A Ram of many dreams -
Three years ago I reached out to @dustinroe at @backcountrybcandbeyond and asked what he thought about a potential late season hunt for Stone Sheep. I told him if I was going to book what may be a once in a lifetime hunt, then I would want to do it as late in the season that’s safe so we have highest probability of finding a dark coat, thick and burly “Baddest Ram on the Mountain” looking Stone Sheep. He loved the attitude, we discussed the weather risks and decided the reward would be worth it and I yolo’d off a contract to him in the mail.
Other than family and work, this hunt has occupied more mental headspace than any other activity I’ve ever done. My kids cheered on as I punished myself into marathon shape, rehabilitated my herniated disc’s in my back, ensured each piece of gear was perfect and necessary and studied every aspect of sheep hunting I could.
Last week with @benalai_nz as my guide, we set off on the adventure I had been planning and prepping for so many years. With a full 10 days of provisions and gear for any weather condition, our packs were definitely way heavier than we would have liked but that didn’t slow us down.
This 10yr old late season Stone Ram had every character trait I could ever wish for and was such an emotional and surreal moment when I was finally able to put my hands on him.
“Find out what you love and let it kill you”
#sheep
#sheepshape
#killramstilldeath
#stonesheep
#rams
#defiant
“Old deer, New Friends”
A multi-year chase, lifelong friendship forged, shared sickness for the chase, missed flights. This story is going to take a while to spell out in full. The wives and families probably sacrificed the most if I’m being honest.
Forever grateful for all this deer taught us about what we didn’t know. Fate had me in the right place at the right time to finish the story but much of the credit goes to the team. A true suburban Monarch. To be continued….
📸 by @jesslynnepaul
#defiant #monarch #booner
New year, same tune. Big vibes, Big eats and lots of Big game to kick off first canyon trip of 2024’ #defiant #bigeye #whistle #funk #studio54 #fyp #sushi #toro #sashimi #omakase
Can’t believe this was 1yr ago today. Time to point her north and head back for the next adventure in a few days #alaska #sheep #kicked #out #moose #bowhunt #glacier #back #to #brooksrange
