Well I said it last winter and I'll stick to my guns. I'm going sheep hunting this fall!!! I plan to go hiking/scouting the 3rd. week in July. If there are any members close to Calgary who would like to come along you're more than welcome. I have a friend (non-hunter) who is going to come, but there's always room for more.

A little info--I plan to go for about 4 or 5 days, packing very light with the backpack. I'm just bringing cold foods to eat so no cooking and no carrying heavy cooking gear, since it will be summer I doubt I'd miss warm food. Not exactly sure of the wmu yet but a good possibility it will be 410 (the bowzone) unless I can figure a better place to go. If I find sheep I'll pack in again in August to have another look at them and cache some food and equipment. That way I can get in faster during the hunting season...it also means I have to get back to retreive the equipment, a failsafe way to ensure the wife lets me go!!!

If anyone has sheep hunting suggestions I'd appreciate it!! Franz Diepstraten has shared some insights--thanks Franz. Some are-- glass more than you think you should, get off the trails etc.

Can anyone tell me the legalities of flying the area with a plane?? I know that in the mountain wmu's it's illegal to have a rifle in a helicopter, that makes sense to me. How many people use planes to scout, and is it actually feasable. I have a buddy who is a crop duster and damned good pilot--although a little loony!!!!

the chef

Chef,

A hot drink at the end of the day (or during the day if the weather is miserable!) can be a great morale booster. I bought a very small foldable thingy that screws onto little propane tanks. Two of those little tanks should do you just fine, or even one, if you only boil water for a cup or two a day.

I spent four days up the creek around opening day last year, and two days the weather was just horrible. Rain, fog, wind, just horrible. Boy did I enjoy those cups of hot chocolate!!

Frans

I have to agree, I was thinking of bringing a can of sterno and tin cup. I know the sterno won't put out much heat in the higher altitudes, but I'm real lazy and would rather not carry more than I have to.

By the way what does a sheep head and cape weigh? I'm guessing 50-80 lbs? What about the boned meat 40-50 lbs?

thanks

the chef

The head and cape are probably going to be closer to 75lb and the meat in the neighbourhood of 100-125lb. chances are slim that you will be able to bring a ram out in one trip as a single person.

I wish I could go and scout with you as some day I will be drawn for that WMU. Good luck in your scouting trip.

Mighty Peace you're welcome to come along!!! If you want to. just pm me and I'll give you my telephone # so we can chat.'

the chef

Thanks for the offer calgarychef1 but since I'll be geting married in September, my days off are very limited ( since I have to help plan...lol) plus on July 16 I have a wedding to attend. Good luck in your scouting trip, I think it would be a blast. When I get the chance finally to go I'll have to set up my base camp at my paretns in Cochrane(lol), and spike camp it in WMU 410 from there.

Also, not in the best of shape to be hiking all over the mountains yet, but I better start getting in shape since Elk season is near, and I love chasing those bulls during archery season.

HAVE FUN in your adventure.

quote:

Originally posted by Mighty Peace:
not in the best of shape to be hiking all over the mountains yet, .

God don't I know it! Did 16 k in the Rocks last Saturday, blew out the inside heel seam on my 4 year old pair of Miendls and removed a big chunk of my right heel. Thank God for duct tape! Doing just a 10 k tomorrow to see if the new boots and hoof are up to a good one on Sunday.