Sheep Hunting in Alaska (2nd Edition): Russ, Tony: 9780963986962: Amazon.com: Books

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.