Timbo’s “Dream-Come-True” Sheep Hunt!
Timbo is always looking for those special hunts. The search does not necessarily depend on the size of the horns and antlers or where the animal will list in the record books. His deciding factor is just in total appeal of the animal to him. It is not important who else knows that he took the animals, just that he knows and can enjoy the memories of the hunt for the rest of his life; that he can look back and know that this animal was hunted in fair chase and was treated with respect before and after the hunt; that the animal is appreciated for what it is and is not compared to this one or that one; that he can reflect, enjoy and take in the hunt from the smallest detail of the animals appearance to the habitat in which the animal lived; that in some small way, he is contributing to the survival of many different and rare animals by giving them value as a species.
This trip Timbo was seeking two tremendously large sheep bred, born and raised on The Patio Ranch. The first was a large Stumberg Sheep ram that had been in the breeding pasture as the herd ram for 4 years. This special ram had bred and passed on the genetic code that has already started to show in the new rams born into the herd. The second was a hybrid Trans-Caspian urial ram that had been an experiment in genetics. It produced a sheep that is a one in 10,000 type sheep: large body, long horns, massive bases and the intelligence of the true wild sheep. Either sheep alone would be a rare trophy; but Timbo was dreaming large and wanted them both.
The hunt started with the search for the rams. The day was one of the damp, gray, misty days that limits sighting and identification except at fairly close range due to poor contrast. And, as the case is with most wild sheep, they usually are aware of the hunter before the hunter spots the sheep. However, on the first part of the hunt, favor was shining on Timbo as a group of rams was sighted before they were aware of our position. Activity somewhere in the opposite direction had drawn the attention of the three big rams in this bachelor group and they did not see the hunters peering over the ridge. Upon careful study of the group, we were pleasantly surprised that the breeding Stumberg ram that Timbo sought was in the group. As Timbo set up for the shot, the group started to mill around and graze as sheep often do. “He’s on the left…now he has moved behind the middle ram…now he is back on the left…now he is the ram in the middle…” and so on. After a few minutes that seemed like eternity, Timbo’s rifle cracked. He had been very alertly and carefully following every move of the special ram and took the opportunity when a clean shot finally presented itself to him. The rams ran a few yards and disappeared. Then, two rams came into view a little further down the hill and the large ram was not with them! As Timbo moved forward and carefully peered over the rise, a sheep with very large horns was on the ground and still…Timbo’s shot was accurate and true! After providing this tremendous Stumberg ram with the traditional “last bite” to pay respect and honor his life, many pictures were taken.
Now the search would begin for the other large ram that we sought. The same conditions were still with us: damp, drizzling, gray. This time the search would be longer. Long walks through the pasture searching yielded no results for the first hour or two. Then a big ram was seen leaving a line of brush ahead of the search. We planned to try to circle ahead of his line of travel by going around the pasture in the opposite direction. If all worked right, we would be able to spot him if he kept moving as he was when we spotted him. We arrived in the area where we hoped to find him, but did not see the ram at first. The hunting party set up and glassed the area; suddenly, off to the side an animal moved in the brush line. Using the binoculars and patience, it was determined that this was our sheep! He seemed to know that he was being pursued and was moving cautiously…slowly. But that changed suddenly when the ram decided to cross the open ground; his speed increased and we feared that he would move into another brushy area and be lost again. Timbo kept tracking him with the rifle scope, ready to shoot if the opportunity arose; but at this range and with the rams erratic movement, a safe and clean shot was not available. Then, as suddenly as the big sheep had started, he stopped seemingly to check what might be following behind him. That was the only window Timbo needed! As with the first ram, this beautiful sheep was given his “last bite” as a sign of respect and to honor the animal.
We invite you to come join us on The Patio Ranch to find that special hunt that will make one of your dreams come true as a hunter. Allow us to share your hunt with you as we, in turn, share a great tradition of special hunts encompassing four generations of the Stumberg family here on The Patio Ranch with you. We also ask you to join us in this salute to a truly great hunt and the experience of a fine hunter.
Timbo sets a fine example for the rest of us that also hunt…he does things right and for the right reason. He is a great example to use when talking with new hunters or non-hunters when we share the hunting process with them. And although most true hunters are like Timbo, each of them has a different experience and perception of their hunt. For that reason, as Timbo will do now with this “Super Sheep” hunt, each hunter on The Patio Ranch really can “…tell a different hunting story!”
Best wishes for a wet and productive spring season…Good hunting!