Success in the Baja, Our Team ‘Doing What It Takes’

Hunting Desert Sheep is no easy feat. Even the sneakiest of feet can stumble, or something out of your control interferes between you and the hunted.

As ‘puny’ as one can be, it’s the humbling truth about hunting. Oftentimes a shot doesn’t go exactly how we had hoped, or a stalk has to change multiple times to be able to close in the distance. When that happens, you take a step back, reassess, and then make your next move. Last week we shared our hunt with the team and Dan Evenson over on YouTube (BAJA ARCHERY DESERT SHEEP HUNT). 

Knowing when to push on, and when to hold back is quite possibly one of the hardest things we have to face as guides and hunters. Your initial response is to chase and see success, while the experience you have reminds you to not push the game and increase any ‘flight’ response. There’s a fine line between letting the situation relax to re-evaluate, and adding adrenaline to it. The guys definitely had to put their grunt work in to get after the ram they set their sights on. Ultimately, exercising patience paid off and cervezas were toasted in celebration. 

  As the crew embarked on another hunt, Harrison Hooke, and Connor Gabbot met up with Dan, Roberto and Nick. Although the team changed slightly, the mission stayed the same. The beauty about being able to work as a team stems from creating a level of comfort, and communication between all members in a hunting party. When a group can hunt fluidly together and have a great time, that bond that is shared over one campfire often transitions to another. Catching up with Dan after he made back to Canada, he jumps on board to share some of the aspects of hunting with return client, Jason Beck, and the mentality that goes into guiding and behind the scenes teamwork.

Dan and Jason hunted together up at the Cassiar last fall on an early season Stone’s Sheep hunt. Together, the pair rode out the highs and lows of hunting backpack style, building on a friendship that led to both gents together again down in the Baja Peninsula.

“Jason owns and runs a family business that makes tactical equipment, clothing and protective gear. A lot of which overlaps into the hunting industry- so we had a lot of fun talking about gear design and innovation.” A fellow Christian and someone who enjoys conversation, to our guides like Dan, it’s a strong point that makes down time on the mountain that much more enjoyable and memorable. “He is easy to get along with and is always grateful,” Dan noted. “He’s looking for the good in what we’re doing at the time and is someone who could appreciate the beauty in the wildlife and scenery along the way. it is always great to see in clients.”

Like any game, sheep uncannily know how to disappear and make use of their specific terrain. On this hunt, Roberto, Dan, Jason and the team were exceptionally lucky to have a ram spotted right off the start. 

 “There are so many nooks and crannies in the Baja that the sheep can hangout or bed down in,” Dan notes, “Sometimes you get lucky and spot them early on in the hunt, other times you may have to wait and be patient till they move out into the open to catch a glance.”

“On this hunt we got lucky in spotting them pretty quick. Once we got into close range the reality of how different the topography and layout of the brush/trees/rocks made it very hard to locate exactly where the rams should be. We needed to be patient and move slowly as a team. We kept looking for key objects, trees or unusual rocks, spotted from below as landmarks for our proximity to the band of rams. All of this was in hopes to not blow through the spot too quickly, and risk spooking them and risky hurried shot.”

Over the past couple of years, Dan and Roberto have guided together on multiple hunts. “He is gifted at spotting sheep and knowing how to close the distance on them. He is patient and deliberate in how he makes the stalk and I really respect and trust his ability.” Dan goes on to add “Having that trust makes it easy to listen and follow his advice while on a hunt together. My focus is on the client, both their mental and physical condition during the hunt and monitoring how it changes.”  

“Knowing the limits of your hunter is important and pushing them when it’s needed to make the stalk count can pay off, but it is a fine balance between success and failure. I try to get the most out of them to make the hunt as success​ful as possible, so I will try and convey this to Roberto if we are pushing too hard or need a break. In all of this both guides need to let go of any ego and have the central focus on the success of the client. All of these things, I feel Roberto exemplifies”

If you haven’t had the chance to check it out yet, the full video for Jason’s Desert Sheep hunt is on our YouTube Channel (MARCH DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP HUNT).

Getting ready for any kind of hunt is like studying for a test. Practice makes perfect; whether it is firing a few shots down range until you are in tune with your weapon, refining a packing list to get gear dialled and your body capable are all crucial. The hardest part is that sometimes things go array. It doesn’t matter how hard you’ve studied for a test or the time you’ve spent in preparation, things often don’t go according to plan.  

Last fall Dan and Jason had a hiccup on their hunt up in British Columbia, and this year they are teaming up again with a mission on their minds. Their hunt down in the Baja was a great success, and a special moment for Jason to get his hands on his very first ram. This August be sure to follow along as these two gents are counting the days until they are headed back to Canada. There’s a valley and a particular ram that has these two looking for a rematch. 

With a successful season in the Baja behind us, we are found ourselves sitting around and reflecting on the many seasons we’ve seen come and go. Each year, with new clients and those who return with us, we find ourselves thankful to have shared in their experience, and humbled that they chose to hunt with Backcountry BC and our growing team. As we officially wrap up the sand beaches and desert hunts, we are looking forward to sharing our journey with you, celebrating friendships that have turned into partnerships, and the adventures we encounter throughout the seasons.

  Outfitter Frequent Questions: When coming down for a hunt, do you have to apply for a particular visa or permission? Our hunters will need to give our Mexican Biologist, Rafa Cruz, their personal information and firearm information along with their flight itinerary. Rafa acquires the permit from the government and meets our clients inside Customs Check. Here he will walk through the rifle inspection process. When you are on board the flight to the country, they will give you a form to fill out that the same as any other tourist visa. 

-The Backcountry BC and Beyond Team