Who's bagged an OR Bighorn?

Dogfish · 01-20-2002, 12:35 PM

I've been putting in apps for 5 years now, so I should draw a tag in 5 or 10 years.

I make my choices based on a few things. First, the number of tags to applicants in past draws ratio. Second, the animals seen per hunter to number of tags issued per unit ratio. Third, my familiarity of the area. Fourth, the nature of the terrain.

We get 4 hunt choices up here in Washington and so I figure if I draw any of four areas with a good density of animals, in an area I've been to before, and terrain I know I can handle that my hunt has been made "easier" before it even starts.

Get your keys, gas up the truck, and head out for some scouting. You might find that you don't even want to think of hiking into some areas, let alone try to pack an animal out. Start with last year's info in this manner and you will be ahead of the game when it comes time to apply.

Joe · 01-20-2002, 01:29 PM

After 14 years of rejection notices I drew a East Beattys Butte second season tag last year. I picked that hunt because I felt it would give me the best chance at a tag. I think all of Oregons sheep units have trophy (mature) rams.

I killed a beautiful ram on the second day after a five hour stalk. This was the first sheep kill I have been in on and must say I was not disappointed. They are truly incredible animals!

My advice to anyone reading this is to not wait until you draw a tag to go spend some time in sheep country. The scouting trip was as much fun as the hunt. I am going back this summer just to take some pictures and vidio some sheep.

Fish Hunter · 01-20-2002, 11:19 PM

Who here has been lucky enought to draw? Did you bag one too? Let's hear your story. Was it what you expected? I'm thinking positively about drawing one someday soon.

This year I need to make an effort to learn more about which unit to choose, since we only get one chance this lifetime. Does anyone know any good resources to get started with? Want to choose a unit with some good trophy potential and reasonable access, although I'm willing to go the distance to get a good one.

horseskull · 01-21-2002, 07:22 PM

I hunted the Alvord Peaks, second season in 2000. Took a nice ram. It was a great experience, meet a lot of great people and hunted in some of the most desolate country around. I applied for 17 years before I drew this tag.
Many areas offer great hunting and good access. Areas to look at would be Catlow or Steen's. Too few sheep in Alvord.

sliverpicker · 01-22-2002, 12:36 PM

This will be be my 30th year of applying for an Oregon bighorn tag :depressed: Sure hope I draw before I get too old! Two of my cousins have drawn Steens tags. And I fortunate to help guide a fellow two years ago in the Sheep Mtn area. He killed a 172" ram, with 16 1/2" bases. Almost as much fun as having the tag myself.

I've played the numbers game, but can't seem to pull one. I've also been applying for a Montana tag the last 5 years.

sliverpicker

Fish Hunter · 01-22-2002, 12:54 PM

I know what you mean about time remaining. I'm still a pup at thirtyeight. The years seem to be accelerating! One goal of mine is to take a decent trophy of all the Oregon big game species on public land. Except the Goat, those odds are truly astronomical. Ok I would probably waffle on the public land part too. I think the Big Horn and Wapiti will be the tough ones. Birdhunter's probably got that accomplished by now. :grin: Which ones are you missing Ben?

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birdhunter · 01-22-2002, 03:04 PM

Thanks Jay. Just the Ram and the Antelope. Screw the goat (not in a BOE way either). :tongue: All I need to do is draw one of those tags. All my "trophies" have been on public land.

(How big is a trophy silver gray anyways?)