Sheep Hunting Gear

While hunting sheep in Alaska, one must adapt to a wide range of temperatures and conditions; it is important to have the proper gear.

Clothing:

when considering clothing remember it is important to dress in layers. Climbing a steep slope on the sunny, leeward side of a mountain will have you sweating, while conditions at the top may chill you to the bone.

Base Layer

Base or "next to skin" layer should be lightweight, close fitting and wicking. Merino wool is ideal but can be costly. Many synthic fabrics are mositure wicking and retain insulating value when wet, making them suitable for next to skin layers. Polyester based synthetic fabrics may develope odors much quicker than wool or blended materials. Popular Brands include Smart Wool, WoolPower,Filson, Columbia.

Insulating Layer

Thermal Underware (Tops and Bottoms) - Long johns made of synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene or polyolefin are best. They are warm, lightweight and fast drying.

Shell layer

There are countless options for shell layers from wool and canvas to the new synhetics with hi-tech camoflauge patterns. Considerations include comfort, mobility, breathability, noiseyness, weight and color. Choice colors include midtone greys, tans, browns, and camo. Excessively dark or bright colors such as black, white, orange and red should be avoided.

Rain Gear

Lightweight is best. Frogg Toggs, Healey Hanson, Grundens

Footwear

Hunting Boots

Boots should be comfortable, waterproof and supportive. They should be broken in prior to your sheep hunt. Taller boots are benificial for crossing small streams and provide added ankle support. Premium insoles such as Superfeets can increase comfort and reduce fatige

Schnees Sheep Hunter by Lowa review.

Socks

Quality midweight wool or synthetic socks ( 6 or 4 pairs)

Overshoes / Waders

Neos overboots or Wiggy Waders for creek crossings

Pack

For sheep hunts a frame back pack with a volume of at least 4500 cubic inches is recommended. Backpacks should be equiped with waist belt, sternum strap and internal or external frame and capable of carring 40 pounds for extended perionds. Heavy items should be packed near the middle of the pack as close to the spine as possible. Frequent adjustments to backpack while hiking help in finding the "sweet spot" and reduce strain and fatigue.

Rifle

Popular rifle calibers for sheep hunting include .270, 7mm, 30-06, .308 and 300’s. Lightweight rifles are ideal for mountain hunts. Shot opportunities inside 100 yards are common and Dall sheep are not particularly hard to dispatch. Proficiency at greater distances may add flexibility to a stalk. Bring at least two boxes of ammo. Handguns are not needed on our hunts.

Optics

8X or 10X lightweight quality binoculars

Your sheep hunting guide will have a Spotting Scope and Rangefinder

Sleeping

Sleeping Bag

Synthetic, Lightweight, Compressable, comfortable down to 20deg F.

Sleeping Pad

Therma-rest, Mountain Harware, Big Agnes

Bivy Sack

OR, Mountain Hardware, Gortex

Tarp or Tent

Misc Items

Trecking Pole

Headlamp

Water Bottle

Hat

Gloves

Boot care

Hygine

Camera

Batteries

Medications