Add the amount of flare to get an approximate horn length: four inches of flare makes a 36-37” long horn. The best angle to judge this from is the quartering away look.
I use that when I am guessing a ram and if he is bigger than that then it is just a bonus. Let’s say the data says average rams that have been harvested have 14-1/2 inch bases. This will give you an average of bases that are typical of that unit/gene pool. It will give you the base circumference, the horn length, and age of each ram that has been harvested in that unit. This list can be obtained from the Game and Fish Department for each unit. GK: I typically research the history of the unit and the rams that have been taken in the area by the record book and the past successful hunters. Sure, the odd big-based ram will appear sometimes in a unit that typically produces small-based rams, but they are the exception and not the rule. Knowing the historical data by unit will always be one of the best strategies for judging base size. Base size inColoradosheep is best judged by studying the harvest statistics by unit. I’ve seen several big-based rams with a large space between the horns. I have found the space between the horns at the top of the head to be a very poor predictor of base size due to the fact that rams have greatly varying sized skulls. Big-based rams show very little space and small-based or average rams will show a lot of space. TR: From a slightly quartering angle, I look for any signs of extra space between the middle of the ears and the horn. How do you determine the mass at the bases? I am trying to determine if the ram I am looking at has great mass down low in his third quarter circumference area and good length of horn. GK: Is it the age class or size of ram that warrants a closer look? If it is a half-curl ram then you do not need to waste any more time looking at him. Does the ram make you speak out loud words like, “wow” or “whoa?” First impressions through a spotting scope are usually correct and I base further scrutiny on the first look. What is the first thing to determine when looking at a ram for the first time? Greg has been responsible for the harvesting of 48 rams in the state ofArizona. Greg Koons is anArizonanative and has been hunting since he was 10 years old. He is the owner of High Desert Outfitters and has been guiding for 24 years, specializing in bighorn sheep. He has harvested his Grand Slam with aRockyMountainbighorn fromNew Mexicoscoring 195 2/8 (which was the state record at the time it was harvested). Tim’s passion is hunting for big rams and he typically spends the summer months every year scouting the alpine country in various units throughout the Colorado Rockies.
He has harvested a B&C ram inColoradoand has guided numerous clients to high quality rams.
Tim Rushing has been an avid sheep hunter and professional guide for 13 years. Both of them have a lifetime of experience when it comes toRockyMountainbighorn sheep. The following questions in regards to field judging were posed to two very experienced sheep hunters and our hope is that you will find their answers to be full of wisdom and will help you become better at field judging sheep.įirst, let me introduce our two sheep experts: Tim Rushing fromColoradoand Greg Koons fromArizona. Generally, over 50% of the total score is based around the eight mass measurements. Typically record book rams have 38-40 inch horns and at least 100 inches of mass. The minimum score forRockyMountainbighorn sheep is 180 inches for the Boone and Crockett record book. Judging bighorn sheep is definitely not an easy thing to do and there is certainly a bunch of experience that is necessary to become consistent at field judging these fine animals. RockyMountainbighorn sheep can be found in many of the western states includingNew Mexico,Arizona,Montana,Idaho,Wyoming,Colorado,Washington, andOregonas well as several provinces inCanada. To view entire article click here 9.3 WH Field Judging Rocky Mtn Sheep