Sheep hunters, what does this mean?

[alpining]

Howdy fellas - Can you spare some advice for a newbie sheep hunter? First time hunting a new species in 20 years, so I appreciate any input!

I was out yesterday having a look around in a likely spot, and I stumbled across a very strong trail that had wool all over it. It was down well below treeline, running over a large rib with a sizable creek on one side and one of those "black shale" banks on the other side. Treeline on the far side of the creek. The shale bank had a spring running out of the middle of it, and a very large marshy area another couple hundred yards downhill. Fresh tracks all over...

When would a guy expect to see sheep in this area? Any idea what are they might be using it for? Is there actually a good chance of catching them using it? Or should I stick to the high ground with better sight lines?

General tag, looking for a trophy ram, if that matters...

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[ksteed17]

Did the wool look like this? If so you found a great goat area .
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1411999864.569836.jpg

[alpining]

Why, yes, that is exactly what it looked like! Now, why would sheep be using a great goat area?!?

Haha, thanks for helping with my confusion!

[ksteed17]

Originally Posted by alpining

Why, yes, that is exactly what it looked like! Now, why would sheep be using a great goat area?!?

Haha, thanks for helping with my confusion!

Goat and sheep areas will overlap so it doesnt mean there won't be any sheep there. Sounds like it's a watering hole for them. Chances are slim of catching them there I'd focus higher. Would be fun to set up a trail cam there tho. Good luck!

[alpining]

Thanks! You too!

[honda450]

I would suspect it is a mineral lick. Might find a lot of different critters using it.

[Young Eldon]

Ungulate use of licks drops off by Fall but licks are still a good place to hunt since they often have several game trails leading into them. They may also provide open water during the winter. Most use is in the Spring and Summer when hair is being replaced, females are lactating, body mass is being regained and the weather is hot. Bull elk may use them as wallows during the rut as well.
Good luck!

[Mountain Guy]

Probably expect to see sheep there pre-season!!
Combination of hunting pressure and cooler snowy weather means the sheep will go up and stay there.

[Greerzly]

I've often heard of sheep hanging around low elevations at mineral licks in the fall, topping up on vitamins before winter sets in i guess...

[alpining]

Thanks folks. Seems like a game cam would be a good idea. But it's getting on in the season, and I won't be able to spend much more time down there.

Next season, I guess!