I just got back from Hawaii, where I ended up on a self-guided run for mouflon sheep at 9,000’ on Mauna Kea. I’ll post a report when I can lash one together, but until then, I’ve got some questions.

For several reasons, I’ll hunt sheep only in Hawaii for now. It’s illegal to stay in hunting areas overnight, so these will be day hunts. The valley floor is at 6,500’ and I have use of a reliable 4WD vehicle. A good road climbs past 13,500’ or I can park below that and traverse the contour lines.

The ground is rocky and rough, with little outcroppings, gulches and cliffs. The sheep live in moderate to thick brush and stand watch from the cliffs. With careful hunting, most shots could be from 75m to 200m. A light variable wind blows uphill constantly, but I doubt it’s strong enough to be much concern on those shots.

I have 7x42 Leica binoculars, a short, light, accurate rifle with a good scope, and a good rain jacket. I’m at home with a map and compass, and from my military service I have the right first aid/survival knowledge and gear. Once a sheep is down, I plan to bone it out and pack the meat out on a frame.

At this point I just want to learn the ropes. What do you recommend for pack frames, boots, or any other gear? What is the tipping point between binos and spotting scopes? What about an altimeter? Finally, I live 300’ above sea level, and the lack of oxygen at 9,000’ affected my judgement and generally kicked my ass. How to you train to hunt at altitude? What other tricks should I know?

Thanks in advance, Okie John.

Okie, sounds like a solid plan and fun hunt... something I'd like to do!

As to gear, I'll always take a top quality daypack by a reputable maker from the backpack industry over any so-called "hunting" packs. "Mystery Ranch" packs made here in Bozeman are awesome... they're made and designed by Dana Gleason of "Dana Design" fame... he'll sew the bags in nearly any fabric color (including camo) you want and is making stuff for Special Op's guys as well.

Regarding conditioning, the only way to acclimate to altitude is to go to altitude... simple. As to excercise, running stairs is the best you can do.

BA

I'll second what Brad says about acclimation (Hi Brad, how're things in Bozeman and area?). I've worked up to 12,000 feet, and the only real way to get used to it is to be there exercising. I'll also put in a recommendation for Kifaru packs, good gear . - Dan

Poor bastard...You have caught an uncurable affliction.
Welcome to the club.

Heya Dan... all's well... finishing up my house and will move in the end of March.

You'll be happy to know I picked up a Ruger stainless 350 RM (plastic stock and all-steel floorplate). 22" bbl (mic's .645" @ muzzle), 1-12" twist, 2.90" magazine and feeds perfectly... got it Saturday but haven't shot it yet. With sling, three rounds and a Leupold 2x7 weigh's a hair over 8.25 lbs... I'll re-stock in fiberglass and get it in the 7.75 lb area... it's off to Dave Gentry for a good bead blast first!

BA