'G,
Speaking of getting closer....

After watching two Clydesdale 6x6 bulls feeding at just over 100 yards before they dropped into the adjacent drainage, it took this third, smaller 6x6 bull about 2 hours to browse his way from a saddle at 200 yards to about 40 before he bedded down in the thick stuff just below me for the day.

Saw him the day before too. I had just come up from the bottom of the drainage to sit on a steep sage slope that was on the lee side to a known bedding area. Factors pointed to watching this timbered edge until dusk while also reducing some of the vertical back to camp. I paused briefly to grab some water and snap a couple of quick photos as the sun and clouds atop the far ridge were making for some interesting scenes. Was just getting ready to continue up to my chosen sit spot when a bull chirped just inside the nearby timber and a hoof struck a windfall. I rapidly ditched the camera, grabbed my rifle and stepped into the squat tree with my pack at my feet as 3 calves tumbled out onto the sage slope with 5 wary cows. The lead cow fixed my eyes and everyone bunched up behind her. Thought I was busted by my mere proximity. Fortunately, I had the fickle mountain wind in my favor and after a fair spell, she began to browse and they all warily joined in their breakfast, each keeping one eye on me. After a few minutes passed and they fed to within 15 paces, the 6x6 bull joined the group but was more interested in the furthest cow and licking the source of his latent lust. The Lord and Ladies of the realm from 15-25 yards.

After about 5 minutes, the wind subtly began to swirl around and my knees began to shake in their semi-squat as I made cozy-like with a Christmas tree. First, one cow abruptly lifted her head to sample the wind and bounced sideways, uncertain of which way to flee. All of them tensed, and the bull threw back his headgear as he dove into the thick stuff. Cows and their calves ran up, down and sideways from the scene. I had to laugh at the sudden chaos and flying snow. The whole experience again confirming the priority of their defenses, and all the while leaving me a humble and thankful admirer....

While not a remote sheep hunt, I also have an appreciation of being in places where there are no other boot tracks, and the wonder of such wild places can be savored for what they stir inside. Thank you again for taking us along....