Coming into this hunt, I knew it was going to be a tough one to make happen with a bow. It is a tough unit with not great numbers of sheep and not many roads with access. After a five-hour drive, I met my buddy and we headed out on the dirt road. After a three-hour grueling dirt road ride, we were able to get into what looked like good sheep country. We set camp and then headed out the next morning.
The first morning, we were able to pick out a ram and a few ewes, but I never got a great look at him. However, I knew he was a nice, mature ram. We planned a four-hour stalk, and I was able to get within 40 yards of his ewes and 60 yards from the ram. The ewes ended up busting us, and the ram slipped out from under me. After two more days and over 20 hard miles of hunting this ram, I was starting to have thoughts of picking up my rifle, but my goal was to make it happen with my bow no matter the cost. I eventually knew it was time to give this ram a break, and we decided to pack up and head into a different area.
After we moved areas, we started glassing and my buddy found “The Ram” bedded under a little ledge. I hurried over to see him, and we soon came up with a stalk that I’ve never quite seen done before. I had jokingly said, “I’ll come right above him and shoot him at 2 yards!” We then decided that was probably the best play because of the wind and the way he was laying. I stalked in, and after a couple of hours, I saw the rock outcropping that he was laying under. I knew I was getting close. My nerves were kicking in hard at this time! I slipped my shoes off and tucked my pant legs into my socks to be quieter. I then waited for the ram to lay his head down and I closed the rest of the distance for the final approach. I drew back my bow and peeked over the ledge. I saw the ram laying there at only 2 yards! I don’t think I have ever been more nervous in my life. The ram was laying facing to my left and I was right on top of him, so I put my pin right between his shoulders and let it fly. He quickly got up and ran roughly 40 yards before tipping over.
This was a moment that I had always dreamed of, and to think it had just happened was incredible. It is one of the highlights of my life, and it’s a moment I will never forget. One thing I know now is that hard work really does pay off. I’m beyond blessed with the way this hunt turned out, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. A Utah ram with a bow at 2 yards, it doesn’t get much better than that!
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