Chasing Legends in Alaska’s High Country - Dall Sheep

Alaskan DALL SHEEP Hunt

Overview
Embarking on a Dall sheep hunt in Alaska is the pinnacle of mountain hunting adventure. These hunts demand physical endurance, mental toughness, and a deep respect for the wild. Each step into the high country brings hunters closer to breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and the chance to pursue one of North America’s most iconic mountain game species.

The Species
The Dall sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) is a symbol of Alaska’s rugged peaks, found in some of the most remote and inaccessible terrain in North America. Their snow-white coats allow them to blend seamlessly into the alpine landscape, while their impressive curled horns make them one of the most sought-after trophies.

  • Size: Mature rams typically weigh between 160–200 pounds, with ewes smaller at 120–150 pounds.

  • Horns: Males grow the signature curling horns, which can complete a full curl or more, symbolizing age and maturity. Ewes also have horns, though smaller and less curved.

  • Habitat: Dall sheep thrive in steep, rocky slopes and alpine meadows, where their agility protects them from predators.

  • Diet: Their diet consists of alpine grasses, lichens, and shrubs, often found in seemingly barren terrain.

The Hunt
Dall sheep hunts are physically demanding, often requiring long hikes through steep, rocky country at elevations above 5,000 feet. Spot-and-stalk is the primary method, using optics to glass slopes and ridges for legal rams before beginning the challenging stalk.

  • Location: Hunts occur across Alaska’s mountain ranges, including the Brooks Range, Alaska Range, and Wrangells.

  • Gear: Hunters must be prepared for backpack-style hunts in cold, unpredictable mountain weather. Lightweight, durable gear and top-tier optics are essential. A flat-shooting rifle in calibers like .270, .280, or .300 Win Mag is commonly used.

  • Guiding: By law, non-resident hunters must be accompanied by a registered guide outfitter, ensuring safety and maximizing the chance of success.

FULL GEAR LIST

Conservation and Respect
Dall sheep are managed carefully to maintain sustainable populations, with strict regulations to protect breeding rams and herds. Every hunter is encouraged to uphold respect for the land, the animals, and the traditions that make sheep hunting a cornerstone of Alaskan heritage.

Two large ram skulls with horns in front of a campsite with two chairs and a small fire, against a mountainous landscape with trees and blue sky.
Close-up of a dead ram with large curved horns and exposed flesh, lying on the ground in a forested area near a campfire, with people and camping gear in the background.

“Pursuing Dall sheep in Alaska’s high country is the purest test of grit and will—where every climb takes you closer to the sky, every ridge carries the weight of history, and the ram’s curl stands as a timeless symbol of triumph.”

DALL SHEEP Legacy with Magnusson Alaskan Outfitters

A bighorn sheep with large curled horns resting on rocky terrain in a mountainous, snow-covered landscape.
A man wearing a camouflage hat kneels next to a sitting goat with large curled horns, in a mountainous, rocky landscape during daytime.
A man in outdoor clothing smiling while holding the horns of a white mountain goat with large curved horns in a mountainous landscape.
Two men standing outdoors in front of a small airplane aircraft, one holding a ram's skull with large curved horns. Both men wear hats and outdoor clothing, with the younger man wearing suspenders. The background includes mountain scenery and trees.
A man wearing camouflage clothing and gloves is sitting on a grassy hillside, holding the horns of a dead goat with large curved horns. The background shows mountainous terrain under cloudy skies.

Tipping standards

Standard Tipping Rates
Percentage of Hunt Cost: A common guideline is to tip between 10% – 20% of the total cost of the hunt, depending on the quality of service and your satisfaction with the experience. For example, if your hunt costs $10,000, you would tip between $1,000, and $2,000 for an exceptional experience. (Guide, Packer, Cook, Pilot)

Factors to Consider
Service Quality: Consider the guide’s professionalism, knowledge, effort, and overall service quality. Excellent service warrants a higher tip.

Success of the Hunt: While the success of the hunt can be a factor, it’s important to recognize that guides can work hard regardless of the outcome. Effort and dedication should be acknowledged even if the game is not successfully hunted.
Additional Staff: If there are assistant guides, cooks, packers, pilots or other staff who contributed to your experience, it is customary to tip them as well. This can be a smaller amount compared to the main guide but should reflect their contributions.

How to Tip
Cash Tips: Cash is often preferred, but ensure you have the appropriate denominations to avoid any inconvenience.
Envelope: Presenting the tip in an envelope with a thank-you note adds a personal touch.

Timing: The tip is usually given at the end of the hunt, during the final goodbyes or when you settle the final bill.
Special Considerations

Guide-Owner: If your guide is also the owner of the outfitting business, tipping is still appropriate but can sometimes be adjusted since they are profiting from the overall fee of the hunt.

Additional Suggestions

Research Ahead: Before your trip, research typical tipping practices for the specific outfit or area you will be hunting in. Sometimes outfitters provide guidelines or suggestions.

Ask for Recommendations: If unsure, you can ask other experienced hunters or even the outfitter for recommendations on appropriate tipping.