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TOK Management Area:
The TOK Management Area (TMA) was created in 1974 with the goal of providing Dall sheep hunters the opportunity to harvest large-horned, trophy rams in an uncrowned setting. TMA rams exhibit the second greatest horn length and the fourth greatest horn mass qualities of rams inhabiting seven mountain ranges in Alaska. Rams harvested in the TMA average 36 to 37.5 inches. Between 3 and 9 rams per year are harvested with horns greater than 40 inches, representing 8-17 percent of the harvest. The TMA is the only sheep hunting area specifically established for trophy ram management in Alaska.

Freelance Outdoor Adventures recognizes the importance of having the opportunity to harvest a great ram, but to also have a great hunting experience. The TMA is one of the few places left in the state that we believe we can accomplish both of these objectives on a consistent basis. We encourage every person that is interested in Dall sheep hunting to apply in the TOK, so they may have a chance at having the hunt of a lifetime.

14C Limited Draw Sheep Hunts:
The hunt area 14C lies right in the backyard of Anchorage. Almost all of the 14C hunt units are within the Chugach State Park, which covers approximately 495,000 acres (773 square miles) of southeast Alaska. Chugach State Park was created in 1970 and with a large portion of Alaskans living within sight of the park; it wasn’t long before all sheep hunting in the park had gone to a draw. The Chugach Mountains & 14C have become world famous in the Dall sheep hunting circle for their heavy, deep curling dark horns. Many B&C rams have been taken out of 14C and the auction tag brings a pretty penny each year. There are very few airstrips in 14C so most of the hunts originate from a trailhead. Most of the hunts require long hikes into sheep country, so each hunter not only has a guide but also a packer, allowing him to keep his legs as fresh as possible for the hunt.

Rifle Hunts:
There are 17 different rifle hunts, with 5 different hunt periods that take place within the time frame of Aug. 10 – Sept 30. We spend large amounts of time in 14C each year and have a good idea of how the ram bands have disbursed, and which hunt areas tend to have the largest number of good mature rams from year to year. The earlier hunts tend to have better weather, and fewer hunters have been in the field, but the odds are tougher. The later hunts have better drawing odds but you can run into some adverse weather making your hunt more difficult.

Archery Hunts:
14C has two archery only sheep hunts. To apply for these archery only units you must have first completed an International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) course. You can archery hunt in any of the rifle hunts without completing a (IBEP) course. The first archery only hunt runs from Sept 5-Sept. 30, the second goes from Oct. 1 – Oct. 10. The weather can be nasty during these time frames, but if you are patient, and in good physical condition, there is a good chance you’ll have a shot opportunity at a quality ram. Many P&Y rams have come out of these units, with the world record ram killed on one of these archery only hunts.

Hunting with Freelance Outdoor Adventures:
It is becoming more and more evident that the best opportunities in Alaska to harvest a trophy ram are in the limited draw areas. We have recognized the decline in most of the general areas and have put our energy almost exclusively into hunting the TOK and 14C limited area sheep hunts. Unlike most outfitters, we are licensed in both the TOK & 14C, so we can apply you in both units. The way the Alaska random draw works you really need to apply for 3 different hunts to give yourself the best chance of drawing one of these premier tags.

In 2006 the Alaska Department of Fish & Game implemented some changes for the drawing application. Before a nonresident, that is not a second-degree of kindred, can apply in the TOK, he must first have a signed agreement with a TOK licensed registered guide. You can download and fill out the Limited Draw Area Application and return to us, and this will meet that requirement. We will then apply you for your desired hunts or the hunts that we feel will best suit you, whichever you prefer.

Our 10-day sheep hunts are $11,500 with us picking you up and dropping you back off at the Anchorage airport. Each hunter has1 guide and 1 packer so that they have every possible advantage once they reach sheep country. Our guides are very knowledgeable in sheep habits and behavior. They are young, experienced, and ready to do whatever it takes to get you your ram. Sometimes the difference between getting a great ram and just an average ram is having a guide that is willing to go over the next mountain. All of our guides posses the latest in equipment, making field judging, packing, and just living in sheep country much more comfortable. For us and our guides, sheep hunting is not a job but an obsession.

How does the random drawing work?
All permit applications are entered into a computer database. Once entered, each application is carefully checked for 18 potential problems such as two or more applications for the same hunt, correct hunt numbers, date of birth, hunting license information, etc. The computer then randomly assigns a number to each hunt on each valid application. The random number is referred to as your draw number. Party hunt applications receive one draw number for each hunt. That is, both applications on the party hunt application receive the same draw number per hunt, so if that number is drawn, both party members receive a permit. Permits are awarded to applicants with the lowest draw numbers up to the number of permits allocated for that particular hunt. If five permits are to be awarded for a particular hunt, the five permits will be given to the first five lowest draw numbers until the total permit allocation is awarded. For example, if four of the five permits have been awarded, and a party application has the next random number, the party application will be skipped. This is because there is only one permit left available, and two permits would have to be awarded (one for each party member). The permit will be awarded to the next individual applicant whose number has been selected. After all permits have been tentatively assigned for a species, the listing is checked to identify any individuals who have been selected for two permits for the same species. If this occurs, the individual is awarded a permit based upon the first, second or third choice on the permit application. The other permit is then made available to the first individual applicant with the next lowest random number. The process is repeated for all hunts for that species until all possible permits are issued within the rules for awarding permits. Alternate lists are required to be used in a few specific hunts to maximize hunting opportunity. The alternate list is generated from all remaining applicants using the draw order already assigned in the original random draw. If the original applicant drawn does not notify the department of the intent to hunt by the date required, the next applicant(s) on the alternate list will be offered a permit, until all permits have been awarded.