Due to the extremely limited number of tags and hunting opportunities, Bighorn Sheep are arguably the most coveted species in North America. Most bighorn licenses are acquired through the various state lottery systems with less than single digit draw odds. It can take decades to acquire enough points to even have a shot at pulling a tag.

Those few tags that are available to purchase outside of the draws, can easily exceed six figures and are out of reach for most people. So, whether you’re cashing in a lifetime of points you’ve built or mortgaging your house to pay for that once in a lifetime hunt, you want to be meticulous in your gear selection.

There are many factors that can go into having a successful sheep hunt. Obviously physical and mental preparation should be at the top of the list, but having the right gear selected for the time of year and area you’re hunting can be just as important.

Balancing weight, versus need, versus want, is vital for these types of trips. It’s important to have a system in place that breaks down this balance of weight vs. reward, so that you can get the most out of each item.

On a hunt like this, it’s critical to choose a skin to shell layering system that allows you the ability to flex with the temperatures, varying weather conditions and hunt activity levels you’re likely to encounter.