Manning Mayhem: The Big Alaskan Hunt

On August 30th, Brydon flew off to Anchorage, Alaska to meet his Dad for an epic Father/Son hunt. This adventure had been in the making for over a year and you couldn't find two more excited men ever! It was quite the trip to plan and they loved every second of planning and getting things together. After arriving in Anchorage they secured (not easily) some tags to hunt Dall Sheep Rams and a few other animals, just in case. Early the next morning they hopped on a small plane and were dropped off in the bush near Farewell, Alaska. No cell coverage and just the open tundra, 2 guides (Spencer & Dave), and a cook. (I am not sure how rough it is when you have your own personal cook, but oh well.)

After being dropped off, they hitched a ride on these World War II Surplus Ammo Carriers. They are 1940 Dodge Power Wagons. Apparently if you remove the fan belt they can even become a bit aquatic although the river was higher than normal.

The Kuskokwim River was a bit much for the vehicles this time around and they didn't make it across and almost tipped over. A little too exciting for me personally, but Brydon was quite thrilled about these pictures.

They didn't make it to Sheep Camp like they were hoping for a few days due to the rain so decided to make the best of it anyways.

7 Foot Black Bear

On September 1st, Brydon shot a 7ft. Black Bear.
He is a beauty and Brydon plans to make a nice bear rug.
It is going to look beautiful in the new building his dad his constructing to house all the trophy animals.

Brydon and his Dad Kelly

13 Year Old Dall Sheep Ram

(13 1/2" base, 32" horn, 8" break off, approx. 350 lbs.)

On September 2nd, Brydon shot this rather large guy. He is a rugged Ram with lots of character and that was apparently just what Brydon wanted. He is quite a fat old guy and earned Brydon some bragging rights for a great catch on the first time out. Brydon calls him a Toad.

This will also be an amazing mount to add to the Manning Generations display in the new building.

Dave, Brydon, & Spencer

Can you see the break on that horn? This guy was apparently the bad boy in town!

Kelly & Brydon

Brydon seems to have a habit of shooting his animals late in the day and in remote, difficult to get out locations. This ram was no exception. After packing up the ram, the temperature was low enough the guide wanted to make it back to base camp. So they began the slow, cold walk at night in terrible winds on the tundra. They began the journey at 9pm and made it back to camp at 5:30am. Apparently it was rather an exhausting journey.

(It is moments like this that I am happy to let Brydon know I will join him in Alaska on a cruise and not on a hunt!)

Sheep Camp

Eventually they were able to make it to Sheep Camp, after safely crossing the river.

Quite the romantic getaway, don't you think? It is quite rugged but they still did have their own cook, a nice lady named Susy.

Kelly had previously been Dall Sheep hunting, so this hunt he was on the look out for a trophy ram that would complete his full mounted Big Horned Sheep Grand Slam.

And boy did find the perfect sheep!

They don't make men any better than these two!

Dave, Kelly, & Brydon

Brydon was happy to finally meet the infamous Dave. He is a great guy and Kelly's adventurous hunting buddy.

13 1/2 Year Old Dall Sheep Ram

(14 1/2" base, 42 1/2" horn, no breaks, no teeth, approx. 300 lbs.)

On September 6th, Kelly shot this prize winning ram.

This ram earned everyone quite the bragging rights. Even I can tell that this guy has some serious curl on that horn. He is a beauty and since he had no teeth, would not have survived the winter.

Most definitely a record breaking ram and Kelly says he can hang up his hat now and no longer has to hunt a Dall Sheep. We will see what Brydon and Caleb have to say about that!