This hunt was unlike anything I had ever done. Sheep hunting has changed my life — not just the hunting, but the community it has given me.

This hunt is so special to me. It was unlike anything I’ve ever done. I have such an appreciation for all of the work that went into this. Even if we didn’t harvest an animal, packing in on horses and mules and the untouched scenery was all worth it.

After settling into camp for a day, we rode deeper into the mountains for a couple of hours the following morning. My amazing guide, Josh Martoglio of Shoshone Lodge Outfitters, spotted nine rams and we began to creep in.

The wind was screaming. Shaking from the cold, I stared through my binos and admired everything that the Bighorn sheep are. I sat behind the scope for hours. Through heavy timber and 40-mph winds, I made the shot at 440 yards. I didn’t breathe until I heard the words, “He’s down.” Then, I rolled off of the rifle, pulled my orange beanie over my face and cried.

I cried for the ram and for all it’s going to provide, for the effort that was made, for the people and the love that surrounded me, and for the opportunity to be a part of such brilliant conservation efforts with the Wild Sheep Foundation.

Sitting next to the ram, I pressed my forehead into his horns and said “thank you” — then, when he was caped and the meat bagged, we all said “thank you.” I am wealthy, not with money, but with friends and family. Thank you Pepper Neustel, Josh Martoglio, Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, Steve Kilpatrick, Kenny Gun, Eduardo, Sam Raboud, Shoshone Lodge Outfitters, and Dan Currah for making this a reality.

Sheep hunting has changed my life — not just the hunting, but the community it has given me. Now that my freezer is full, who’s coming over for sheep tacos?

Kirstie Ennis is a hunter, writer, athlete and wounded veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

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