The Hunt Backcountry Podcast · by Exo Mtn Gear

547 | NWT Dall Sheep (Before the Hunt)

October 8, 2025·1 hr 17 min·5 clips

Jim learned a hard truth about himself after taking a rifle on what was supposed to be an archery caribou hunt.

This episode features host Mark and guest Jim, a dedicated hunter from Colorado, discussing Jim's upcoming Northwest Territories Dall sheep hunt. Jim is a longtime listener who meticulously plans his hunts, and this adventure represents a four-year dream in the making. The conversation serves as a "Before the Hunt" deep dive into preparation. They cover Jim's hunting background, starting with whitetails in Ohio and progressing to guided caribou and moose hunts in Newfoundland. A key lesson from that trip was not mixing archery and rifle hunting due to the pressure of multiple species. Jim later completed a self-guided drop camp caribou hunt in Alaska, which solidified his passion for remote adventure hunts. Jim selected outfitter Clay Lancaster after hearing him on a podcast and being impressed by his knowledge and demeanor. He chose Northwest Territories over Alaska for slightly better odds and the outfitter's helicopter support system. The logistics involve flying from Denver to Edmonton, then to Norman Wells via Canadian North flights, which cost roughly $1,600. The hunt uses a base camp, with helicopters moving hunters into specific areas for daily hiking and glassing. Jim discusses his gear philosophy, noting 80% of his Colorado elk hunting kit translates to this hunt. Specific gear changes include purchasing a Katabatic 15-degree quilt and a lighter tent, the Kuiu Mountain Star. He debates bringing a trekking pole and a Mountain Stick for steep terrain, alongside a tripod with an EasyAct ball head for shooting support. Jim plans to bring his Swarovski ATX 25-60x spotting scope but may leave it at base camp depending on the guide's equipment. A major goal is to bring home the meat, cape, and horns for a euro mount. An interesting insight is how the four-year wait, extended by the pandemic, required mental management, with Jim putting the hunt "on the back burner" for periods to avoid obsession. He also shares a humorous, cautionary tale about trying to bring an apple through customs, which now informs his careful food packing for Canada. The episode reveals the significant, often overlooked cost of internal flights within Canada for such hunts. Jim's primary focus is the experience, not just the trophy, though he admits the helicopter support provided peace of mind for his investment at age 51. The tone is highly conversational and educational, mirroring two friends exchanging detailed advice and personal anecdotes. The style is interview-based, with Mark prompting Jim to elaborate on his process and decisions. Listeners who love meticulous planning, gear talk, and logistical deep-dives for remote hunts will find this episode invaluable. Those seeking dramatic hunting narratives or the conclusion of the story should wait for the follow-up "After the Hunt" episode.

As heard by us

A practical sheep-hunt prep conversation that treats logistics as part of the story.

Jim's Northwest Territories sheep-hunt prep stays useful because it keeps the focus on work that matters: choosing guides and outfitters, sorting travel, training, and thinking through gear.

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Why you'd press play

Planning a doll sheep hunt and want the prep before the hunt?

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