Thread: Wild sheep stalking tips

Hi fellows,

I went out on a wild sheep mission over the weekend. Plenty of signs were seen.

Heard a sheep (or multiple sheep) calling. Couldn't see it, but I reckoned it was no more than 200m away. Attempted to stalk it, but it must have kept running in circles around me, as the calls ended up coming from all directions. After over an hour of playing cat and mouse on steep terrain, I eventually figured they must have noticed my presence right from the start, and were just playing games.

They are definitely there. But not sure what I'm doing wrong. I was either hunting into the wind or a cross wind 70% of the time.
(It wasn't possible to hunt into the wind 100% of the time because the terrain was steep as hell at some locations, so route choices were often limited).
Also tried to stay away from the middle of the clearings and moved along the bush edges as much as possible.

Unlike deer, pigs and wallabies, the wild sheep seem to be pretty active throughout the whole day. Does anyone have the same observation?

Any tips for stalking them?
Thanks!

that clearing looks like the goods to me - at this time of year with the heat they will seek shade during the real hot parts of the day - be on that clearing early and late in the day - the fourth photo looks like pig rooting rather than sheep sign ??

Yes that looks like pig rooting. I actually spooked a pig at 10m on the way out.

my old eyes dont deceive me -- just a point some of that wild mutton is real damn good - can be tricky compared to venison in that high fat content does go off easily in the heat - but can be superb eating even young rams and older ewes

In my very limited experience (one hunt!), they are about as clever/daft as goats. Not hard to stalk. They might trot off if they've had some hunting pressure, but I think you just got unlucky.

you are right they are not hard - but do seem to spend long periods lying up in the shade and can be hard to locate - I quess with a load of wool on they feel the heat - but have to feed at some stage

Number one point to remember about sheep,
Never admit you got outsmarted by a sheep.

As others have said, sheep will rest up in the shade if possible during the heat of the day. If not already near water they will generally head to it and drink in later afternoon before feeding, often most of the night. Figure out where they’re resting, feeding or watering and you’ve got them beat. Just like most grazing animals.

Here’s some of the Diggers Hill sheep. I am no expert but have shot a 5-6 of them over the years - more for the variety. My experience is that they seem to take their time coming out into the open stuff and I have seen them from about 9.30am mostly. My advice is keep going back, stay overnight. Once you get onto them they are easier to hunt than deer but still cagey.


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Truly feral sheep that know you are there , are as wiley an opponent as you will find.

Early on that clearing be your best choice , then hunt the less steep areas as the day progresses . Sheep need flatter areas than a goat to lay up during the day.

As Staffnurse41 says they can be cagey as. Did some culling of Arapawa Island sheep years ago and do the odd bit of wild sheep culling on stations to stop them breeding with and introducing unwanted genes into main flock. Wild ones seem to have a sixth sense and know when you’re around. Miss a shot and let them get away and they can be a challenge to get onto again. Been more than one hunter get their arse kicked by wild sheep and cattle on Chatham Islands taking it too easy.

Aprently those north island sheep farmers put a bit of basil in their undies. Not sure if that helps. Cheers

I recognise where you are there
I never targeted the wild sheep directly but regularly came across them while deer stalking. They seemed to be often camped up in the gullies under the large broadleaf trees during the day. You'll find them out on the clearings morning and evenings. Plenty of good glassing options in that block. Never found them particularly cunning, definitely saw far more sheep than deer in there while bushstalking! Think you may need to push a bit deeper into the block and spend a bit of time in there.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Aprently those north island sheep farmers put a bit of basil in their undies. Not sure if that helps. Cheers

what dirty South Island rumours trying to keep hunters away from ya girl friends

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Aprently those north island sheep farmers put a bit of basil in their undies. Not sure if that helps. Cheers

Nah doesn't make any difference.