“Bighorn sheep” includes Rocky Mountain bighorn and desert bighorn.
The Rocky Mountain bighorn is bigger and can be found in Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, Montana, the Alberta Canadian provinces, and British Columbia.
While bighorn sheep can be found in several southwestern U.S. states, they are also hunted as an exotic species in countries like Uruguay.
Desert bighorns are found in the mountain ranges of the southwestern US, including Arizona, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico and California.
In countries such as Uruguay, bighorn sheep can be hunted as an exotic species.
Bighorn hunting can start early or late August and run to October and November. In Mexico, hunts may continue to the end of March. September and October are deemed as some of the best times to hunt bighorn sheep.
Bighorn Sheep Hunting Tips
Bighorn sheep hunts are often done with the assistance of a guide or outfitter and the hunts are usually spot-and-stalk.
Thanks to their protective coloring, bighorn sheep are next to invisible on mountain slopes. And, because they’re always keen and alert, it may be difficult to approach them.
Because of their coloring, bighorn sheep can be very difficult to see, which makes them a challenge to hunt.
Uncontrolled hunting, diseases, and habitat loss have reduced the range and numbers of the bighorn sheep, making them one of the most desirable and challenging mountain hunting trophies to take.
To harvest a trophy bighorn, you will often have to cover miles of difficult terrain, staying keenly aware of the environment, and exhibiting endurance and patience.
So, let’s cover some bighorn sheep tracking and hunting tips!
Maximize Your Chances [Hire A Registered Outfitter]
Mountain hunting involves covering various terrains. Because outfitters should know every part of the terrain you are hunting, it should improve your chances by not unduly pressuring the target animal.
With the help of an outfitting guide, chances of you going home with a trophy are much higher, as their job and reputation hinges on maximizing your success.
You might want to consider hiring a guide or outfitter service when chasing a trophy sheep. Knowing where to begin looking is half the battle.
It is customary for outfitter packages, such as sheep hunting in BC for example, to include room and board.
There’s usually something for everyone, including chalets, rustic cabins, and campgrounds for the camping type. Meals are also included, making the hunting trip more pleasant.
Outfitters track the goings and comings of each hunter, so that your safety is assured.
The key to bighorn sheep hunting is being able to find them in the first place.
However, it’s challenging to spot sheep in any surrounding.
Your outfitter should know where to focus your glassing efforts, so follow their lead. First light is an excellent time to spot bighorn sheep moving or feeding.
Bighorn sheep are likely to be feeding in the morning and afternoons, giving you a chance to glass feeding areas.
It may be difficult to find them at mid-day, as they’re usually bedded down, making it a good time for you to change locations.
You’ll most likely spot more sheep when glassing and sitting than when walking, so don’t feel like you have to be constantly covering ground.
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Gather Intel
There are some important things to consider not only when scouting, but when considering where to scout.
You can save yourself a lot of time and money by communicating and spending time with sheep hunting experts to learn more about where to begin your hunt.
Now, while using mapping tools such as Google Earth can be extremely helpful, equipping yourself with high-tech imagery is useless if you don’t know where to look.
While you may find sheep anywhere within their range, the key is identifying where they spend most of their time.
One of the keys to successful hunts of bighorn sheep is figuring out where they spend most of their time. Food, shade, bedding and escape routes are all key areas of focus.
Considering escape routes and food is key to identifying terrain where bighorn sheep may be located.
Sheep can go for a long time without water, and food is secondary, provided they have rugged terrain close by where they can easily escape from predators.
If you spot a high basin with excellent grass growth and an escape route, then that’s a desirable place for sheep to reside.
If you’re going on your first bighorn sheep hunt, you might want to consider high-percentage areas.
However, if you are seeking a mature, high-scoring bighorn sheep, looking in the less productive regions with lower hunting pressure can sometimes provide good results.
Keep in mind that heavy snow can push bighorn sheep to lower elevations.
Be sure that the terrain of the area you choose to hunt matches your fitness level and hunting style. If you are able to choose an area that is close to your residence, that is a big win, as you can more readily scout it throughout the year.
Summer scouting is also a good idea, as it allows you to study the access routes and terrain to avoid wasting time trying to figure things out during the hunting season.
To become an effective sheep hunter, you’ll need a quality spotting scope and excellent binoculars.
You also need patience as you have to give glassing enough time. With binoculars, start with a quick scan of the spots most likely to hold bighorn sheep.
In early mornings and late afternoons, the sheep are likely to be feeding, so concentrate on grassy areas.
On hot days, bighorn sheep will bed down under cliffs or rocky overhangs to stay cool from the sun.
If you don’t initially spot a sheep with your binoculars, consider a more detailed search, scanning in a the mountainside in a grid pattern. If you still don’t spot a bighorn, try moving 50-100 yards and glassing again. It’s amazing what you can see with a small angle/position change.
Bighorn hunting is physically taxing. A successful sheep hunting trip highly depends on your physical preparedness because these hunts will test your endurance.
Your success or failure can directly relate to your conditioning.
So, before each bighorn sheep hunt, it’s a good idea to get into a daily routine that may include climbing a flights of stairs or jogging a few to several miles.
You can also load your backpack with up to 40 pounds of gear and then hit the trail.
This can not only help you achieve some personal fitness goals, but also some sheep hunting goals, so that you can have a fantastic hunting experience and no regrets.
If you are a bowhunting bighorn sheep, be sure your gear has been inspected routinely, but that your shooting skills have been honed so your arrow will fly true when your moment of truth comes!
Your bighorn sheep hunting success depends on your ability to track the sheep. We hope you find the above tips useful for tracking and hopefully harvesting a bighorn sheep!
Camping is no fun at all if it’s freezing and/or wet inside your tent the entire time. You’ll be quite uncomfortable and you could even end up catching a nasty cold!
If you’re a camper or even a backpacking hunter, you need to know how to stay warm in a tent. To do so, you need to know how to retain heat and dry off fast. This will allow you to have a pleasant outdoors experience any time of the year. So, in this article, we’re going to be going over some hacks for keeping your tent warm.
Once it’s time to get in the tent, a warm hat can make all the difference in staying warm.
1. Bring Along Warm, Comfortable Sleeping Clothes
When camping, it’s best to bring along a separate set of clothes for sleeping and store them in a stuff sack so that they’re always kept dry.
This should ideally include warm socks, base layers and a hat that can cover your ears. Make sure that none of the base layers are so tight that they prevent your blood from circulating properly!
When picking clothes, you’ll definitely want to go with those made of synthetic fibers and wool instead of cotton. This is because cotton is notorious for absorbing heat from your body, leaving you shivering when the temperatures drop.
Be sure that the sleeping bags you choose have a rating that is acceptable for the temperatures you will be camping in.
All sleeping bags will have a ‘lowest recommended temperature’ limit on their labels, which should help you determine whether it’s worth bringing along to the particular campsite you’re heading to.
For instance, if a sleeping bag’s limit is 45 degrees Fahrenheit, then it wouldn’t be ideal for camping in high altitudes, where temperatures may drop below freezing.
Just like with your pajamas, it’s important to keep your sleeping bag completely dry. When your body comes into contact with moisture, it can lose heat pretty quickly. Therefore, make sure you keep it stored in a stuff sack during the day.
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03/06/2024 02:45 pm GMT
3. Waterproof Your Tent
You’re never going to be able to keep warm if you’re constantly battered by raindrops leaking in through the roof of your tent. Hence, it’s absolutely necessary to learn how to waterproof your tent.
The bare minimum you could do is to spray water repellent on the roof of the tent and on the rainfly as well.
Since most leaks occur at the tent’s seams, you may want to invest in a good seam sealer as well. Keep in mind that not just any sealer will work on your tent’s fabric, so it’s best to do your research on what kind you need to buy.
Tents typically contain urethane coating which acts as a sealant against moisture. However, the coating tends to wear off over time. So, if your tent is a bit old, we recommend applying a brand new coat before setting out on your trip.
Be sure that your sleeping mat has an appropriate “R-value” so that your body heat loss will be minimal in a cold tent.
If you’re going camping during cold weather, keep in mind that the ground you’ll be sleeping on will be cold as well. While a sleeping bag will keep you elevated, it’s not going to be enough to keep you warm, certainly not as much as a good sleeping mat.
When buying a sleeping mat, it’s very important to pay attention to its ‘R-value’ which indicates how good it is at retaining heat.
A high R-value means you’ll lose less body heat when you’re lying on top of the sleeping pad. We recommend going for one with an R-value of at least 5.
Most campers only put on warm clothing when they start to feel cold. This is a huge mistake, because by then you’ve already lost a significant amount of body heat (hence why you’re feeling so cold in the first place).
So, the best thing to do is to put on the extra layers before night falls.
Thermal attire is absolutely essential when you’re camping in cold weather. So, bring along a fleece hoodie or a warm windbreaker and make sure to keep them dry at all times.
Did you know that most of your body heat is lost through your head? That’s why you should always cover your head with a warm beanie before you go to sleep inside the tent.
Similarly, we tend to lose a lot of heat through our feet as well. Hence, thick socks are a must to bring with you. It’s especially helpful to have a long pair that extends beyond your ankles.
Keeping a hot water bottle close to your body can help you stay warm in a tent.
An effective way to keep yourself warm at night is to fill a hot water bottle and hug it close to a cold spot on your body while you sleep. Make sure the water bottle is a secure one and that the lid can be closed tightly, so that you don’t end up burning yourself!
In addition, we recommend choosing a bottle that is BPA-free so that you can safely drink from it if you wake up thirsty in the middle of the night.
Eating food with high fat content can help you stay warm on cold camping nights.
This is like stuffing as much wood into the fire as you can before you go to sleep. A high-fat dinner or snack will give your body tons of fuel with which to generate heat, allowing you to sleep comfortably for longer.
You won’t feel as thirsty when you’re camping out in cold weather. However, this doesn’t mean that your body needs less water!
Hot coffee is certainly enjoyable and cozy when camping, but you’ll still need to drink enough water to keep regular body functions like digestion and blood circulation running smoothly. At the same time, make sure you don’t go overboard with hydration. Otherwise, you’ll have to go outside several times in the middle of the night for bathroom breaks.
In this article, we’ve covered several different ways to retain heat and keep dry, from waterproofing your tent to staying hydrated.
If you plan to camp out in cold or rainy weather, be sure that you’ve got everything you need to keep your tent warm and dry. Staying warm will make for a very pleasant camping experience and more importantly, it will keep you from getting sick.
Although the purists out there will say that any fishing technology other than a rod and reel is unnecessary, fish finders are valuable tools to elevate your fishing experience.
Fish Finders give you a pair of eyes under the water. This gives you valuable insight into structure and feeding patterns that cannot be otherwise known.
The fish are there… you just need to find them. Check out our list of the best fish finders in various categories!
We will be going over the best fish finders in several categories. Because your fishing needs will vary, certain options may be better for the job than others.
These categories include: The best fish finders for kayaking, small boats, ice fishing, those of certain budgets, and more! Use this information to make smart decisions and make investments that best work for your fishing needs.
So, lets’ get started covering all the best fish finders in the categories below!
You may not think about needing a fish finder when kayak fishing, but it’s a great tool to help you locate fish, regardless of boat size.
Many people do not think of using electronics when kayak fishing, but it can be super helpful if you can afford it.
So, here are the best fish finders for kayaks!
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv
The compact Garmin Striker 4cv is a top choice for those fishing from kayaks.
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is the best fish finder for a kayak if you are okay with a smaller screen and more compact design.
These are very small but pack a punch in terms of quality and performance. The Striker 4cv is a great option for smaller kayaks and anglers who want something that takes up less space.
The Striker Vivid 4cv has dual frequency sonar, a water temperature log and graph, and a split-screen zoom, among other features.
Garmin is a leading brand in the space, so going with the Striker is a worthwhile investment for your kayak fishing adventures.
The Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot from Lowrance is a great choice for kayak fishers who want an easily visible screen that can also be mounted in minutes to stay out of the way when needed.
The Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot has a 5-inch waterproof screen that sports a a coating that will help make the screen remain visible even in direct light.
You can also get an installation kit from Lowrance that can be installed in minutes so that the fish finder stays out of your way while kayak fishing.
Lowrance is another established brand, but it tends to be a little more affordable than the others, which is nice.
Smaller boats, like those of kayaks and canoes, do not need fish finders designed for bigger rigs. This will be overkill and misuse of resources.
So, knowing what the best fish finders for small boats are, you can make a more informed decision.
Lowrance HOOK2 4x with Bullet Transducer
HOOK² 4x with Bullet Transducer and GPS Plotter is a great option for small boats with a limited storage space.
If you know you will be in smaller bodies of water in a smaller boat, the Lowrance HOOK2 Bullet is a great option.
This is a portable fish finder that comes in a carrying case with spots for a couple of tackle trays.
The interface is kind of basic, but it has everything you would need on a small boat.
It’s available in screens from 4-12″ and it has an easy-to-use interface with quick access key functions.
It comes with a 1-year warranty and also offers a 5-year upgrade, where you can upgrade to a newer model anytime within a 5-year period for a discounted price.
If you have a moderate budget, but you are still looking for high quality, the $500 and under price range is best.
You can get some excellent fish finders in the $350-500 range. There are even some that fit there that rival the $1000+ fish finders.
Let’s take a look…
Humminbird Helix 5
The Humminbird Helix 5 is one of the best fish finders for under $500, featuring Down Imaging. that gives you timber, brush, rocks and other structure imagery in great detail.
The Helix is Humminbird’s mainstay line, so going with this is a great choice.
It packs a serious punch when it comes to value as it has all that Humminbird is known for, usually under $400.
The screen is not that big (5″), but it has super clear imagery and has sonar systems to provide anything you need on the water.
It has all of the bells and whistles you would expect out of a fish finder at this price range.
The Garmin Striker Plus 7SV sports a 7″ screen and built-in wi-fi, and comes in just under $500.
The Garmin Striker Plus 7SV is a more expensive and larger fish finder than the other two previously mentioned Garmins.
The 7SV has a more traditional display that has more functions than the other models.
This comes in right around $500 and has a 7-inch, easy-to-use display.
It has built-in wi-fi for access to the ActiveCaptain™ app so you can receive smart notifications as well as the Quickdraw Contours Community. It also allows you to transfer waypoints and provides access to software update alerts.
Sometimes, you just need something to get the job done while not breaking the bank.
For those on a budfet, here are the best fish finders under $200.
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv
The Vivid 4cv makes the list again, this time for one of the best fish finders under $200.
This is the third time we have seen the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv and for good reason. Coming in under $200, this is the best budget, small fish finder on the market.
This fish finder has GPS and enough tools to get the job done without bankrupting your fishing fund.
It travels well, can be found all over the place, and is affordable.
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03/07/2024 05:11 pm GMT
SIMRAD GO7 XSR
If luxury is what you are looking for in a fish finder under $1,000, the SIMRAD GO7 XSR fits the bill.
Of all the fish finders today, this is the most like an iPad or tablet because of the quality screen provided.
Not only is the resolution great on the SIMRAD GO7 XSR, but the interface is huge.
This one comes in just under $1000 and makes you feel like you are using a luxurious item.
This is a touch screen fish finder that also comes with a handheld remote so you can switch between interfaces with ease and from any part of the boat.
The touch screen is viewable in the sunlight, has a built-in GPS receiver, and can connect with other mobile devices.
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03/06/2024 04:50 pm GMT
Best Portable Fish Finder
If you find yourself constantly switching between kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, and anything else, a portable fish finder may be best.
These can be brought on the move and be switched all-around at your choosing.
We have already listed a few great portable fish finders, but here is a couple that has yet to be covered.
Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar G2 PT
Although not necessarily “small,” the Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar G2 PT has a ton of features for a portable fish finder.
Although many portable fish finders can be stuffed in your backpack or pocket, the Hummingbird 5 G2 is one of the more advanced portable options.
The Helix 5 Sonar G2 PT is a fairly large fish finder, but it comes in a portable carrying bag that makes the use quite easy. Plus, you will get more features with this due to the size about other portable options.
It features SwitchFire Sonar, which allows you to choose with the push of a button how your sonar returns appear as it pertains to water depth, temperature and turbulence.
The Dual Beam PLUS Sonar gives you a generous coverage area to identify fish, contours and structure. You can toggle between narrow and wide beam or view them side-by-side.
Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4
The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 is a sleek, hand-held fish finder option for those looking for portability and affordability.
If you are looking for a more traditional, hand-held portable fish finder, the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 is a top option.
The PiranhaMAX 4 can easily fit in your tackle box and be temporarily mounted wherever you need it.
Despite being affordable and portable, it has excellent mapping skills and can even find fish up to 600 feet deep.
Features include dual beam sonar, tilt and swivel mounting and a 1-year warranty.
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03/07/2024 09:30 am GMT
Best Fish Finders For Crappie
Crappie are super fun fish to catch, and changing your fish finder choice slightly is important. They are smaller than bass and fish finders can be super helpful for pointing them out on the water.
Below are a couple of fish finders that can work with any species, but excel when targeting crappie.
The Raymarine Dragonfly 7 Pro provides photo-like images, which can help identify smaller fish like crappie.
Although the Raymarine Dragonfly 7 Pro is not a huge fish finder, it brings great value to your crappie fishing.
The wide spectrum CHIRP sonar system is great for mapping smaller fish like crappie very clearly and accurately. This, along with some other great features, like built-in wi-fi and online sonar image sharing, makes the Dragonfly 7 Pro fish finder worth checking out.
The Dragonfly 7 generates photo-like sonar images with incredible clarity. It can scan up to 600 ft. deep.
Be aware, though, there are no charts included in the software.
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iBobber Wireless Smart Fish Finder
The iBobber Wireless Smart Fish finder can be used in kayaks or small boats and is a great option for crappie fishing.
Another fish finder that is using modern technology and a more unique way to map is the iBobber Wireless Smart Fish Finder.
You may not always be using a boat when crappie fishing, or, if you are, it might be a small Jon boat or kayak.
The iBobber is a fish finder that uses a bobber with simple, sonar technology to move information from the water to the app on your phone. It is super portable and great for crappie fishing.
The better fish finders on the market will be equipped with GPS. This allows you to map bodies of water, mark hotspots, and learn a lot about the area you are in. Here are the best fish finders with GPS!
Humminbird Helix 5
The Helix 5 from Humminbird is a GPS powerhouse, with the ability to store 2500 waypoints.
The Helix 5 has been already featured, and it shows up again for good reason.
This fish finder is outfitted with a fantastic GPS that allows you to store 2500 waypoints, 20,000 track points, and so much more.
You can do a lot with the system, so the investment is well worth it. Along with the GPS, it has a great sonar system and interfaces for ease of use.
The HDS-Live is one of Lowrance’s more costly models, but its imaging is top-notch and it features preloaded C-MAP® Contour+ mapping.
The Lowrance HDS-Live is a high-end fish finder outfitted with GPS and active imaging.
These two aspects alone bring a ton of value into the purchase. This is one of Lowrance’s most expensive models, so be prepared to spend some money for those add-ons.
If this is something you can afford, the Lowrance HDS-Live imaging fish finder is an excellent option.