British Columbia’s Stone sheep are primarily found in the northern portion of the province. The following regions are particularly well-known for quality rams and successful hunts:
- Jennings River: Hunting in BC. Jennings River Wild is located as far north as you can go in British Columbia, so far north that we can’t leave our base camp at Swan Lake by road without driving into the Yukon. The hunting is good.
- Cassiar Mountains: A storied range with expansive habitat, accessible only by floatplane or horseback. This area is known for producing impressive rams and offering multi-species hunting opportunities.
- Muskwa-Kechika Management Area (MKMA): Often called the “Serengeti of the North,” the MKMA covers over six million hectares of remote wilderness teeming with wildlife. Access is limited, and pressure is low—ideal for a true backcountry adventure.
- Omineca and Skeena Mountains: Lesser-known but rugged and rich in game, these regions are gaining popularity for their diverse terrain and remote camps.
Each of these areas features towering peaks, alpine meadows, wind-scoured ridgelines, and glacial streams—prime habitat for Stone sheep but also extremely challenging ground for hunters. Physical fitness, mental stamina, and solid gear are essential for success.
British Columbia’s Stone sheep
The Nature of the Hunt: A Test of Grit and Patience
Hunting Stone sheep is not for the faint of heart. It’s often described as more of a mountaineering expedition than a hunt. Days may begin well before sunrise, with long hikes up scree slopes and precarious traverses across ridges. You may glass for hours—even days—before spotting a legal ram.
A guided Stone sheep hunt typically spans 10 to 14 days. This duration gives you the best odds of success in a landscape where sheep are scarce and access is difficult. Hunts are often conducted via horseback, backpack, or fly-in base camps. Expect to sleep in wall tents or spike camps and wake to frigid mornings, eat dehydrated meals, and hike under heavy loads.
What makes the pursuit especially thrilling is how the sheep use the land to their advantage. Rams often perch high above tree line, watching their backtrail and using the wind to detect predators. Closing the distance without being seen or winded requires patience, planning, and stealthy footwork. A successful stalk may take hours—or demand a complete retreat and re-approach from another valley.
