is you never know if you landed in a great spot or a dead zone.

I remember my first sheep hunt when I was young. A friend and I had a long hike in, and we brought out two rams. Even as young as I was it pretty much maxed me out. After I got home and got out of the shower my wife looked at my butt and said, "Yep you hiked your ass right off!" I can't remember how many pounds I lost and had black big toenail for months after.

 

[akgriz]

I did the 203 quite a few years ago--first morning there were 4 bears within 50 yards of my tent. I'd practice throwing rocks.... And coming down off the mountain in a rock slide after midnight with an entire ram in my pack smelling like early breakfast for every bear within 50 miles, well, let me say it was not an entirely enjoyable experience. Great memories, however!

 

[Redlander]

If you are considering flying in, you may already be too late to book a flight unless you have a friend with a plane. I’d call around yesterday.

 

[Leryt]

If you are considering flying in, you may already be too late to book a flight unless you have a friend with a plane. I’d call around yesterday.

You may be right. It wasn't an option when I first found out but trying to project ahead my wife has told me to start pursuing options. So we shall see what I can do.

 

[Brian M]

I hunted 204 once. I took an ATV in around Labor Day. Found a band of rams in the midst of one of the wildest snowstorms I've ever been in. Blew my chance, but definitely should have connected if things went slightly differently.

Walked in from the road for the last two days of the season and connected with a ram below treeline. You just never know - get in the hills however you can and put yourself in position for luck to smile on you. Yes, book a flight if you can. And if you can't, get in there anyway and enjoy the ride.

 

[dysonrichard801]

It sounds like you have a great opportunity to go on a sheep hunt in DS204 and you're taking steps to prepare for it. Mountain hunting can be challenging, so it's important to be physically and mentally prepared, as well as well-equipped with proper gear and knowledge.

May be helpful:

1. Fitness.
2. Gear.
3. Research.
4. Practice.
5. Safety.