173" Ram from the heart of our area
Our trophy Dall Sheep hunts in the Central Brooks Range run from August 10th to 19th, or from August 21st to 30th. This backpack hunt is over the counter but has very limited openings. Grizzly bears and black bears are available on a trophy fee basis. Guided Fly out fishing is available for lake trout, sheefish, arctic char, dolly varden, grayling, & pike.
Once landing in Bettles, you will be met by a Mountain Monarchs team member and brought to our Lodge in town, the "Ram Hole". From here you will repack your gear, do the necessary paperwork, shoot and check your rifle for zero, and then get ready to fly out to your base camp. If weather allows you may fly out to base camp the same day you arrive to Bettles or you may wait until the next day. We utilize a Piper Super Cub (PA-18) on wheels and a Piper Super Cruiser (PA-12) floatplane to access our hunting areas.
To ensure the highest quality hunts and to maintain trophy value in the area, we manage our area very conservatively and only take a limited number of clients per year. Hunters can expect to harvest a Ram in the 36" to 40" range with above average bases, with some Rams going over 40".
Please Note: This sheep hunt is extremely strenuous. In order to be successful, you are advised to train and arrive in top physical condition. You may be required to carry a pack 50-70 lbs. If you require a packer to accompany your hunt, one can be provided for $350/day.
Typical looking base camp.
From Bettles you will be flown out to a base camp in close proximity to where trophy rams have been located. There we will set up a camp consisting of larger bomb shelter style tents. Home cooked meals around or over the camp fire in the old traditional way. Heat, tables, chairs, plenty of food, and enough creature comforts to enjoy without losing the feel of being in the mountains. We normally like to leave an extra change of clothes here and extra food for the end of the hunt. Good grayling fishing and gold panning is usually available near camp. These camps are normally located anywhere from 1000' - 1500' MSL. You will then hike up into sheep country and set up a small spike camp.
Glassing up Rams in a typical spike camp.
Once leaving the base camp, you can expect anywhere from a 6-12 hour hike up into sheep country (3500' - 5500'). Here, a spike camp is set up close enough to access the rams easily but not too close to spook them. These camps consist of lightweight expedition-grade backpack tents, backpacking stoves, freeze dried food, other high energy snacks, sleeping bags and pads, along with your rifle and basic personal gear.
You will need an External or Internal frame pack at least 6000 cubic inches in volume and be prepared to carry 50-70 pounds. You may also make prior arrangements with us to hire a packer. Cost of a packer is $350 per day.
Mike Press with his 163" Ram
You can travel to Bettles with your normal luggage/suitcases and these large bags can be left at our Ram Hole during your hunt. Once in camp you should plan to repack your gear into small soft duffel bags that fit easily in our bush planes. Aim to limit your gear to no more than 100 lbs, including rifle, to Bettles. Between 50 and 80 lbs is best. The scheduled village flights generally charge $1.80/lb. for anything over 40 lbs. It is best to ship your heavier gear to us in advance.
Lisa McNamee with her 169
You must purchase a hunting license and any tags with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before arriving. Wolves are also prevalent in the area. It is no longer required to purchase a wolf tag in GMU 24B.
If time allows during your hunt you may get the opportunity to fish in the Alaska wilderness. There is no guarantee that there will be time to fish on your trip. However, if you hope to fish, a fishing license is required.
| Alaska Tag & License Fees | Non Resident | Non Resident Alien |
| Hunting License | $160 | $630 |
| Fishing License (14 Days) | $105 | $105 |
| Dall Sheep Tag | $850 | $1,100 |
| Grizzly Bear Tag | $1000 | $1300 |
Trophy Dall Sheep Hunts Gallery
