Pryor Sheep Hunt Update... 11/17/07

[Doug Campbell]

Well first I've gotta say a big thank you to Walt and Leo for all the help, Walt's tent was a real pleasure since I was planning on using my vehicle and small backpack tent. I think Leo is working harder than I am on this hunt. They are both first class friends to have around!

Well as many of you know my first day on the hunt was last Saturday the 29th of Sept. It started with a bang when Walt and I drove into the Bighorn National Rec Area and there were five rams standing on the side of the road before we even got to the camping areas. We actually got out of the rigs and walked up within mere feet of a legal ram, my heart was pounding so hard I'm not sure I could have hit him if I'd tried         This definitely got the ol blood pumping, I think it was the next day before my pulse returned to normal         I've caught a lot of grief for passing this little 5 year old guy but there was no way I could shoot him right there on the side of the road.
   
We finally drove off and left them alone thinking we were gonna have to part the rams with our bows         Little did I know....

[vermonster13]

Been rather anti-climactic after how long you've waited Doug and besides, we've been waiting for your story since you got the tag.    

[Doug Campbell]

Walt, Leo, and Silas, (Leo's and now My Buddy) spent the next couple days glassing our rears off. We spotted what seemed like hundreds of these ewes and lambs with an occasional young ram but no more mature rams.
   
 
 
I worked over the country from the lake shore to the highest points of East Pryor over the next seven days with no rams. I spent one night spike camped at 8600' and glassed till dark that night and back at it at daylight the next morning till a blizzard drove me off the mountain. By the way this is considered desert country where it seldom rains, don't believe it      It rained I think five or six days this last week. Everything I had was wet and my common sense was telling me it was time to back up and punt.
 

[Doug Campbell]

Leo had rounded up the use of a boat so we decided to give the water a try as we'd heard several people talk about seeing rams from the water. The kicker is that on 99.9% of the lake shore it's from a hundred to several hundred feet climb out of the canyon. Yep, this is some incredible country, the more time I spend here the more I find I'm sure falling in love with it. We spent yesterday running up the lake both directions from the ramp but no sheep and maybe only two places where it was feasible to climb out. Another strike-out but it's all a learning experience....

We decided to hit one other area several miles to the West this morning but the greasy bentonite clay roads put the squelch on that idea. I think my Explorer weighed 700 or 800 pounds extra by the time we got back on a hard surface again.
 
 
That's about all there is to report for this first leg of the hunt. So far it has been a great learning experience getting to know the area with highlights like spending quality time in beautiful country, a well place arrow and fresh killed bunny for lunch, the cougar tracks in the mud outside camp, lots of close contact with unshootable sheep and hunting with good friends. Can't wait to get back at it again in a few days.
 

[Doug Campbell]

This little group kept me intertained all week coming in and out of camp...
 

[Steve O]

Doug,

I told those other guys not to let you burn out...you have a LONG season; use all of it you can  

[IB]

[steadman]

Thanks Doug, for the pics and the stories. Good luck as I understand you have some more hunting to do!

[Scott Smith]

      Been waiting for the details. Them are some great pictures too.

[Mark Baker]

Can't wait to hear the story in person, bud!

[Terry Green]

[AkDan]

Now why cant I find dalls running acrossed the road near camp......hey honey is the back of the truck 20 or 22 yards?   :D !!

Sweet pics btw.

[knife river]

Great photos, Doug, and thanks for taking the time for updates.  Hang tough!    

[robtattoo]

Amazing scenic shots Doug. Hang in there, I'm sure it'll pay off not taking that 'gimme' on day one!  :D

[Guru]

Thanx Doug...good luck the rest of the way...I just know you'll get one!          

[Randy Morin]

 Nice pics.  I chased some birds in those red hills a few days but havent seen much of that country.  Good luck the rest of the way!

[Huntrdfk]

Great pics Doug, I'm looking forward to more as your hunt continues.  Good luck!


David

[Shaun]

Good Hunting! Thanks for the great photos and tale so far. Hope you get back to the Pryors again soon.

[Whip]

Good stuff Doug!  With a couple of tenacious pit bulls like Walt and Leo working with you it's just a matter of time!
Enjoy every minute!

[bohuntr]

Thanks for the update Doug! Keep us posted.