Foremost, I want to thank
@sophia.elayne . She is the true warrior in all of this. Her dedication to our children makes it possible to find time to do this stuff. You deserve your flowers! I also would like to thank the CTWS BNR staff for all they do by making these hunts possible for tribal members and for all their conservation efforts for the California Bighorn Sheep on Reservation and ceded lands. Protecting our treaty rights and supporting tribal members who still choose a subsistence lifestyle. The on reservation management plan for our fish and wildlife is better than ever. I would like to recognize Johnny Holiday Sr. for being beside me on the glass when we went hot, and for packing out heavy. The bros behind the lenses
@matthardinge and
@arianstevens for documenting such an incredible animal and
@stoneglacier for all their support.
• On July 29th, the tribe held a public hunters meeting in Warmsprings. This was the time lottery draws for trophy animals would be drawn. I had my little guy, Matthew Jr (5) by my side as my good luck charm. The Deschutes draws were up and he heard his name called for a Class 4 Ram. He was stoked… In reality, when I heard my name selected it took every ounce of composure not to lose my shit. After letting it sink in a bit, I knew I had to bring a Ram home that the tribe could be proud of.
• I typically roll solo on most hunting and fishing trips. I can confidently say that I’m at peace in my own company. I’ve typically been a lone wolf most my life in that aspect. Being away from humans, and connecting directly with the resource without any distractions is one of the reasons why I do it. This hunt hit different and from the start, felt like I had something to prove as a provider.
• Ive recently lost my grandfather and the overwhelming presence of him beside me in spirit never faded. Turned out to be a healing mission loaded with good medicine. I put a copious amount of time into this hunt is an understatement. I took time away from work, family, burned I don’t know how much money in boat gas, fuel, sleeping in dust for days at a time, heat, exhaustion & hiking my tail off on some pretty nasty ground keeping track of him… 182
