I just put a down payment on a NWT hunt in June. This is my take on the subject.
I’m a teacher so I’m am by no means wealthy but I did like the idea of going hunting for 2 weeks and not missing any work. I did miss work to elk hunt in 20, and will be again in 23. That first elk hunt was awesome, couple that with non-stop thinking about sheep for about 5 years and I just decided I’m gonna make it happen. I booked it and told myself now you HAVE to make it happen, take on more responsibility at work, summer job, whatever, but you now are signed up so you’re going. I wanted to take on the entire challenge of planning, training, shooting, hiking, hunting, etc etc.
As far as the money part of it, if I spilled the beans to my family, my parents, or my in laws on what it would cost none of them would say I’m dumb for spending that kinda dough, they would say wow that’s a lot but you’re a guy that can get it done.
One thing i absolutely didn’t want to do that has been mentioned here, spend money on a cheaper mountain species. I didn’t want to spend a bunch of money that could have went towards a sheep hunt, or get home from say a goat hunt and say ok now I NEED to go sheep hunting.
I’m not sure justify is the word to use as sheep hunting goes. I earned the money, as long as this doesn’t financially harm my family(it won’t) I don’t feel the need to justify it to anyone. Most people have a vice of sorts that costs money, and different people have different vices.
Middle class guys all over constantly trade up for new trucks, have Harley’s and bikes, huge boats, drop money to drink in a tropical locale a few times a year, I got a buddy who doesn’t hesitate to drop $250 for a round of golf, own huge F*cking houses in the new subdivision they don’t need, etc etc. That’s all great and I’m happy for those people, but I’m gonna try sheep hunting.