Quick Answer
The Grand Slam in hunting refers to the successful harvest of all four of North America's big game species: the bighorn sheep, the desert bighorn sheep, the Rocky Mountain goat, and the moose.
Historical Significance
The concept of the Grand Slam in hunting originated in the early 20th century among wealthy sportsmen, who sought to prove their hunting prowess by bagging the continent’s most iconic species. This elite club of hunters, known as the Boone and Crockett Club, established strict standards for the size and quality of the trophies. For example, to qualify for the Grand Slam, a hunter must harvest a bighorn sheep with a minimum of 30 inches of horn length, a desert bighorn sheep with a minimum of 24 inches, a Rocky Mountain goat with a minimum of 12 inches of beard length, and a moose with a minimum of 130 inches of antler spread.
Hunting the Spain Ibex
For many hunters, the Spain ibex (Capra pyrenaica) is a coveted addition to the Grand Slam. Found in the Pyrenees Mountains along the border of France and Spain, this majestic species requires a high level of skill and physical fitness to hunt successfully. Hunters typically employ spot-and-stalk techniques, using high-powered rifles and optics to locate the ibex in its rugged habitat. A successful harvest often requires patience and persistence, as these animals can be elusive and live in areas with steep terrain.
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