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Author Topic: TMA sheep tag and muzzleloaders?  (Read 498 times)

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Offline plentycoupe

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TMA sheep tag and muzzleloaders?
« on: February 19, 2006, 03:52:26 AM »
Hey everyone
I drew a tag to hunt dall sheep in one of the most coveted areas in this state. The Tok Management Area. Today I started toying with the thought of taking my muzzle loader.
I have a Lyman Trade Rifle. .54 Caliber, 28" barrel, 1:48 inch twist, percusion.
I have shot Hornady great plains 425 grn maxi balls with good success.

Here' my questions. Can you guys with the good info give me some pointers?
General info on bullets and powder to try using?
How do you keep everything dry when the weather goes south??
How much extra powder and rounds would you carry?
Do you leave the rifel loaded everyday or fire it and start fresh each day?

All of my black powder hunting to date has been in Oklahoma.

I will be doing a walk in hunt and weight is a factor. Which of course means the gun alone is going to kick my butt!!!!!
Anyway feel free to throw any info you have my way.

Thankyou
Plentycoupe
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Offline Sourdough

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TMA sheep tag and muzzleloaders?
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2006, 05:59:45 PM »
Have you ever hunted Dall Sheep before?  Inless you have a couple hanging on the wall, I recommend leaving the muzzleloader at home.  Most sheep are shot at longer distances than a muzzleloader can handle.  Sheep hunting is very physically demanding, and getting close is not something always possiable.  Shots usually range from 200 to 300 yards.  I am an avid muzzleloader, but I would not consider taking one on the hunt of a life time.  Memories of the one you almost shot is nothing compared to one hanging on the wall.  I recommend a good flat shooting gun like a 7MM Mag, a 300 Mag, or even the old 30-06.  Something that can be sighted in for 300 yards and still hit at 400 yards.
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Offline Daveinthebush

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« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2006, 07:05:46 PM »
Although I would be tempted to take a bow, Sourdough is correct on this one.  It is a hunt of a lifetime.  Or the loss of a lifetime.  If I had one on the wall the bow would go.   I think I would try the Encore in 7mm/08 that I have.
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Offline Sourdough

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TMA sheep tag and muzzleloaders?
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2006, 08:09:03 AM »
Plentycoupe:  May I make a recommendation?  First make a decision on what gun you will be using.  Get a good rangefinder, (I recommend a Loupold with Inclinometer) trying to estimate range in the mountains can be difficult, as can elevation.  Then go to the South Cushman range, start at 100 yards, and work out to 300.  Sight the gun in for dead on at 300 yards.  Then start shooting 4" clay targets off the bank in back.  When you can bust those clay targets regularly your ready for sheep hunting.  Yes I'm a tough task master, but I've came back with fellows that blew a 250 yard shot due to not enough practice.  I've also talked to guys that shot all their ammo at sheep that were over 700 yards out and they felt they could hit them.  I personally blew a 125 yard shot due to elevation.  I shot right over the sheep's back not realising it was higher than I was.

It's 337 yards from the benches to the berm at South Cushman.  If you want to try shooting farther get back with me, I think we can come up with something farther if you like.  I just want to see you get the trophy of a life time, A DALL SHEEP.
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Where is old Joe when we really need him?  Alaska Independence    Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists"
What Is A Veteran?
A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life.' That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.
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