North American Super Slam
 

So the Super Slam is a long-term dream of mine and I have spent a lot of time researching different species, where to hunt them, etc. However, I am beginning to realize that you have to be a multi-millionaire to be able to afford to complete the slam. For example, desert big horn sheep are nearly impossible to draw a tag. You could put in for years and never draw a tag, or by the time you do you are too old to actually go hunt the dang things because you have arthritis and a walker for Pete's sake. What does it cost to go to Mexico to hunt them you ask?Solomente 60,000dolares Americano (that means $60,000;)). A stone sheep hunt you ask? Well, those are a bargain at $10,000-$15000 plus a nice "trophy fee" of anywhere between $5000 and $9000. Grizzly, well if you kill one it is a steal at $14000. Who in the hell can actually accomplish this? If I started now and killed one new species per year, it would take me 21 years to complete the slam and cost me approximately my left arm, right leg, and both you know whats (and they rhyme with "whats").

You used to be able to hunt black bear in Ontario for $19. That was the license fee... $19 and you didn't need a guide. Now, a good price is $1000.

Oh well, what's one more dream flushed down the toilet of life?

And it is raining... PERFECT!!!

RE: North American Super Slam
 

That's a shame. More and more our past time is becoming pay to play. Hey, you can still have fun hunting the things that you do hunt though, right?

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Jim, this is why most of the names you hear other than Chuck Adams that have done it all start with Dr. instead or Mr. Big Game Hunting for the ELITE species isn't for the average guy, only for the ELITE members of society that make the BIG $$$. Elk or Caribou will be about as big $$$ as I'll ever go, and that may be a stretch.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Good point.

Elk you can do fairly cheap b/c you can get OTC tags and some states aren't bending you over and loading you like a shotgun on license fees like many others are. Caribou even isn't all that bad, depending on sub-species, but it is pricey for sure.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Oh, I will never stop loving to hunt anything. I do get a huge amount of enjoyment out of hunting new things though. The pay to play I am ok with, but it seems to be getting a bit out of hand. I love Canada, but forcing people to use guides, while a brilliant economic move, is frustrating from my POV.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Well you could start with State Slams..There used to be recognition for those taking A Buck, Bear and Turkey in PA. (in the same year)

RE: North American Super Slam
 

I don't think you have to bea multi millionaire to do it, but you definitely need the correct change... Its seems I read somewhere in the neighborhood of $300K would get you mighty close... The sheep and the bears really drain the budget!

RE: North American Super Slam
 

25-43-32-17-5 9

Lotto numbers, hope it helps:D

RE: North American Super Slam
 

I was walking with my brother at a huge outdoor expo a while back, he was booking some African hunts. We came past the sheep outfitters and he said "you see all theses other people and outfitters, they think their rich" he pointed to thesheep people and said "They know their rich".

He told me of a guy who at an auction bid 800,000 for a dall sheep tag and won, he however didn't fill it. The next year he bid 600,000 and won this time filling it.:D1.4 mil no big deal:DLOL

It could happen, you aint dead yet.[8D]

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Germ I'll play those tonight in Txand let you know how it goes. If they win you pick the hunt you want to go on!

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Oh, that's all it is? And I thought it was beyond the average hunter;)

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Yeah unfortunately more and more of that stuff is just dreams for your average feller. Just need to learn to be satisfied and appreciate that you get to hunt what you hunt (as you already are). I sure dont see it becoming cheaper either.

Otherwise make up your own slams. I for example took the MN Squirrel Slam last year. Taking the Grey, Fox, and Pine squirrels all on the same October afternoon. All it cost me was a small game license and 4 (yeah missed once) .22 shells. I've never seen that in any record book and can promise you Chuck Admas cant touch me on it. Come join me at the top my firend.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

The sheep hunters are a rare breed. Having experienced a Desert Bighorn hunt recently I know that this is not a hunt for the Average Joe; both physically and financially. (assuming you do it fair chase).

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Good friend of mine dida stone sheep last year, and played NFL ball, said this hunt was harder than anything he had done.

No doubt the money is becoming pretty sick...just look at a whitetail hunt in the U.S. and those things aren't even rare/scarce!

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Completing the N.A. Slam, the African Slam, the Spring Grand Slam: All these are accomplishments that speak more to a man's financial wherewithal than they speak to his hunting prowess.

Just my .02

RE: North American Super Slam
 

quik, do a few sheep hunts then get back to us.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

I agree, since you added the word MORE. It takes both, but I think money is the bigger player too;)

RE: North American Super Slam
 

JV - I can do a guided turkey hunt and walk the guy until he's damn near exhaustion and ready to quit...Conversely,I've guided guys with markedphysical limitations, so we have toswitch up the style, and hunt areas with reasonable access and opportunities that they can handle. Both methods are comparably successful, if you hunt smart.

A good guide will "save" certain hunts for clients with special circumstances (or higher prices).

Just like anything else - there's most surely more than one way to skin a cat - and I'm sure not everybody who's ever killed a goat has had to traverse the Rockies on footto do it.

If you've got enough financial firepower - there's somebody, somewhere who is more than willing to do what it takes to put you in a target-rich environment and make something happen.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

James, I have never been on a sheep hunt so I cannot speak to the hunting, but assuming it is just as difficult as stalking deer or elk with a bow (and it sounds much harder)then the chance for coming home empty handed is pretty high. That means that not only do you have to go on the hunt, but you probably have to go on it a couple/three times just to get a ram.

What has made me think of this is Fred Eichler completing his slam. I know he had to hunt brown bear a couple times, stone sheep a couple times, and I am sure the list goes on. Without sponsors, I don't see how that would ever be possible.

I think my more realistic slam is one of each major species and not worry about the sub-species. That in itself is a hefty goal I think.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

It's my belief that the majority of sheep or mountain hunters that are successful are guys put in the effort. They do a little more then shell out thousands of dollars. These are difficult hunts.

But, the common misconception comes from thethe fewguys out there that will spend a month in a helicopter to try to shoot one sheep. Or the misconception of the old bastard that decides to shoot a desert sheep in a high fence, making it look like all it takesis a buttload of money and no physical labor.

Be back in a couple hours, got to look for sheds before the snow comes. ;)

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Don't get discouraged Huntingson, I for one plan to complete most of the slam.....by drawing the tags etc....and hopefully predominately if not completely with a bow.

I know the tags/odds are tough, but I for one plan/expect to draw a desert bighorn tag, if not 2 tags! Who knows what changes the future may turn....better odds.....keep at it! I'm fairly young so I have another good 60yrs of applying though....I certainly plan to draw a desert during those 60yrs, and if I draw one by luck fairly soon, I plan to reapply and draw another! also my dad applies, so if he were to draw one that's almost good enough in my book, like one of us got one.....

There are a few animals I'm not sure I want to hunt though......so to each their own, completing the slam just to say the slam, vs all that you wanted.....which is more important? ie a walrus? a polar bear? I'm not sure I want to shoot either of those.

Sure some hunts require a guide/outfitter, I know sheep isn't a high success hunt either, so speaking of those discount stone sheep hunts at $15,000, lots of sheep guys go 4-5times before harvesting. I think the best you can do is draw the tag....apply everywhere do your best and complete most of the slam.

Also, I feel like if you want something and all it takes is more money, then you either can say hey I can't afford it, or you can make it happen, some may say you live in dreamland.....but I truly believe if money is your goal, its very possible to make more money.....though quality of life etc....may go down/affect other areas of your life. Also saving/spending can have big impacts on your finances. Also maybe in time if you can find a local say for stone sheep and have him guide you....ie just a local guy hunting there, may be a chance at that.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

It may be a mute point in a couple of months anyway (USF&W has a pending decision on polar bear status). Polar bears are over $40K now and if the greenies have their way they'll be listed as endangered and you won't be able to import the hide/skull back into the US (again!). If Canada folds to the pressure and follows suit ending the polar bear hunt, then nobody will be doing a Super Slam again...

RE: North American Super Slam
 

WOW!!, What an eye opener, i did not realize so much $coinwas involved. Id say just a dream for most. Id be happy to get the opportunity at an Elk or black bear.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

I hate these importing laws.....same goes for Jaquars I believe.....in many countries....in central america I believe, there are alot of jaguars......if all legal etc...I dont see the problem.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

desert bighorn......$50k

polar bear.....$30-40k

stone/bighorn.....$20-30k.....

many of the hunts are expensive......

a moose in canada/alaska......a brown bear......

few hunts are under $5000 anymore.....for a quality big game specie.....think of an elk? carbiou.....in the US, I think you can still hunt an antelope for $2000 maybe, but for trophy animals and a quality hunt, few hunts are left out there under $5000 IMO, also even some antelope hunts etc.....can be $4000-5000

Ithink you can do most in the US DIY for far cheaper, but most other hunts will cost ya.

We need a DIY US slam......or just a US slam.....

or the "real mans'/affordable slam"

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Jim,

Never say never! Where there's a will, there's a way. I have lived my entire life around that premise! Your goals will constantly evolve. That's ok...push forward! Before you know it, the "gold" will be in your purse! Find a way! Counting "coup" with a camera is free...90% ofthe fun is just being there!

Someday I am going to write a book... "Hunting The World on aPoorman's Budget".

Fifteen down...
[align=left][/align][align=left]Cougar (or puma, or mtn. lion)[/align][align=left]Alaskan brown bear[/align][align=left]Grizzly bear (common or b.g.)[/align][align=left]Polar bear[/align][align=left]black bear[/align][align=left]American bison[/align][align=left]Muskox (b.g. or greenland)[/align][align=left]American mountain goat[/align][align=left]Dall sheep[/align][align=left]Stone sheep[/align][align=left]Rky Mtn or CA bighorn sheep[/align][align=left]Desert bighorn sheep (applied for in 2008)[/align][align=left]Pronghorn[/align][align=left]Rocky Mountain elk[/align][align=left]Roosevelt elk[/align][align=left]Alaska-Yukon moose[/align][align=left]Canada moose[/align][align=left]Shiras moose (applied for in 2008)[/align][align=left]Alaska-Yukon b.g. caribou[/align][align=left]Mountain caribou[/align][align=left]Quebec-Labrador caribou[/align][align=left]Woodland caribou[/align][align=left]Rocky Mountain mule deer[/align][align=left]Desert mule deer (applied for in 2008)[/align][align=left]Columbia black-tailed deer[/align][align=left]Sitka black-tailed deer[/align][align=left]White-tailed deer[/align][align=left]Coues white-tailed deer[/align][align=left]American alligator[/align][align=left][/align][align=left][/align]
I would love to have someone along to help split the gas money!

RE: North American Super Slam
 

I'll buy the gas and the food to have a chance to hunt with ya.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Anytime Roy!

I've said it a million times..."my door isalways open"! I rely on my hunting brothers. They can surely rely on me! There have been countless times where I've been pushing hard through the night. The drive was long and I was solo. It would have been nice to have a buddy along.

Jim, what can I do to help? We have 10 of the 29 species here and I have made awesome contacts for most of the remaining species. Let me know, will ya?

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Ever since reading Chuck Adams, Super Slam, i too have had this a goal of mine. It does take a large amount of money to accomplish this feat, but you only live once and you surely arent going to be on your deathbed and say, man i wish i saved more money. If you plan well and think things through, it is possible to find some "deals" on some of these more expensive hunts.

Rememeber that even the worlds longest journey starts with one small step. Right now my goal is to take representative for each species. After that then i can go back and start knocking off the other species.

Iamyourhuckleberry, if you ever need a partner, ill be happy to go. Like you said, half the fun is just being there!

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Chuch Adams had a nice sponsor to help him. Get the ones you can on your own. Write some stories and submit them to some magazines to try and get the word out on all the animals you have harvestedalready.Then maybea companywill notice what you have done and offer to help you out.

Darrall Dougherty

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Your kindness and generosity never cease to amaze me. It will be an absolute privilege to share a camp with you next year.

I'm surethis isnothing wecan'tsolve over a cold drink and a warm camp fire:D

RE: North American Super Slam
 

The pleasures all mine my friend! I look forward to that moment.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

See, told ya!:D

RE: North American Super Slam
 

I am in! where do i sign??

Ryan.

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Now that we are all lathered up with no place to go...

I will be bow hunting pronghorn in Colorado's unit 161 over Memorial Day weekend. The tag is OTC. You are welcome to join me. We'll tent it along side Lake John...

I will be hunting elk and mule deer in Unit 45 (southwest of Vail, Colorado) Sept 19th-28th. Again, the tag is OTC and canvas wall tents will provide shelter. Cowboy up! There are plenty of black bear in this unit as well. It is a big mountain!

Does anyone have anything else to offer up?

Oh yeah, 2010...I am taking my Daughter to the Limpopo Province of S. Africa. I put a sweet deal together for a ten day/eight animal safari. The all inclusive package price is $3950 + airfare. The animals include:
wildebeast, warthog, blesbok, duiker, steenbok, impala, springbok, and caracal or jackel. Or, you can trade the value of these animals for other critters. PM me and I will explain. You have two years to start saving!

Eight years ago I had zero desire to hunt Africa. Today, if I could afford it, I would go back every other year. You are missing out on a lot of fun bydiscounting Africa. It is way cheaper than Alaska!

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Never give up on your dream!!!

For me, this is a freaking obsession! I swear, when I wake up in the middle of the night to go pee, I'm thinking about it. I don't think there is a moment when I am not thinking about it. I was even dreaming about sheep hunting last night!! God help me! lol

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Cougar (or puma, or mtn. lion)
Alaskan brown bear
Grizzly bear (common or b.g.)
Polar bear
black bear
American bison
Muskox (b.g. or greenland)
American mountain goat
Dall sheep
Stone sheep
Rky Mtn or CA bighorn sheep
Desert bighorn sheep (applied for in 2008)
Pronghorn
Rocky Mountain elk
Roosevelt elk
Alaska-Yukon moose
Canada moose
Shiras moose (applied for in 2008)
Alaska-Yukon b.g. caribou
Mountain caribou
Quebec-Labrador caribou
Woodland caribou
Rocky Mountain mule deer
Desert mule deer (applied for in 2008)
Columbia black-tailed deer
Sitka black-tailed deer
White-tailed deer
Coues white-tailed deer
American alligator


Will, I have 3 down with a bow and on the 4th quest, the Pronghorn this fall. :D


And what's my budget got to do with it? [8D]

RE: North American Super Slam
 

We solved some didn't we Jim? :D

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Here's a siteI found to help rule out some outfitters: http://www.huntinfo.com/reviews/outfitter_reviews.php3

You can either search for a specific outfitter or search by state or province. Hope this helps you some. :)

RE: North American Super Slam
 

Rob,

You know I'm wishing you the best of luck on your pronghorn hunt! Knock one dead!

I had my desert mule deer devoured by feral hogs and scattered to the four winds on Jan 3rd, 09. I made a good 30 yard shot on a 26 inch wide 5x5 while hunting SE N. Mexico. I shot the deer late in the evening and opted toretrieve the beastthe followingmorning. I found a blood trail leading into a mess of pig tracks, pig poop, and uprooted soil. I find neither hide nor hair of my deer from that point.My next desert hunt will have revenge attached.

I'm off to Victoria Island in September for a musk ox.

Jim, what are your plans?
Monie?