I recently did a podcast episode #145 with Craig Steele of Exclusive Pursuit Outfitters and Darr Colburn of Colburn and Scott Outfitters on the different Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Units. In this podcast we go over draw odds, number of applicants, prior years harvest data, unit conditions, and many more variables. If you have any questions about the draw or sheep units that doesn't get answered in the podcast episode please feel free to contact me at jayscottoutdoors@gmail.com
Photo by Colburn and Scott Outfitters
Here are my top AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep Units for a non resident
22
31/32
37A
15D
40A
43B
44B North
13B North
Jay Scott Outdoors Big Game Hunting and Fishing Podcast Episode #145
I have a lot of photos to share from the 2015 desert bighorn sheep hunt scouting missions. I hope you guys have a very Merry Christmas. I think it is important to remember that Jesus Christ is the reason for celebration this time of year and not some fat little guy in a red outfit that has been so glamorized by our society. It seems as the evil one has created some serious distractions in our lives to take away from the real message we should be celebrating.
Here is a photo collage and video at the bottom of the life of Gnarly the Ram. Darr Colburn and I were fortunate to spend time around this guy and we enjoyed every minute of it. This ram was the one that I had targeted for Craig Dunlap's general season sheep tag in Unit 22. He was the most mature ram that I knew about in the unit. Our hopes were high in anticipation for the upcoming hunt and the opportunity to hunt the Gnarly ram. Unfortunately for Craig, the Arizona Auction Desert Sheep hunter harvested this ram prior to the start of the general season. While disappointed, I am very excited for the hunter, Tony Loop and his guide Sam Dieringer for working so hard and harvesting Gnarly with a bow and arrow. They deserve all of the credit for their hard work and achievement. I am very grateful for the dollars that the auction tag brings to help preserve and protect the Bighorn Sheep herds across the state.
We first have recognizable video of Gnarly in the fall of 2012 as you will see in the video. It was fun watching his progress over the years. He was high on our list of prospective rams last season while scouting for the AZ Auction Desert Sheep hunter. We were concerned a bit about the big chip on his right horn at his first quarter measurement that you can see in photo 9 and 12. In 2015, the ram seemed to have actually pushed out his length a bit and the measurement might just miss the crack. Regardless of the technicalities, Gnarly is a sweet mature ram and it was a true blessing to be in his presence. Enjoy the pics and video!
We had an unreal desert bighorn sheep hunt with friend and client, Craig Dunlap of Spokane, Washington in Arizona's Unit 22. Craig harvested this class IV ram on the 2nd evening of the hunt. Craig was able to come out a week early and scout with us. We had our heart set on a ram we called "Gnarly" who was harvested just prior to the start of the general season by the AZ auction hunter (many pics and video to come). We had to scramble a bit because Craig really want a mature ram that had some warrior characteristics in his horn. There are a lot of young rams in Unit 22 but not a ton of mature rams left like the good old days. This ram fit that description and was a great ram to harvest. Make sure to watch the video at the bottom of Craig's hunt. His reaction to the conclusion of the hunt is priceless and why I love guiding hunters so much! We have tons of photos and video to post of the hunt that we will be posting real soon. The success of this hunt would not have be possible without our team of good friends who were willing to help and put forth an effort like the tag was their own. Special thanks to Seth Meeske, Hunter Haynes, Hunter McGaughey, Dave Martin, Reed Workman and Dan Bright. Craig had a bunch of good friends that also came out and camped and scouted with us, Tres and Bif McCollom, Gary Sheldon, Todd Govig, Jim and Jay. I am so thankful to be able to enjoy one of God's most magnificent animals and so grateful to be a sheep hunter and guide! I would like to thank my friend Craig Dunlap for putting your trust in Colburn and Scott Outfitters with your coveted sheep tag and coming to the hunt so prepared both mentally and physically!
The fall hunting season has been going great! Here are some more sheep scouting photos from the past several weeks. The general season sheep hunts in Arizona are just around the corner. I will post some photos soon of Darr's son, Parker, Arizona Strip hunt in Unit 13B here real soon.
After the Super Big Game Raffle Desert Sheep was completed, I continued scouting for the December general season and it is a true blessing to have a client in a great unit. It is very interesting to see how these sheep behave throughout the different months. One thing that remains constant is that sheep move a lot and are the most nomadic animals that I hunt. The best place to look for a big ram is anywhere but the last place you saw it! Some weeks the rams are by themselves and some weeks the rams are with ewes. I have been taking inventory and really enjoying being out in God's creation. I love big chips in rams because they tell a story about that animal. Each one of the rams that I have been watching has there own unique personality. Some are lovers, some are fighters, some are loaners and some can't seem to stay away from their buddies. It is funny how I have friends that are the exact same way. The trick to scouting for desert bighorn sheep in my mind is to be constantly moving just like they are. Don't stay in one spot too long. It is important to take inventory of all of the sheep and remember the places that you see them. They most likely will return to that spot over the next couple of months. Another good rule of thumb is that they like to bed up high at night for safety. Late evenings and early mornings they can often be found in the highest rocks and cliffs that seem unapproachable to humans and other predators. I am fortunate to be named as a Globalstar/Spot Brand Ambassador and have thoroughly enjoying using the Spot Gen 3 GPS and Tracking device and the Globalstar 1700 GSP Satellite Phone. I have actually owned the Satellite phone for over 10 years. The service now compared to back then is not even comparable. Globalstar spent one billion dollars on their satellites and it shows as the calls don't get dropped near as much and the service is lightning fast! My wife really likes when I send her messages with the Spot Gen 3 from the backcountry letting her know that I am ok. Scouting continues...
I have been blessed to have my client Craig D. from Washington make several trips down to scout with me. He has been a pleasure to scout with!
