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Feb 12th, 2024
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 Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862139
08/20/17 01:24 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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8/10 Great sleep, great breakfast, horses in with only one small rodeo - and we're off to find a ram. 2 hour ride to area near base camp where small band of rams had been seen. Graham gives me the news - only way to check to see if they're still there is a near vertical climb of 1500 feet. So up we go. Tough, often hand climbing ascent. Every step had to be carefully taken. Exhausting, nerve-wracking. But I took my breaks and concentrated on the next ledge - one at a time. Near top Graham had more bad news - looked like we were cliffed out. But one last try found a route via a small ledge and a drop that I still have never looked at. Just sidestepped across and didn't think about it. Took this pic about halfway up just to have evidence of what done me in.  (Sorry it's sideways.) 
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862143
08/20/17 01:26 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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I'm tired too ringworm so hopefully it won't take too long. Hang with me buddy.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862146
08/20/17 01:28 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Keep in mind plan is to ride 10 hours into the backcountry to spike out on 8/11. This was just a scouting/check them out closer mission....
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862184
08/20/17 01:57 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Still 8/10:
Reached the top. Beautiful alpine plateau. Good news: we now had the "drop" if the rams were here. Best news: Troy spotted two rams - a wide flare ram and a small ram. Now, where is the tight curl ram that was also with the bunch? He was the one we really wanted a good look at....
Just then, we saw him just as he crossed over a ridge - still no good look.
When the other two followed, we backed out to hopefully get ahead of them.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862203
08/20/17 02:13 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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In short order, wide-flare and small ram were located bedded down again. Just a waiting game now. Looking down just as I settled in for a nap. (Sideways again.) 
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862230
08/20/17 02:37 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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The nap was not a long one. Graham hit my boot and said "The small one's up-get rested and set up on the pack and let's see what we've got." I was no more settled and a round chambered when wide-flare came into view going down and away. The thought flashed "Should I consider him?" But the answer (this early) was no. Just then, another ram came into view working his way up between two rocks. It was all happening fast, but even I knew this was the one I had come for. Quartering-to at a steep downward angle. 100 yards. Graham said "Clay, shoot that ram. Now!" I could feel the muted excitement in his voice. The ram hopped up out of the rocks, I steadied, and fired - all faster than it takes to type it. The rifle's report and the sound of the hit echoed together. He shuddered at the hit, dove off between the rocks he had just come out of, and I just caught his hindquarters giving way as he rounded the corner out of view. Troy said, "Perfect shot, he's hit hard and I could see blood gushing from the off-shoulder. He'll be down right there!" And he was - laying wedged in a small crevice just out of sight. "OMG!!", the boys said, "Where did HE come from??" As I watched 3 rams meandering and finally running away - small ram, wide-flare, and ANOTHER tight curl- it finally hit me this was a ram they had not seen. The lead ram. And my dream ram. Big, 12 years old, and beautiful.   Epilogue tomorrow guys...
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862231
08/20/17 02:42 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,922
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,922 |
Wow, just wow! Awesome pics and nice shooting NP. Congrats big time!
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862234
08/20/17 02:45 AM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,201
Theringworm
Pro Tracker
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The nap was not a long one. Graham hit my boot and said "The small one's up-get rested and set up on the pack and let's see what we've got." I was no more settled and a round chambered when wide-flare came into view going down and away. The thought flashed "Should I consider him?" But the answer (this early) was no. Just then, another ram came into view working his way up between two rocks. It was all happening fast, but even I knew this was the one I had come for. Quartering-to at a steep downward angle. 100 yards. Graham said "Clay, shoot that ram. Now!" I could feel the muted excitement in his voice. The ram hopped up out of the rocks, I steadied, and fired - all faster than it takes to type it. The rifle's report and the sound of the hit echoed together. He shuddered at the hit, dove off between the rocks he had just come out of, and I just caught his hindquarters giving way as he rounded the corner out of view. Troy said, "Perfect shot, he's hit hard and I could see blood gushing from the off-shoulder. He'll be down right there!" And he was - laying wedged in a small crevice just out of sight. "OMG!!", the boys said, "Where did HE come from??" As I watched 3 rams meandering and finally running away - small ram, wide-flare, and ANOTHER tight curl- it finally hit me this was a ram they had not seen. The lead ram. And my dream ram. Big, 12 years old, and beautiful. Epilogue tomorrow guys... HOLY Sheeep!!  Stud Sheep NP. I don't know how you were able to keep steady with all that happening so quickly. Congrats on an amazing trophy!
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862238
08/20/17 02:50 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Honestly ringworm, the climb paid double dividends - got us the drop on the rams and took all my adrenaline away. I was tired, but relaxed because the hard work was behind me at that point. Had my nap been 2 hours? Who knows?
Thankfully, it wasn't....
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Jgraider]
#6862239
08/20/17 02:50 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,914
Simple Searcher
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Wow, just wow! Awesome pics and nice shooting NP. Congrats big time!  excellent
![[Linked Image]](https://live.staticflickr.com/4340/36432483774_50a6be0c41_m.jpg) "Man is still a hunter, still a simple searcher after meat..." Robert C. Ruark
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862240
08/20/17 02:52 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,091
Elkhunter49
THF Trophy Hunter
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Holy smokes what a Great Great ram and trophy. I've been reading along and wanted to hold my comments for the end but I can't wait. Well done sir, well done! 
A true friend reaches for your hand but touches your heart.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862242
08/20/17 02:53 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,797
dogcatcher
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Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/usergals/2018/09/full-3152-162968-charge_air_assault.jpg)
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862244
08/20/17 02:55 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Two more steps and he would have been 700 - 1000 feet down. The Good Lord takes care of little children and fools I suppose...
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862257
08/20/17 03:13 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,250
TEXASLEFTY
THF Whiskey Sommelier
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Posts: 19,250 |
Congrats!!! Thanks for all you have posted!!
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862265
08/20/17 03:29 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 14,011
NDN98
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Heck of a ram. Congrats NP!
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862271
08/20/17 03:35 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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One last ram photo after we moved him - sorry about the blood we cleaned him up twice to no avail. 
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862288
08/20/17 04:08 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,243
Erny
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Feb 2011
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Congrats on a fantastic sheep!!!!!!!!!!
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862314
08/20/17 05:24 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,609
Sneaky
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Glad a bear didn't eat you.
Beautiful ram. What a curl!
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862317
08/20/17 05:27 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,205
LuckyHunter
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,205 |
Congratulations beautiful Ram! Great memories, enjoy.
Lucky 7 Exotic Ranch located in Eden, Tx. Well managed self sustaining herds roaming our 3,000 acre ranch. First Class Lodging, Ranch style meals and qualified guides. 30+ species.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862325
08/20/17 05:47 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Thanks guys, you all have been a big part of it. I've really been looking forward to getting back here to Whitehorse - mainly to share the hunt with all of you. Will post the epilogue, more photos of the beautiful Yukon, and hopefully some short videos to give a little taste of a backcountry pack in hunt. We did eventually make that spike camp pack in - just with no pressure to find a ram. Finally, as I am a gear/preparation nut I'll share some thoughts on that. Finally, finally - more camera photos of the Yukon and its wildlife when I get back and get them downloaded.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862339
08/20/17 10:30 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Epilogue:
Celebrations, a long pause to laugh, talk, reflect on the hunt, a careful photo session, and the guys caping/dressing the ram took 3 hours. One of the best 3 hours I will ever spend.
Then a quad-burning and scary (for me - not those mountain goat boys) descent down the mountain. The guys laughed, talked, and rested (waiting on me) with their 80-90 lb. packs all the way down. Simply amazing.
Lead the horses off the mountain and finally into camp at 11:30 PM - never so tired in my life. Every step was literally a chore. But we weren't done. It's sheep ribs over the fire to celebrate and finally to bed at 1 AM. Almost too spent to walk from the campfire to my cabin - but sleep was instant and the dreams were sweet.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862340
08/20/17 10:38 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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8/11 and 8/12:
Camp days to rest and for the guys to flesh/clean the cape. I barely moved the first day, began to feel the recovery the next, and was mostly fine by-
8/13:
We took a short ride out to check the carcass for bear or wolf - that's my hunt now. No action and back at camp by 6 PM. We celebrated Graham's 21st birthday on the mountain. He's been wrangling and now guiding for the outfit since he was 16. All I can say is that his competence is as good as it comes. Simply put, 21 in the Yukon is not the 21 we think of down here.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862342
08/20/17 10:44 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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8/14:
The guys loaded for the long ride back to spike camp. Just as they finished a storm set in with cold, sleet and rain. If sheep was still the goal we would have simply put on our raingear and headed out. It wasn't - and we didn't. I made the call and the guys let me since the main goal was done. So they dropped the panniers and we settled in to read, talk, and have supper in the woodstove heated cabin.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862346
08/20/17 10:56 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Headed out for spike camp by 9 AM. What a beautiful ride! Weather perfect. Seemed an even more beautiful vista than the last awaited around every bend as we gained elevation. Saw the first mountain goat seen in this range in years (a nice billy), wood bison, and mountain caribou. And, of course - more sheep, including some nice rams. (Those pics will have to wait.) Made camp, supper, and to bed. Some pics:   
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: 2017 Yukon Sheep Hunt
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6862349
08/20/17 11:02 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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8/16-8/18: Rode, glassed, sat hoping to see a grizzly or wolves. It didn't happen, but that's OK. What a camping trip! Awoke to ice the first morning, had gale force winds all night the second night, and finally perfect weather for the ride back on 8/18. You don't forget this beauty: 
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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