ALASKA RANGE DALL SHEEP HUNT
OUR DALL SHEEP HUNTS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED
DALL SHEEP HUNT
Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli dalli)
Our Dall Sheep hunts take place in the Alaska Range Mountains of Alaska. You will either fly commercially from Anchorage into McGrath or take a charter out of Lake Hood in Anchorage to a specified airstrip. This will be pre-arranged prior to the hunt and then we will meet you and take you the rest of the way in our Piper Super Cub. Our Dall Sheep hunts take place in the Alaska Range Mountains of Alaska. You will either fly commercially from Anchorage into McGrath or take a charter out of Lake Hood in Anchorage to a specified airstrip. This will be pre-arranged prior to the hunt and then we will meet you and take you the rest of the way in our Piper Super Cub.
Dall Sheep hunts can and are one of the most physically demanding hunts in North America and this one is no exception. We utilize our aircraft to access the most remote area’s Alaska has to offer, but then inevitably we begin the hike. Plan your backpack weight to as little as you can spare. Typically 50 lbs or less on your hike in is a good place to start. We will typically have you drop your “town cloths and gun case” at base came or in McGrath to cut down on weight in the aircraft. Every pound counts on your back and in the aircraft so please for this hunt don’t bring too much stuff. You may be spiking out on a river bar with sheep above you or hiking miles back into a remote bowl. We carry our camp on our backs often camping in different spots every night. Being in the best physical shape you can be in and having the proper gear help your chances, but in my opinion a positive attitude and can do work ethic will help you achieve your sheep hunting goals.
We offer sheep hunts in August which can be some of the nicest weather one might see while hunting in Alaska. The days are long (18-20 hours) with very little darkness (4-6 hours). Temperatures vary from right around freezing, 32 degrees fahrenheit up to around 80 degrees fahrenheit on a very nice day. We can and do get our share of rain and wind depending on the year and which drainage we are hunting. Layering clothes and planning for some wet conditions is a must.
During the sheep season, Black Bear and Caribou are also available to hunt and you will most likely see both while pursuing sheep. So if they are on your list of animals to hunt make sure you have the proper tags. Some of the area’s we hunt sheep have large numbers of sheep and you can expect to see multiple bands before picking your trophy, while some sets of hills just like to hold a couple big old rams. For rifle hunters we like to be within 300 yards for a shot but being very accurate at distances further out is always a good idea.
Once you’ve completed your hunt and are ready to head home you will need to get the sheep sealed by fish and game in McGrath or in Anchorage. They are only open Monday through Friday and have specific hours for sealing. We may be able to help you with this but I would plan on spending some extra time after your hunt is complete to do so. Remember you are always dealing with weather up here. Giving yourself a couple extra days prior to the hunt and after the hunt is a good way to ease stress and to be ready for the days you are in the field. Hunting sheep in Alaska is tough but I can not think of another hunt that is more rewarding and fun than a Dall Sheep hunt.
ADDITIONAL TROPHY FEE
Trophy fees are an additional fee for animals harvested that are NOT the Primary animal hunted. Primary animals are paid in full 30 days prior to the hunt.
Example: You buy a sheep hunt and have a caribou tag as well. If you decide to hunt and successfully kill a caribou you will have to pay a trophy fee for the caribou prior to leaving the field.
One exception to this is the Caribou hunts on the Alaska Peninsula. If you would like to hunt a second caribou you will need to pay prior to starting to hunt for it. Your hunts are considered over once your primary animal is killed. Also if blood is drawn on an animal but it is not recovered your hunt is considered over as well.
Trophy Fees: Sheep $10,000, Moose $8,000, Grizzly/Brown Bear $6,000, Caribou $5,000, Black Bear $1,000, Wolverine $1,000, Wolf $0
Observer Rate (non hunting party member) $500 per day 5 day minimum ($2500)
ADDITIONAL TROPHY FEE
Percentage of Hunt Cost: A common guideline is to tip between 10% – 20% of the total cost of the hunt, depending on the quality of service and your satisfaction with the experience. For example, if your hunt costs $10,000, you would tip between $1,000, and $2,000 for an exceptional experience. (Guide, Packer, Cook, Pilot)
Factors to Consider
Service Quality: Consider the guide’s professionalism, knowledge, effort, and overall service quality. Excellent service warrants a higher tip.
Success of the Hunt: While the success of the hunt can be a factor, it’s important to recognize that guides can work hard regardless of the outcome. Effort and dedication should be acknowledged even if the game is not successfully hunted.
Additional Staff: If there are assistant guides, cooks, packers, pilots or other staff who contributed to your experience, it is customary to tip them as well. This can be a smaller amount compared to the main guide but should reflect their contributions.
How to Tip
Cash Tips: Cash is often preferred, but ensure you have the appropriate denominations to avoid any inconvenience.
Envelope: Presenting the tip in an envelope with a thank-you note adds a personal touch.
Timing: The tip is usually given at the end of the hunt, during the final goodbyes or when you settle the final bill.
Special Considerations
Guide-Owner: If your guide is also the owner of the outfitting business, tipping is still appropriate but can sometimes be adjusted since they are profiting from the overall fee of the hunt.
Additional Suggestions
Research Ahead: Before your trip, research typical tipping practices for the specific outfit or area you will be hunting in. Sometimes outfitters provide guidelines or suggestions.
Ask for Recommendations: If unsure, you can ask other experienced hunters or even the outfitter for recommendations on appropriate tipping.
Pursue the hunt
COME EXPERIENCE THE UNTAMED WILDERNESS OF ALASKA’S “LAST FRONTIER”.
Call Us for more info: 1-907-382-6717