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Stone Sheep Hunts

The Ultimate Challenge

 
Stone Sheep represent the pinnacle of North American big-game hunting, offering an unmatched blend of challenge, beauty, and exclusivity. Known for their dark, striking coloration and majestic horns, Stone Sheep inhabit some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in British Columbia and the Yukon. Pursuing these elusive animals demands not only physical endurance and mental toughness but also expert planning and guidance. The harsh terrain, unpredictable weather, and the sheep’s elusive nature make every successful hunt a true test of skill and perseverance. For those willing to push their limits, the reward of harvesting a trophy Stone Sheep is a lifetime achievement.

Stone Sheep Hunting Season

Stone Sheep hunting seasons generally run from August to October, with specific dates varying by region. Early-season hunts provide longer daylight hours and more stable weather, ideal for navigating high-altitude terrain. Late-season hunts, while colder and more demanding, often reward hunters with mature rams in their prime habitats. Choosing the best time to hunt depends on your tolerance for weather conditions and your readiness to face the physical challenges of remote, mountainous terrain.

How Much Does a Stone Sheep Hunt Cost?

Estimated Costs:
• DIY Hunts: DIY options are not available for Stone Sheep as all non-residents must hunt through a licensed outfitter in British Columbia or the Yukon.
• Guided Hunts: Guided hunts for Stone Sheep generally cost between $80,000 and $120,000, depending on the outfitter, location, and hunt style (e.g., backpack vs. horseback hunts).
• Auction Tags: Conservation or auction tags are typically going to be guided hunts sold through a conservation organization. Prices vary from $85,000 and $150,000. True conservation tags do not exist other than the British Columbia Ministers tag and that tag can sell for over $400,000.

How to Obtain Stone Sheep Tags

Unlike some North American species, obtaining a Stone Sheep tag is a highly regulated and structured process. Here are the primary ways to secure a tag and experience the hunt of a lifetime:
 
#1 Book a Hunt with a Licensed Outfitter
In British Columbia and the Yukon, all non-residents are required to book their hunts through licensed outfitters. These outfitters hold exclusive rights to hunt areas, ensuring a high-quality experience in premier hunting territories. Guided Stone Sheep hunts range from $80,000 to $120,000, with prices reflecting the rarity and exclusivity of this incredible opportunity.
 
Booking through a trusted outfitter endorsed by a reputable company like Huntin’ Fool ensures you’ll have access to top guides and remote, trophy-rich areas. Huntin' Fool Adventures-endorsed outfitters provide unmatched expertise and a seamless hunting adventure. Experience the HFA Difference: CALL TO TALK WITH A HUNTING ADVISOR AND BOOK YOUR STONE SHEEP HUNT: (435) 865-1020
 
#2 Purchase a Stone Sheep Tag Through Auction
For those seeking guaranteed access to a Stone Sheep tag,  auction tags are your main option. These tags are sold to the highest bidder, with proceeds going toward wildlife conservation. Prices for auction tags range from $80,000 to $120,000 or more, depending on the hunting area and demand.
 
While these tags come at a premium, they provide access to highly sought-after hunting opportunities without the need for extensive planning or waiting.
 
#3 Leave It to the Experts
Navigating the complexities of booking a Stone Sheep hunt can be overwhelming. Huntin’ Fool offers a personalized hunt consultation service to ensure your hunt is planned to perfection. Our advisors can connect you with the best outfitters, provide insights into available hunts, and handle all the details for you.

Get Started Today:
• Access top-tier outfitters with proven success.
• Ensure no detail is overlooked in your hunt planning.
• Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with expert guidance.
• Call now to speak with a Hunt Advisor: (435) 865-1020
 
#4 Hunt Application Services
Leave your Stone Sheep application to the experts. Let the License Application Team apply for you. The License Application Team will set up a meeting with you and a dedicated Hunt Advisor who will craft a personalized draw strategy for you. Using your strategy, the License Application Team will apply for you every year, mazimizing your odds by factoring in yearly regulatory changes and ensuring you never miss a deadline. When you draw a sheep tag, the License Application Team will personally call you and let you know "it's time to hunt!" Click here to get more information or call now to sign up for The Huntin’ Fool License Application Service! (435) 865-1020

If you are going to Apply for Stone Sheep Tags Yourself. You can utilize tools and resources that will remind you of Application Deadlines and Maximize Your Draw Odds.
 

A Huntin' Fool Membership is the one-stop shop: For $150 a year, get unlimited access to our Hunt Advisor Team and our full DIY tool set:

  • Unlimited 1-1 Draw Consultations. Learn more.
  • Unlimited 1-1 Hunt Consultations. Learn more.
  • Digital Tools - Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds, Harvest Statistics & Unit Breakdowns
  • Previous Tag Holder List - Contact HF Members Who Recently Hunted the Unit. Learn more.
  • Exclusive Content - Mastering The Draw & How To Apply
  • Monthly Magazine - Unit Breakdown and Analysis

Where Can You Hunt Stone Sheep?

Stone Sheep are found in some of the most remote and breathtaking wilderness regions of North America, with their range limited to specific areas in British Columbia and the Yukon. These areas offer hunters the rare opportunity to pursue this unique and highly sought-after species in rugged, high-altitude terrain.
 
British Columbia
British Columbia is home to the majority of Stone Sheep populations, with their range covering much of the northern and eastern mountainous regions. The province's strict management and conservation policies ensure a healthy population of trophy rams. Key hunting areas include:
• Cassiar Mountains: Known for producing dark-colored, mature rams with impressive horn size.
• Muskwa-Kechika Region: A remote wilderness with exceptional trophy potential and high sheep densities.
• Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park: A protected area offering prime sheep hunting territory, accessible via horseback or backpack hunts.
Details:
• Non-residents must hunt with a licensed outfitter.
• Trophy rams average 37–40 inches, with some exceeding 40 inches.
 
Yukon
The Yukon Territory is another prime destination for Stone Sheep hunting, with its remote and pristine wilderness offering a true adventure.
• Southern Yukon: Known for producing trophy-class rams, often found in rugged alpine basins and rocky peaks.
• Coast Ranges: Areas along the Yukon-British Columbia border are prime habitats for Stone Sheep.
Details:
• Yukon hunts often involve backpacking or horseback trips to access remote hunting areas.
• Strict quotas and limited tags ensure a high-quality hunting experience.
 

Why Hunt Stone Sheep in Canada?

Canada provides unparalleled access to Stone Sheep habitat, offering world-class hunts with experienced guides and exclusive hunting territories. While physically demanding, these hunts promise a rewarding experience for those willing to take on the challenge.

The Hunting Experience

Hunting Stone Sheep is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines physical endurance, mental toughness, and the thrill of navigating remote wilderness. Days start early, with long hours spent glassing rugged mountain ridges and basins for elusive rams. Once a trophy sheep is located, hunters must traverse steep, rocky terrain and cover significant distances, often requiring ascents and descents of thousands of feet. The breathtaking landscapes, ranging from jagged peaks to alpine meadows, create an unforgettable backdrop. Whether enduring the challenges of unpredictable weather or the physical demands of high-altitude hunting, the pursuit of a Stone Sheep is as rewarding as the trophy itself.

Hunt Duration

Most Stone Sheep hunts last 10–14 days, offering sufficient time for travel, scouting, and navigating the remote, rugged terrain. The challenging nature of Stone Sheep hunting often requires extended durations to locate and pursue a mature ram. While some hunts may involve setting up spike camps to access remote basins, the demanding environment makes it essential to plan for a hunt that allows flexibility and patience to ensure success.

Hunt/Hunting Method Options

Backpack Hunts: Backpack hunts for Stone Sheep are among the most challenging and rewarding options. These hunts involve carrying all essential gear and camping in remote, high-altitude areas. This method provides access to untouched sheep habitat, but it demands peak physical fitness, mental resilience, and a willingness to endure harsh conditions.

Horseback Hunts: Horseback hunts are a traditional and effective method for Stone Sheep hunting. Using horses allows hunters to cover more ground and transport gear into remote areas with less physical strain. However, navigating steep and rocky terrain still requires skill and effort, both on foot and while handling the animals.

Basecamp Hunts: Basecamp hunts provide a more comfortable option, with hunters operating from a central camp outfitted with better accommodations. From basecamp, hunters embark on long day hikes or use ATVs or horses to access prime hunting areas. While less physically demanding than full backpack hunts, basecamp hunts still require endurance and the ability to cover rugged terrain.

Spot and Stalk: Spot and stalk is the primary hunting method used across all Stone Sheep hunts. Hunters spend long hours glassing from strategic vantage points to locate rams and then execute careful, calculated approaches to close the distance. With Stone Sheep’s exceptional vision and awareness, patience, stealth, and precision are crucial for success.

Weapon Recommendations

Rifle: For Stone Sheep hunts, rifles chambered in calibers ranging from 6.5 Creedmoor to .300 Win Mag are ideal. These calibers provide the accuracy, power, and range needed to ethically take down a Stone Sheep in rugged mountain terrain. Hunters should be proficient at shooting distances of 300–500 yards, with practice accounting for factors such as wind, elevation, and steep shooting angles. A lightweight, mountain-ready rifle with a reliable scope is highly recommended for the demanding terrain.

How Challenging is the Terrain?

Stone Sheep inhabit some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in North America. Hunters should be prepared to navigate steep, rocky mountain slopes, loose shale, and high-altitude basins ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet in elevation. The terrain demands exceptional physical endurance, mental resilience, and careful foot placement to ensure safety. Weather conditions can change rapidly, adding to the challenge, and the remoteness of the areas often requires days of travel on foot or horseback. Proper preparation, including altitude acclimation and physical conditioning, is critical for a successful Stone Sheep hunt.

Trophy Potential

Stone Sheep are renowned for their striking dark coloration and impressive horn structure, making them one of the most coveted trophies among North American sheep hunters. Trophy rams typically score between 150 and 170 Boone & Crockett inches, with exceptional rams occasionally surpassing 180 inches. Mature rams are often 8–12 years old, characterized by full-curl horns with heavy bases and a distinct dark "cape" that adds to their visual appeal. The rarity and beauty of these animals make every harvested Stone Sheep a lifetime achievement.

Preparation Tips

Physical Requirements / Fitness Training:
• Cardio and Endurance: Build cardiovascular fitness with activities like hiking, running, or cycling to prepare for long days in the mountains.
• Leg and Core Strength: Focus on exercises such as squats, lunges, and planks to enhance stability and balance on steep and uneven terrain.
• Pack Training: Practice hiking with a weighted backpack (40–60 lbs.) to simulate the physical demands of carrying gear during the hunt. Gradually increase weight and duration over time.

Preparing your body for the physical and mental challenges of a Stone Sheep hunt is essential for success and safety in remote and rugged environments.

Gear Checklist

• Optics: High-quality binoculars (10x42 or better) and a spotting scope for glassing distant terrain.
• Boots: Stiff, waterproof boots designed for steep and rugged mountain terrain. Ensure they are well broken in before the hunt.
• Clothing: Layered systems with moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and waterproof outer shells to handle variable mountain weather.
• Backpack: Lightweight and durable pack capable of carrying supplies for multi-day hunts, including essential survival gear and harvested meat.

The Ultimate Stone Sheep Hunting Gear Guide. 
With decades of combined hunting experience, our Hunt Advisor Team has created a comprehensive gear list tailored to the demands of Stone Sheep hunting. From optics and clothing to survival essentials, explore our expertly curated gear recommendations to ensure you're fully prepared for your next adventure. Explore our Gear Fool store for all your gear needs!

FAQs

What is the success rate?
Success rates for Stone Sheep hunts are generally 50–80%, depending on the region, outfitter, and the hunter’s physical readiness. Guided hunts in British Columbia and the Yukon often achieve the higher end of this range due to expert planning and preparation.

How large are trophy Stone Sheep?
Trophy Stone Sheep typically score between 150 and 170 B&C, with exceptional rams reaching over 180 inches. Horn lengths usually range from 35 to 40 inches, with heavy bases adding to their appeal.
 
Are Stone Sheep good to eat?
Yes! Stone Sheep meat is considered lean and flavorful, with a slightly sweet taste due to their alpine diet of grasses and forbs. It’s highly prized by hunters who enjoy wild game.