For the lucky few who get to hunt and harvest a bighorn sheep, their paths and drive to get there begin differently. Mine began when I was 4 years old and my father harvested his Desert ram. That planted the seed that would take half a lifetime to come to fruition. I religiously studied draw odds and units, even going as far as scouting areas I was considering applying for. Opportunities arose for me to join R.J. and Rayne Rush of Sundowner Guide Service on a few sheep hunts. These were great successful hunts, but they further instilled in me that I wanted to be patient and wait for a premium unit. Being a max point holder, I knew it was only a matter of time.
Finally, after over 40 years of applying, I saw that charge on my credit card from Arizona Game and Fish! Excited phone calls were made, time was taken off work, and plans were set. I was leaving nothing to regret and was fully committed to making this a successful dream come true.
R.J., his son, Hunter, and I began scouting immediately. Fortunately, we had the help of Tim Downs and Bob Kyhn and their vast experience in my area. Many long, hot days were spent in the field during the summer, taking inventory and getting a hit list put together for December. I was nervous, excited, and determined as we enjoyed our time scouting and seeing some great rams. I also spent ample time shooting and training. Enjoying the anticipation and scouting is imperative on a sheep hunt because it may end on day one of a 31-day season.
As summer ended, tragedy struck. While the Rush brothers and two close friends were hunting in Alaska, Rayne and Cody Rosania were involved in a bush plane accident. Rayne miraculously survived but was badly injured. However, good friend and Sundowner guide Cody did not make it. Friends and family rallied together to get through these hard times. It was hard to focus on anything else at this point. Rayne had over a year of recovery in front of him, but he made the goal of being there when I connected with a ram. Tim and Bob generously continued to scout for my hunt, and as soon as things stabilized, we were all back at it.
My wife and I had been in camp since Thanksgiving, and the night before opening day, something very special happened. Rayne arrived at camp! This was a special moment for us all and something we didn’t expect to happen. Also, there was R.J., and Larry Johnson and Rick Weiler would arrive early in the morning. Knowing Rayne wouldn’t be able to be there for long, we mentally prepared for a grind but hoped we could get it done with him there.
As grey light came following a sleepless night, I was excited and ready. It was hard to believe that after waiting my whole life and months of preparation, this could happen at any moment. Shortly after that thought, the sun began to rise and it happened. One of our target rams was spotted. As the whole crew, including Tim and Bob who met up with us, watched this ram, I knew he was the one and it was time to make it happen.
R.J. and I climbed the mountain to get a shot. The ram was moving back and forth from our side of the ridge to the other where we couldn’t see him. If he decided not to come back to our side, he would be gone. Once in range, I quickly set up in the most uncomfortable spot we could find to shoot from, but this was it. It was agonizing waiting for him to show himself again. He presented himself two more times but gave no ethical shot. Finally, we saw his horns materialize over the skyline. I settled in the best I could, waiting for a safe shot. There it was, broadside. R.J. said, “Take him if you’re good.” Within a second of the shot, the ram was over the ridge and out of sight. We knew he was hit, but we could no longer see him. Fortunately, the guys below had eyes on him. When word came that he was down, I was overwhelmed with emotion. We climbed down and around through some bluffs that were sketchy at best. Words cannot describe the feeling of walking up to my ram. That’s something that will only be known to those lucky ones who chase the sheep dream their whole life and complete it.
As quick as that, it was over in a morning, but the memories will be carried forever by those who experienced this hunt with me. This hunt is dedicated to Cody who was taken too early. We all know he was smiling down on us that morning.
Arizona Bighorn Sheep Hunting
Login