Stone Sheep. Hunting the Ghost of the Northern Rockies

If you’ve ever dreamt of testing your mettle in the high alpine, of pursuing a legendary animal in a world untouched by roads or crowds, then hunting Stone sheep in British Columbia belongs at the top of your bucket list. This isn’t just a hunt—it’s an expedition, a personal reckoning, and a tribute to the wild places that still shape us.

The Species and the Challenge

Stone sheep (Ovis dalli stonei) are a sub-species of thinhorn sheep, notable for their smoky, slate-gray coats and sweeping horns. Their ghostlike ability to blend into scree-covered mountainsides has earned them a reputation as one of the most difficult and prestigious big game species to hunt in North America.

Found primarily in northern British Columbia, Stone sheep require hunters to earn every inch of elevation and every glimpse of horn. They live in unforgiving terrain—vast alpine ridges, steep talus slopes, and remote plateaus accessible only by horse, floatplane, or sheer determination.

Regulations and Responsibility

British Columbia tightly regulates Stone sheep hunting to ensure long-term sustainability. All non-resident hunters must be accompanied by a licensed guide. Licenses and species tags are issued through these outfitters, who help navigate the region’s strict management policies—including age and horn curl requirements for legal rams.

It is imperative to educate yourself on regulations, not only to stay within the law but to be a responsible participant in one of North America’s most carefully managed big game programs. A successful hunt here doesn’t just mean a harvest—it means contributing to a legacy of ethical pursuit and conservation.