Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer Combination Hunt

[PLK]

After years of applying, I'm finally in a position to potentially draw a NR bighorn sheep tag for areas 1-5. My brother would most likely join me on this hunt and he would like to have a mule deer tag in his pocket in the case we run into a nice buck. Obviously we will concentrate on finding a nice ram as this is the #1 priority.

Let's assume that I Draw a Unit 1 sheep tag. Would he have a realistic chance to see a nice buck? Would waiting to hunt sheep until October 1st effect the quality of my sheep hunt? What about other units?

I've been doing research for many years but haven't found much in regards to early season mule deer in this area. Obviously mule deer area 105 is highly recommended for a late season hunt but not much is said about Region F General Season. Thanks,

Paul

 

[TOPGUN]

Good luck drawing the tag and if you haven't read the great thread mh did on his scouting and hunts I'd suggest you do so.

 

[BigJohnson]

I wouldn't compromise a once I n a lifetime sheep hunt by even thinking about deer hunting. But that's just me.

 

[TOPGUN]

>I wouldn't compromise a once I
>n a lifetime sheep hunt
>by even thinking about deer
>hunting. But that's just
>me.

I have to agree with your thoughts on a OIL hunt like that, so you're not alone!

 

[jims]

My son drew a Colo sheep tag this year and I pretty much dropped everything (including an Alaska mtn goat hunt) to scout and help him out. It will likely be the only sheep hunt you'll ever get to do in Wyo so I'd make the best of it without anything interfering. I wouldn't dilly-dally around with deer in an area that may not be reknown for producing great bucks...but that's just me!

With that said, if your brother is excited about deer hunting you might ask your guide what he thinks in regard to past experiences with deer in the area you will be sheep hunting and how long it will take to get a super nice ram of a lifetime. He will likely tell you that the more time you devote to sheep the better chance for a true whopper. He ought to know every rock and crevice in the area and know a lot more details about your sheep hunt than any of us! If it were me, I would be on the phone with as many past sheep hunters that have booked hunts with your guide. You can ask them questions in regard to sheep, deer, and what to expect.

There are likely a lot better deer units in Wyo where your brother can burn his pref pts and $..and seriously devote his time harvesting a whopper buck rather than possibly the first decent buck he sees...."IF" there happens to be time to hunt deer after you harvest a ram? If harvesting a super ram isn't that high a priority it may be more exciting getting a ram and giving your brother the opportunity to deer hunt? It's really up to you and what you think is important! I know how tough sheep tags are to come by....and know what I would do!

 

[mightyhunter]

I would concentrate on the sheep hunting. You don't want to be sidetracked hunting for mule deer. Many of the mule deer in the NW Wyoming units are migratory. They don't show in the general units like F until very late in October. Are you going to be using a guide to hunt sheep? If not, you need to focus on the sheep units that have good sheep country that is not designated as wilderness.

just sayin...mh

 

[OchocoKid]

I hunted area 4 sheep a couple years ago. in days of glassing I didn't see one single buck. in fact we saw more grizzly than deer.

Put 100% of you focus on sheep.











Stay Thirsty My Friends

 

[Homer]

tell your brother to plan his own hunt.....sheep hunting is serious business.

 

[Zeke]

Here's my 2 cents:

I agree with EVERYTHING posted above.
Y'all can hunt mule deer almost any ole time but sheep is a "one shot" deal and will most likely take all your time and efforts.

Zeke

#livelikezac

 

[nripepi]

I would only consider it if he was willing to not hunt or look for deer until AFTER you shoot your sheep! If that is the case, then I say go for it. Do you really want to waste a day taking care of a deer on your OIL tag? I guess if it were a 200-incher, than maybe.