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AZBULLHUNTER

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Posts posted by AZBULLHUNTER

  2. Posted · Report reply

    After obtaining the maximum number of bonus points I drew the unit 28 Rocky Mountain Sheep tag. I set up camp on Oct 18th and started scouting four days a week. During the scouting and hunting period I saw 75 different rams but never saw a really big ram. There are a large number of rams in the 160 range but finding one with horns that swing up or flare out was difficult. Opening day brought temperatures 20 degrees less than the week before. Opening day I saw two rams together. one nice ram except he had a broken horn. Day two brought snow and rain and very poor hunting conditions. We saw 8 rams that day the largest in 170 point range. Five of the rams that were together were high on the mountain and miles from the nearest road. They were probably not huntable for me.Another nice ram was across a canyon and although shootable it would have been tough to retrieve him. I decided to pass on him.Day 3 we saw 8 more rams in the same area the largest around 165-170. They were in a fairly easy area to hunt but I decided to pass on them. I had seen the largest of the rams a couple of weeks earlier several miles away.

     

    Day 4 brought heavy low fog so I did not hunt in the morning. In the afternoon I went out and saw the same herd of sheep I had seen on day two.

     

    Day 5 the first thing in the morning I located a herd of sheep in a an area that was easy to hunt. After looking at the ram for 30 minutes I decided to take him. One shot ended my sheep hunting in Arizona.I had previously taken a ram 25 years earlier. I had friends Charlie and Josh with me the first three days of the hunt but for today I was by myself. With great difficulty I field dressed the ram and tried to get him to where my ATV could reach him. Finally the other hunter drove by and helped me get my ram to my truck. I can not remember their names but I appreciated their help.

     

    For those that have never hunted this unit you will see a lot of rams. Some are very difficult and dangerous to hunt. Some are not too hard to shoot but could be very difficult to retrieve. I saw many that were hours away from the closest road. Be in shape or be patient until they move into a more accessible area. Some of the unit is in very remote and rugged country. An ATV is a very useful tool. I scouted 25 days (at least) put thousands of miles on my truck and 1200 miles on my ATV and I loved every minute of it.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    This was the toughest hunt (mentally), not physically that I have ever been on. You know you will never draw the tag again. You worry about weather issues or getting sick or catching a cold like I did.

     

    A hunter can draw this tag and go up there and harvest a ram without too much effort or time. I knew that before the hunt but I wanted to experience the whole experience. I wanted to see the whole unit. I wanted to get wet driving in Eagle Creek and Bonita Creek. I wanted to hunt the Gila and San Francisco rivers.

     

    As a good friend told me before the hunt there is more to sheep hunting than just shooting a ram. He was right. As you all know sheep hunting is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. Very few people get to experience it. I have been fortunate to have done it twice.

     

    I need to thank my friends Charlie and Josh Sprung for their help the first three days.I want to thank my friend Mike Mell, the best sheep hunter I have ever known, for the hours he spent giving me advice and encouragement and the proper perspective on what sheep hunting is all about. Mark Morris, a previous hunter gave me maps and hours of advice. Many deer hunters and locals went out of their way to provide information on sheep sightings to me. The ranchers in the area Cash Noland and the Corbels were very helpful as well.

     

     

    My ram scored right at 170 and I am very happy with him. Here are some pictures.

     

     

    sorry no pictures as I can not figure out how to upload them I have never had a problem attaching photos to anything else.

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  5. Posted · Report reply

    I have the 27/28 sheep tag, first hunt this year. I plan to take a short scouting trip next week. Any suggestions,tips or words of wisdom? I will be setting up a trailer somewhere there in late October and plan to be there several days a week until the hunt. I have been there once many years ago so do not remember a lot of the unit. It seems there are a bunch of locals who come on here and they are the resources I really like. I am looking forward to this hunt and all the preparation that goes into it. I have some health issues that might prevent some steep long climbs but I think I will be able to get around good enough.

     

    Thanks

  8. Posted · Report reply

    Several months ago an individual posted pictures of some sheep that were taken from his front porch. I would love to hear from him as I drew the tag there.

     

     

    That guy is my best friend. I will tell him to get in touch with you. Good luck with the tag.

    Thanks he can email me at kcchiefs52@gmail.com also.

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