littlebighorn,
Sorry about swiping yer tag! I had to do it!
On August 4th I flew out of base camp in a Super Cub(quite a thrill in itself) and landed on a gravel bar on the Arctic Red.I met my guide, Jeremy Bergen. Hands down one of the toughest guys ive ever met. We stayed on the river that night and headed out the next morning for a place called "Grizzly Pass." After getting soaked to the bone in the first couple hours we stopped to build a fire and try to dry out. Thats when we spotted "my ram." There was no way to go up the drainage he was in so we continued with our original plan, hoping we would catch up to him sometime in the next 10 days. We finally arrived at our camp spot at 10:15 that night. About 12 1/2 hours of some serious hiking.
The next morning we woke up to find my ram had moved about four miles up the drainage he was in. Which put him less than a mile from our tent. The hunt was on!! The band of rams, 14 in all, dropped out of sight so we made a run after them. Of course when we reached the top (about 4 hours later) none of the rams were anywhere to be found. We went a little higher and found him bedded all by himself. Facing away from us no less!! He was a little over 700 yds away. We had the wind in our faces as we closed the distance to 374 yds. I got set up for the shot and waited for him to stand. When he finally did he started feeding straight away. He only had to go about 50 yds and would be out of sight. At about 390 I decided to take the shot. We had a little evelation on him so I had some of his back to shoot at. Not at all the perfect shot but I felt good about it. My first shot hit him high in the hip and ended up in his neck. Then he turned broadside, one over the back and one in the sweet spot. I couldnt believe it! It was over a little too quick.
Then he started to roll...and roll...and roll. He ended up about 500 yards down into the steepest nastiest hell hole anyone would ever want to go. Sheeps revenge I guess. Ill never forget watching him do "endos" only hitting the ground about every 30 yards. I thought he would be broke for sure. Not so, just real bloody and a couple of teeth knocked out.
What an amazing experience in some of the most breath taking country in the world.
The next couple days were spent hiking out to another air strip about 12 miles away. Needless to say we were loaded down pretty heavy since we never got the chance to go through any of our food. We sure pigged out on sheep meat though (between dodging all the grizzlies.) I really wanted to see a grizz when the hunt started, but after having to shoot into the ground to stop charges on two in one day, I dont care if I ever see another one!(one at 60yds and one at 40yds) They dont get hunted up there and they never see humans. So when they see you they come runnin. Scared the crap outta me!! We saw a total of 8 grizzlies and even one white wolf chasing some caribou. Had a wolf tag but didnt have a chance.
I cant say enough about Arctic Red and the crew. These guys are the best. I only hope that one day this poor boy can make it back. Someday.....
