Update On Sheep In Alaska

Alaska: This state has experienced some localized sheep population declines over the past few years, according to recently retired sheep biologist, Wayne Heimer. Even so, a few hunters are taking some very nice rams these days, thanks largely to this state's full-curl regulation and the limited-entry hunts in portions of the Chugach Range (Unit 14C) and the Tok Management Area (Units 12, 13C and 20D). In examining Alaska's sheep harvest data, it is interesting to note that drainages which are producing big rams today also did so two or three decades ago. In an average year, Alaska produces about 58 rams in the 40-inch class, with the most coming from the Chugach Range, followed by the Wrangell Mountains (Unit 11) and the Alaska Range East (Unit 20). In fact, Chugach Range outfitter Rob Schuh from R & R Guide Service says this area has produced 22 rams with horns taping over 40 inches in the last five seasons. Furthermore, this past spring he said he thought this area had at least five to 10 live rams that would qualify for entry into the Boone and Crockett record book. According to outfitter Rocky Keen, who hunts the Tok Management Area, this past season the area contained at least 15 rams with horns in excess of 40 inches, and about eight with horns that would tape 43 inches or more.

(Editor Note: If you would like more information on the sheep populations of North America, you can purchase one of the two books Gilchrist has written on the subject - Quest For Giant Bighorns or Quest For Dall Rams. Each book contains about 100 photographs and 224 pages. To order, write to Duncan Gilchrist at the address listed below.)

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