Columnist spares sheep population

Out & About, by Howard Delo

I survived my sheep hunt! If you're familiar with the rigors of sheep hunting, you can understand my exuberance with being alive now. Back in 1971, during my last sheep hunt, I was obviously younger and about 60 pounds lighter. But then, haven't we all aged a bit since then?

For the record, my hunting partner Keith Weiland and I did not kill a sheep with our archery gear. Keith did get a good stalk on a group of nine sheep, but an encounter with a black bear ultimately disrupted the stalk. I'll go into more detail about the hunt at another time. For now, I want to talk about our preparation and gear for such an endeavor.

If you are thinking about applying for a drawing permit for sheep or going on a regular hunt in the Brooks Range, for example, the first thing I suggest is getting a copy of Tony Russ' book "Sheep Hunting in Alaska." The first edition dates from 1994 and he has a completely revised second edition with the same title out this year. I have read both books and heard Russ speak at an Alaska Department of Fish and Game hunters clinic on sheep hunting. He knows what he is talking about, having been there, done that. The books are an easy read and are loaded with suggestions and facts about every facet of sheep hunting.

I am, unfortunately, a good example of not being in proper shape for sheep. If you are really serious about taking a sheep, you need to be in the best shape of your life -- my training motivator, Nick, will say "I told you so." The packs are heavy, the terrain is steep, and the sheep move at their pace, not yours. Train like your life depends on it -- it might. Enough said here.

Having the proper gear and knowing how to use it can literally be a life-and-death situation on a late-season hunt. I took a small one-man tent for shelter and a closed-cell pad and sleeping bag, with synthetic insulation, rated to 15 degrees F. We hung a tarp over base camp for more protection. I slept comfortably, even when the temperature dropped one night and froze our two-gallon jug of filtered water almost solid.

I have always used wool for cold weather hunt clothing. I recently discovered synthetic fabrics, like polypropylene and fleece clothing for cold, wet weather. I took a wool shirt and sweater along anyhow but never wore them. The poly long johns and long-sleeve undershirts, fleece shirts and nylon pants proved to be warmer and more durable than wool ever was for me. In fact, the only natural fiber clothing I had were the two wool garments I never used. Avoid cotton clothing of any kind. Cotton retains moisture and feels clammy.

Staying dry means staying warm. These man-made fibers do not absorb water and wick moisture away from your body to keep you comfortable. They provide surprisingly good insulation and, with the proper fabric weave, are also wind-proof.

My one major equipment failure on this trip was my boots. I have a 15-year-old pair of name brand, insulated leather boots I thought would work fine. I greased them up to provide waterproof footwear. Unfortunately, they didn't stay dry very long in the rain and snow and stream crossings we encountered. I woke up after that cold night I mentioned to find my boots frozen solid. Boy, it was sure fun getting dressed that morning!

Luckily, I had brought along two pairs of insulated GoreTex socks. They kept my feet dry and, for the most part, not cold (I can't honestly say warm). Get a pair of waterproof, insulated boots designed for mountain terrain. You'll be happy you did.

I'll finish discussing preparations and gear next week, including a few hints. Stay tuned.

Howard Delo is a retired fisheries biologist living in Big Lake. Send your comments and ideas to editor@frontiersman.

com, or call (907) 352-2268 and leave a message for Howard.