Brian Rimsza's Arizona Unit 6A Rocky Mtn Sheep Hunt Photos 2

We have too many good photos of Brian's Rocky Mtn Sheep hunt so I figured I would just start posting them up.  Lots more to come on this epic adventure!

Brian Rimsza's Arizona Unit 6A Rocky Mtn Sheep Hunt Photos 1

The Arizona Unit 6A Rocky Mountain Sheep hunt came to a conclusion yesterday on opening day when Brian shot this awesome ram at 25 yards with his Elite bow.  The whole hunt was captured on video.  It was an honor to share this hunt with Brian and his friends and family.  I am constantly reminded of how awesome Gods creation is and yesterday was no different.  We have tons of video and photos to share from this hunt when we get home.  We also have a bunch of people to thank for their help with this hunt and we will be recognizing them soon.

Easy Elk Transport

Use a sled and friends for easy elk retrieval!

Posted by: Janis Putelis

The two best things to have on hand when you need to get an elk out of a non-motorized area are friends with backpacks and an Otter sled (though not necessary, a little snow helps).  The elk was 3 miles in as the crow flies.  Luckily we had an old snow covered road for 80% of the pack job.  We only "packed" meat on our backs for about 15 minutes; the rest was all downhill in the sled.

On top of elk steaks, my friends were rewarded with magnificent views for helping me retrieve my bull.

 As always, the Outdoorsman's Pack carried a load of meat and antlers without flaw.  One of my favorite features is how the internal sack flips out for an easy cleaning after a bloody pack job.

We use the Otter Sport sled in the small size.  At 6 lbs. it's a breeze to get uphill.  We've added a few holes and enlarged a couple others for our contact points.

Here we are only packing 3 quarters and the antlers, but I think the sled would have tracked better if we had loaded the 4th quarter as well.  Four quarters would also fill more space, snugging up the load for less shifting.  We did not lash the load, but I will have a strap dedicated for that next time.  

 It is important to have a rope connected to the rear; on the way down the brake-man is working harder than the lead.

 We eventually ran out of snow, but the Otter sled still slid along nicely on the grass, leaves, and dirt, but started to lose glide on the gravel.

 Thanks again boys!

Arizona Rocky Mountain Sheep Hunt in 6A with Brian Rimsza 2

In the previous post, I mentioned the two hunters that had the 1st hunt ( Dec. 1-15th) in Unit 6A for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, that had harvested two very nice rams.  Below are photos and video of the ram Brian and I had nicknamed "Heavy Boy".  He was a really cool ram with a 39 inch left horn and a 35 4/8 inch right horn.  His bases were 15 6/8.  The gross AZGFD checkout score was 181 4/8.  Brian had seen this ram on and off during his different scouting trips.  We both captured many photographs and videos of this ram.  Congrats to the hunter and his guides for such a fine trophy.

The other awesome ram that was harvested had an ear tag #26.  We think he was 9+ years old upon harvest.  I have not seen the official checkout score but my bet is his horns are around 38 with just over 15 inch bases.  Brian had some great encounters with this ram and captured some fabulous photos and video.  Again congrats to the hunter and his son for sticking with it through the cold temps and getting an awesome ram.

Arizona Rocky Mountain Sheep Hunt in 6A with Brian Rimsza

It has been an awesome journey so far getting to experience and share in the preparation and scouting for my friend, Brian Rimsza's, Unit 6A Rocky Mtn sheep hunt in our home state of Arizona.  Brian has been putting in a serious amount of work scouring the unit photographing, filming and evaluating rams.  I have been able to make it up a few times as well and the hunt is coming up quick.  Brian has the second hunt (Dec 16th-31st) and the first two hunters have already harvested two incredible rams.  Actually both rams are bigger than what has ever been harvested in Unit 6A.  Both rams are ones that we have some good history with and hours of video footage and countless photos.  These rams were definitely towards the top of our list for potential candidates. As hunters, we are extremely excited for the other two hunters who have been able to share with their guides and families their hunt of a lifetime.  They were both able to take home magnificent trophies and memories that will be forever etched in their minds.  We are hoping to turn up a ram worthy of Brian's tag and are looking forward to the challenges that we will face along our journey.  It should make for an awesome couple of weeks with a good friends.  Photos below by Brian Rimsza and Jay Scott


Brian and Nicole Rimsza glassing for sheep