What would you say is the best time for sheep? If you were solely focused on sheep, what would be the differences between the early hunts in July vs the later hunts in August and Sept?

I am going in late August/early September.

The difference is that the earlier the hunt the more physical the hunt. In other words, the sheep are higher. Yes, it is warmer in July. Yes, the bugs are FAR worse in July.

Personally, I am taking a mid to late season hunt.

If you are looking at a backpack hunt, I'd go early. Early August has always been a favourite of mine. The weather is typically good and capes are beautiful. Bugs are rarely an issue at elevation.

Personally I'd rather go a little later. I took my dall the middle of Sept but that late the weather can play a big factor, but there were no bugs and he had a great cape. I think the rams taken in July look goofy with the short summer cape and the bugs will suck every ounce of blood from you.

Pros and cons to everything. I use to guide up there and I guess if it was me paying for a sheep hunt I would try to go around the last ten days of August, first week of September.

Cape is much better from mid August !

thanks for all the input. I'll keep it all in mind when picking dates. Sounds like early to mid-august might be the ticket.

well I just pulled the trigger on a cancellation hunt with MMO for the first sheep hunt in July.

I was a little hesitant being that it was the early hunt, knowing the hair would be shorter, the bugs would be gnarly, etc... but after talking to quite a few previous clients, I think it has just as many positives as negatives. Interestingly enough, many of the guys I spoke to are repeat clients and prefer the early hunt. So I just figured why not, either go sheep hunting NOW or wait a bunch more years

So I'm off to NWT in less than a month!

Enjoy the long days and nice weather!

quote:

Originally posted by Skyline:
Pros and cons to everything. I use to guide up there and I guess if it was me paying for a sheep hunt I would try to go around the last ten days of August, first week of September.

i agree with you but in the same time i wish we have an early season in Yukon then you can focus only on sheep.

July can be dry too and hard on drinkable water side too dont ask me how i learnt that lol ...

I asked that question once to an old Friend who has since passed away.. his name is Duane Smelser he was one of the greatest sheep hunters ever taking 6 Grand slams of North American Sheep..

This was his reply to me, If you want to hunt sheep and stack the odds for success in your favor then you should be first guy into sheep camp and to make sure that you are hunting opening day of the season, the weather is at its best and the biggest rams have not been spooked or shot off yet!!

Good Luck!

thank you