Area 3 Sheep Wyoming

[CHK]

Hello,
I have been in shock for the last 5 days since finding out I drew a sheep tag for area 3 in Wyoming. I have basically been worthless since learning of my luck as that is all my mind can focus on. I am a Wyoming resident and avid hunter in this great state. I never imagined hunting bighorn sheep, mainly because I thought I would ever be lucky enough to draw a tag. Now that it is reality I have my work cut out for me. I plan on a DIY hunt most likely with horses. I am not opposed to a backpack hunt. I am in great shape and have all the gear to pack in and stay. I am looking at the first week in September for 10 days or so. Since I do not know anything about sheep hunting I am open to suggestions on when, where, and how to hunt. Thanks in advance for the help and advice. I will be sure to post pictures of my adventures.

 

[markopolo50]

First of all congratulations on drawing the tag, you lucky dog!! I have been trying for 16 years to get a Bighorn sheep tag in your wonderful state. Maybe next year for me. Of course non residents aren't awarded as many tags as you guys.

If I was you I would hire an outfitter. I realize it isn't required for you as a resident but it would greatly increase your odds. Unless you have an idea where there are sheep, which I believe that is your intention with this post, I would spend the money and go with someone who knows the area and sheep locations.

Area 3 was my choice too so let us know how you do!!

 

[codyadams]

Butted right up against the south east side of Yellowstone...that will be an amazing hunt. And ya, unless you had 18 points, you only had a 1% or so chance of drawing. I'm assuming from your surprise that you drew a random draw with less than 17 points, as at 16 points your 1% random draw, 0% for points, then 17 points you jump to 22% on points, then 18 years you are 100%.

I am just starting to buy points this year, figuring that in 15-18 years I will have enough gear and rifles together to be able to do a hunt like this ha ha. I don't know that area, but as a fellow Wyoming resident, I would start talking to as many people as possible, chances are someone you know knows someone or has drawn a tag in that area and can set you up with someone that can give you info. And most importantly...I personally would plan twice as many days scouting pre-season as I plan to spend hunting during season!!! This would also be an awesome opportunity to take a metric **** ton of photos of the most beautiful place on earth. You will never want to forget this hunt. So good luck, from myself here in Lincoln County.

 

[CHK]

I was certainly lucky. I to just started building preference points. I only had 1 point going into the draw.

 

[codyadams]

I was certainly lucky. I to just started building preference points. I only had 1 point going into the draw.

Holy crap ha ha ya that was unexpected to say the least. However my Eastman's MRS research book did say that there was a chance Wyoming was going to be steadily increasing their sheep and mountain goat draw odds over the next few years. Even then though, it still had to be less than 1.5% odds. That's awesome man ha ha.

 

[codyadams]

Do you live close to your hunt area or is it a long drive to make scouting trips?

 

[CHK]

I will make many scouting trips. I can get to Cody in 2.5 hours. I plan on many trips in July and August.

 

[codyadams]

Awesome man. Good luck. Post lots of photos, I see your new to the forum, if you keep this updated there is a better chance someone that can help you will see this and give you some info. Plus, all of us jealous people want some eye candy ha ha.

 

[gillettehunter]

I killed a sheep a few yrs ago in area 2. One of my acquaintances had a permit that yr for area 3. He decided against hiring a guide. He hunted something like 12 days to kill a ram on the last day or two of the season. Couldn't find anything the first week.... I also know a guy who had tag soup for that unit. My hunting buddy put it this way to me. When are you going to draw that tag again? I will also recommend hiring a guide. Whether you hire a guide or not be sure and attend the wild sheep foundation convention in Casper June 2-3. This will be one of your best opportunities to meet hunters that have hunted that unit. Work the crowds!!!! ASK everyone you meet what they know about area 3. That could make or break your hunt.
Next be sure and visit the Cody fish and game office. I believe that they keep a map of sheep kill sites/drainages for each unit. Talk to the biologists. Find the sheep specialist for your unit. Talk to him and buy him lunch. Spend as much time as he can give you especially with a map.
Get the best maps that you can of the area. Your unit is adjacent to mine. They sheep will behave in a similar fashion. My guide called them "timber rats". When its hot they spend a lot of time in the timber. Plan on lots of glassing. My hunt was marred by smoke from fires in Yellowstone and Id. Made it hard to see sheep any real distance away.
Plan on glassing a lot. Get the best bino's that you can afford. You don't want eye strain after 3 hrs of glassing with 6 more hrs to go. Get a great spotting scope. That may help you avoid a long stalk on a animal that is not suitable. On my hunt we got up at about 6 and left camp around 7:30. Less than an hr later we were glassing. Plan on getting up high to glass. You want to be able to see some country. Once you get used to seeing sheep it will get easier. Look for the white rump patch and hope it doesn't snow early. Snow patches look a lot like a sheep...... If you can go in for a 10 day hunt I'd like go in 4 days before the season opened and hope to have a ram spotted to hunt on opening AM.
Remember you are in grizzly country. Keep a clean camp and bear spray handy. We had them walk through the main camp the 1st 3 nights that I was there. Main trail went through camp. Their tracks were on top of ours from the night before..... Electric fences might not be a bad idea. Congrats on drawing and good luck. Message me if you have questions or want a phone number to call. I'd be happy to chat..... Bruce

 

[wyosteve]

Just thought I'd run this up to see if CHK had success?

 

[CHK]

Hello,
I had a good first trip. We saw 14 rams with quite a few good shooters. I greatly underestimated how hard it would be to get to them once we saw them. The country wore us and my horses out quicker than I thought it would. I will be making more trips back in October.

 

[wyosteve]

Good Luck, CHK, hope the recent snows don't hinder your return trip. Let us know how you do.

 

[wyosteve]

Good Luck, CHK, hope the recent snows don't hinder your return trip. Let us know how you do.

CHK, how did the sheep hunt end up?