Be Prepared:
Frozen Wilderness in the
► article and photos by Corey Rasmussen
It
and dove into our tents for a well-deserved sleep. Despite the inclement weather, our preparation and knowledge allowed us to safely continue this hunt.
a six-day bighorn sheep hunt, already 25 km deep into new territory, we planned to traverse 15 km of ridge above treeline. Stopping often to rest and glass various draws, we hoped to spot a ram of interest. By mid-afternoon, clouds rolled in and a relentless series of snow squalls completely obscured our vision, changing our easy hike into a long and hazardous one.
Winter hunting in Alberta is not without risk. Temperatures can go below 0°C and snowy conditions often prevail. From October through January, and even in August and September in higher elevations, expect the potential for snowfall and colder temperatures. Pursuing quarry in such conditions requires preparation—having the right clothing, equipment, and knowledge can make winter hunting a more comfortable and safer experience. As a Search and Rescue volunteer, I have seen first-hand the results of being ill-prepared, with consequences ranging from an unforgettably uncomfortable night to a night not survived.
started as a beautiful October day, cool and dry, making for a relatively easy ascent up the mountain with our loaded packs. It was day two of
We moved slowly as we sought the end of the ridge and began descending into our camp destination. The snow squalls pummelled us while downclimbing, making navigating the cliff band and boulder fields downright dangerous! Thankfully, we arrived at our destination without injury, quickly set up camp, had a hot meal,
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CONSERVATION MAGAZINE
FALL WINTER 2021
photo (this page): Caught in a storm during bighorn sheep hunt
