Bighorn Sheep

 

Bighorn Sheep are extremely exciting to hunt because they can go for extended periods without drinking water, which means they are not usually found near water.   Due to their unique hoof structure, Bighorns are able to climb the steep, rocky terrain of the desert mountains with speed and agility.  Bighorn Sheep tags in New Mexico are extremely difficult to draw and the hunting experience can be quite varied, depending on the location of the hunt. 

 

Barbary Sheep

 

Like the Bighorn, Barbary Sheep (also call Aoudad) are native to North Africa.  As a result, they have also adapted to survive in dry, rough, barren and water scarce habitats. Introduced as a non-native species into the wild of New Mexico in the 1950’s, these sheep have thrived in the rocky desert environment of the state.  They have incredible eyesight and are expert climbers.   Because of these characteristics, Barbary Sheep present a challenging hunt usually requiring 300-500 yard shots.

 

Persian Ibex

 

Persian Ibex were introduced into the Florida Mountains of New Mexico in 1970. Sometimes call the Bezoar Goat, it is a distant relative to the domestic goat. Since their introduction, numbers have flourished to a point where a limited number of hunting permits are awarded by lottery draw. Although the Floridas are located in the southern portion of the state, they are among the roughest mountains in the Rocky Mountain chain.  Good physical conditioning and the ability to climb in extremely rocky terrain are required for this hunt.

 

Javelina

 

Javelina are just plain fun. A wild, native, pig-like animal, they usually travel in bans from 6 to 12, although as many as 50 have been seen together.  They are most active during early morning and evening hours when it is cooler.   Javelina tend to remain near permanent water sources.

 

Black Bear

 

The name Black Bear can be misleading.   New Mexico Black Bears actually come in a variety of color phases ranging from black and brown to cinnamon. With cinnamon being the most common color. The male bear usually weighs between 250 to 400 lbs. and the female weighs from 150 to 180 lbs. This species can live up to 30 years.

 

Mountain Lion

 

Hunting Mountain Lion is one of the most amazing and exhilarating hunts available! The size and weight of Mountain Lions vary.  Adult males are larger – often measuring up to eight feet in length and weighing 150-200 lbs. Adult females usually measure up to seven feet in length and average 90-100 lbs.