A remarkable hunting achievement unfolded on October 31, 2025, as Nick Schmitz of Grand Forks shot what is believed to be the largest bighorn ram in North Dakota’s history. This significant event coincided with the opening day of the state’s bighorn sheep season, where Schmitz, along with his father Jeff Schmitz, brother-in-law Tim Spicer, and friend David Suda, embarked on a long-anticipated hunt in the rugged terrain of the Little Missouri National Grasslands.
Earlier in the season, local hunters had reported sightings of a massive ram, sparking excitement and anticipation among those eager to pursue it. Suda, who had previously set the state record in 2020 with a ram measuring 186 3/8 inches, was with Schmitz to witness the historic moment. Schmitz’s ram, which scored a stunning 197 6/8 inches in preliminary measurements, is pending official confirmation after a 60-day drying period.
Unforgettable Encounter in Challenging Conditions
The hunting party faced challenging weather conditions on the morning of the hunt, with a mix of wind, snow, and sleet. Visibility was poor as they started their expedition across the Badlands. Schmitz recalled, “You couldn’t see over half a mile.” Despite these hurdles, the group remained determined. Shortly after they began, Spicer spotted a sizable ram at a distance, but it quickly evaded them.
After a morning of unsuccessful attempts, the group regrouped for lunch and decided to explore further near the Little Missouri River. They observed several rams and ewes, which provided a brief reprieve from the earlier frustrations. As the weather improved, they set out once more, this time with heightened anticipation.
Around 16:00, the moment they had been waiting for arrived. The hunters spotted the enormous ram they had heard so much about, accompanied by a group of ewes. Suda confirmed the ram’s significance, telling Schmitz, “This is him. This is a shooter.”
A Thrilling Pursuit and A Historic Achievement
With adrenaline surging, Schmitz prepared for the shot. He took a moment to calm himself, aware of the ram’s proximity at 347 yards. After a few tense moments, he fired the first shot but missed. The second shot found its mark, sending the ram running before Schmitz secured the animal with a third shot.
The excitement was palpable as they approached the ram, which appeared even more impressive up close. Schmitz described the experience as “unbelievable,” emphasizing the size and mass of the ram’s horns. The work did not end there; the group faced the arduous task of skinning and quartering the ram in the dark, navigating the challenging terrain.
By the time they returned to their vehicle, it was nearing 22:30. Schmitz contacted Brett Wiedmann, a big game biologist with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, who met them to register the ram and collect necessary biological samples. Wiedmann, who had tracked the ram for several years, recognized its significance immediately upon seeing it in person.
“It was even bigger up close than it had appeared during annual sheep surveys,” he stated. The ram, aged ten years and weighing 264 pounds on the hoof, was a testament to the rugged environment it inhabited.
Wiedmann later measured the horns, revealing the new unofficial state record, which may place Schmitz’s ram among the top ten rams taken across North America this year. The significance of the moment was amplified by the fact that Suda, who had previously held the record, was present to witness Schmitz’s achievement.
As the excitement settled, Schmitz shared a moment of gratitude for the experience, emphasizing the rarity and camaraderie of such hunts. “Just knowing somebody else that would even draw this tag is pretty rare in itself,” he reflected.
Suda echoed these sentiments, marveling at the shared experience of breaking his own record. “To get to experience that type of hunt more than once in your life, it’s truly amazing,” he said. Both hunters acknowledged the contributions of their friends and mentors who guided them in navigating the challenging terrain and understanding the behavior of bighorn sheep.
As for Schmitz, he plans to have a full-body mount of the ram, joking about the challenge of finding a place for it in his home. “I’ve got to find a new house,” he laughed, highlighting the joy and pride that comes with such a monumental achievement in hunting history.
