Customer Reviews

Sheep Hunting in Alaska: The Dall Sheep Hunters Guide

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having hunted all kinds of sheep throughout Alberta, British Columbia and the NWT, I found Tony Russ's book to be both refreshing and comprehensive. He has done an outstanding job of describing every salient aspect of hunting these magnificient animals. His style of writing is warm and genuine, and his ability of describing the things that apparently happen to every sheep hunter is superb.

If you have ever hunted these amazing sheep, or even thought about it, I would urge you to read this book.

Never having hunted before I moved to Alaska, I sought information from guides and shooters on whom to read for the best information on hunting Alaska. Everyone I spoke to agreed: read Tony Russ first, last, always. From how to dress ("cotton kills"), to what to carry, he covers it in an easily readable style. Having read his books before each hunt helped refine my techniques, and helped me to secure my prey on every one of my hunts. This book should be required reading of every hunter on his or her way to Alaska.

A great manual for anyone who plans to hunt dall sheep. many tricks that I am sure most quides don't use. Clear and well written it is enteraining as well as informative. I wish I had read it years ago. Tricks on using camoflage to sneak up on sheep. I am an experienced sheep hunter and I learned more from this book than I expected.

My 1st hunting experience in Alaska was a Dall's sheep hunt in 2005. When preparing, I got my hand on every book I could about sheep hunting and this is hands down the best out there. It covers every thing from preparation (getting in "sheep shape", gear) to hunting (sheep behavior, strategies). If you are considering sheep hunting then I recommend this book.

This is an outstanding book for anyone, but particularly bowhunters, planning to hunt the mountains in Alaska or northern Canada. One can get by with eastern whitetail gear on a moose hunt or caribou hunt, but in the northern mountains, it is a different game. I have hunted extensively in Alaska and Canada, so Russ' book struck home with me. Mountain hunting tactics can of course be debated endlessly, but physical preparation and gear issues for the high country are open to less discussion. There ARE do's and don'ts when it comes to outfitting oneself for sheep, goats, northern mule deer, etc. The sheer remoteness and harshness of the lands where such hunts take place demand that the bowhunter carry tested, tried, and true equipment into such environs. Tony Russ gives the hunter an exhaustively tested gear list, tells the hunter how to prepare physically, and in turn lets him or her head out with confidence.

I read this book three or four times before my most recent alpine hunt. I combined its information with that from a DVD on preparing to climb Mt. Ranier as well as with a few books on alpine mountaineering. I obtained much of my equipment from Barney's Outdoor Chalet in Anchorage (Barney's specializes in outfitting sheep hunters and they do ship worldwide), but also ordered from high-end military tactical suppliers (Crye Precision was my supplier for an outstanding tactical vest) and mountaineering stores, both local and on line. I used Russ' advice as a starting point, and then questioned retailers on what they stocked that fit those recommendations. In doing so, I was not disappointed. On an earlier hunt, I had not taken this sort of time, nor made this sort of effort, and I had a very rough 10 days. The second time around, that much wiser, I left prepared.

My one caveat regarding Russ' recommendations would be to consider the plastic boots he discusses only if you cannot find a pair of Lowa or similar leather boots that fit well. The plastic boots can place extreme strain on knees and hips over days and weeks, as they lack the "give" that even stiff leather boots offer. For me, Lowa boots combined with a Gortex liner sock for use when the boot became wet worked very well. With a sheep hunt costing as much as it did, having a pair of Lowa boots wear out before a pair of plastic boots would have worn out was of little consequence.

I also recommend training on a rock wall, and pushing the aerobic conditioning in combination with circuit training on weights if you are not living and exercising in the mountains. It takes me at least a week to adapt to the thinner air and the terrain, and that first week is a rough one! Also, I learned that it is best to SHIP YOUR GEAR A MONTH BEFORE THE HUNT. On my first hunt, First Air lost my bags and made little effort to find them. I had to borrow gear, as very little could be bought near camp. I won't leave for a remote hunt unless my gear is shipped and waiting for me.

Finally, you had better be mentally prepared to suffer. Tents are tiny, drinking water can be in short supply, bugs can be terrible, etc. But, then, that's why it's sheep hunting.

Tony lets us have it all -- holding nothing back!
A hunter of Dall sheep can easily refer to this book to avoid dangerous and costly mistakes made from relying on improper equipment. Just follow the easy-to-read gear guidelines and make note of Tony's favorites when making your own purchasing/packing list.
This book is packed with information on sheep habitat and habits, giving you the knowledge necessary to be successful in pursuit of the most sought-after trophy in Alaska -- The Dall sheep!

This is a must read for all sheep hunters be they novices, experinced sheep hunters, or folks thinking of trying sheep hunting for the first time.
It's one of those books that after you read it, you'll recommend it to your friends, and buy copies for your buddies.