Where to hunt Stone’S Sheep
The Stone’s sheep (Ovis dalli stonei), a stunning subspecies of thinhorn sheep, is one of North America's most sought-after mountain trophies. Native to northwestern Canada, it is primarily found in the remote wilderness of northern British Columbia and southern Yukon. Unlike its white-coated Dall sheep cousins, Stone’s sheep display a beautiful range of colors, from dark charcoal to silvery gray, often with a striking saddle pattern on their back. British Columbia offers the only legal hunting opportunities for Stone’s sheep, as Yukon’s population is currently protected from hunting. The Cassiar Mountains, Omineca Range, and Muskwa-Kechika Management Area in British Columbia are prime locations, where these sheep roam vast, untamed landscapes of high-altitude plateaus, rugged cliffs, and alpine meadows. Due to strict population management and limited hunting quotas, securing a tag for Stone’s sheep is challenging, making this one of the most prestigious mountain hunts in North America.
Price distribution
Stone’s sheep hunting is considered one of the most expensive and exclusive hunts in North America. Due to strict regulations, low harvest quotas, and the logistical challenges of remote wilderness hunting, hunts start at $75,000 - $80,000 and may easily go over six figures. These high prices reflect the difficulty of accessing prime Stone’s sheep habitat, as most hunts require horseback expeditions or fly-in access via bush plane, along with multiple days of strenuous mountain trekking. Additionally, some outfitters offer combination hunts, allowing hunters to pursue species such as mountain caribou, moose, or mountain goat, increasing the overall value of the expedition.
If the price of a Stone's sheep hunt seems too steep...
Sheep hunting is the opposite of cheap, but some hunts are priced lower than others. This blog will walk you through the most affordable options.
22 Jul 2018 Is There Such a Thing as an Over-the-Counter Sheep Hunt that Won’t Break the Bank?When to hunt Stone’S Sheep?
The Stone’s sheep hunting season in British Columbia runs from August 1 to October 15, with different timeframes offering unique challenges and advantages. Early-season hunts in August take place in high-altitude summer ranges, where sheep are spread out and feed in open alpine meadows. This period offers excellent visibility and good weather, but requires long hikes and precise stalking to get within shooting range. Mid-to-late-season hunts from September to October see sheep moving to lower elevations as the weather cools. While snow and fog can make spotting sheep more difficult, hunters benefit from easier access to lower ridges and basins where rams begin congregating.
Hunting methods All hunting methods (5)
Hunting Stone’s sheep is a physically demanding test of endurance, patience, and marksmanship, with hunts lasting 10 to 14 days in remote wilderness areas. The hunt begins with extensive glassing from high vantage points, often requiring hours or even days of scouting to locate a mature ram. Once a suitable trophy is spotted, the next challenge is stalking through steep, exposed terrain, carefully navigating wind direction and cover to get within shooting range. If you’re looking at Stone sheep hunts seriously, you probably already have a few rams under your belt and don’t need us to tell you what rifle and cartridge to use. Just make sure you and your rifle-scope-cartridge combination can make accurate shots in the 300–500 yard range as a matter of course, and ready to reach a couple hundred yards longer if it needs to be. Many outfitters who offer Stone’s sheep hunts rely on horseback travel to cover vast territories, so you want to make sure you can hold in a saddle. In any case, comfortable lodges and Stone’s sheep habitat are seldom found in near vicinity of each other. You are likely to be hunting out of spike camps, and expect some extensive hiking and backpacking once sheep are located. The rugged, unpredictable terrain demands top-tier physical conditioning, as hunters may need to ascend and descend thousands of feet in elevation each day.
Why hunt Stone’S Sheep?
Stone’s sheep hunting is considered the pinnacle of North American mountain hunting, offering an unparalleled adventure in some of the continent’s most breathtaking and untouched wilderness. The combination of physical challenge, extreme remoteness, and the rarity of securing a legal tag makes harvesting a mature Stone’s ram one of the most prestigious achievements in hunting. Beyond the trophy itself, the experience of spending days or weeks in the high-altitude backcountry, tracking these majestic animals through rugged mountain terrain, is a reward in itself. The beauty of a dark-horned, silver-gray ram against the alpine backdrop is an unforgettable sight, making this one of the most awe-inspiring hunts in the world. For hunters seeking the ultimate test of skill, endurance, and adventure, a Stone’s sheep hunt is the holy grail of North American big-game hunting. Start planning your expedition today!
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