MEXICO: SONORAN DESERT - BIGHORN SHEEP HUNT

Peak Desert Bighorn Sheep hunting season in Mexico’s Sonoran Desert spans from early December to mid-March.

- Desert Mule Deer & Desert Coues Deer: Can each be added to any Desert Bighorn Sheep hunt during the open season on a trophy fee basis, taken either as targets of opportunity while sheep hunting or targeted specifically once successful with the sheep component.

Arrive in Hermosillo, greet your guides or outfitter, and enjoy a scenic drive towards the coast, reaching the remote Hacienda lodge nestled in some of Mexico’s best Bighorn Sheep hunting areas. Morning comes early with a light breakfast and packed lunch. While it’s possible to glass sheep from camp, the day often starts with a short drive and some light hiking to strategic vantage points. The terrain is loose and rocky so trekking poles are handy. The day consists of several hours of glassing from a series of strategic overlooks, all connected by short drives and hikes, covering as much ground as possible each day. Once a shooter ram is located, there is a change of pace and a stalk is devised to get hunters into shooting range, which is usually 150-300 yards, but can at times be further. Continue hunting and glassing with your guides until your sheep is on the ground. If combo hunting, full attention can now be turned to Coues Deer and Desert Mule Deer, unless taken as targets of opportunity while on your Desert Bighorn Sheep hunt. 

The outfitter assists with firearm paperwork into Mexico for this Desert Bighorn sheep hunt, but it’s not without its hiccups, and at times, permits are not returned in time for the client’s arrival from the Mexican authorities. To compensate for this, the outfitter makes efforts to ensure that a  high-end, long-range rifle can at times be made available for clients. 

Archery is legal. However, the terrain here would not be considered prime for close-range opportunities. But should the client be up for the challenge, then serious archery hunters are certainly catered to on our Desert Bighorn sheep hunts.

Experience the classic Sonoran Desert landscape, flora, and fauna. Arid, low-elevation mountains hugging the coast with the Sea of Cortez in the backdrop. The flat low country is dominated by creosote and mesquite, while iconic plants such as Saguaro, Barrel, Cholla Cactus, and Ocotillo dot the slopes, with Palo Verde and Desert Ironwood trees in the wash systems. Inhabiting this environment is a cast of classic desert dwellers. In addition to sheep and deer, share the week with other local fauna around. This ranges from Gila monsters, Rattlesnakes, Scorpions, Tarantulas, Road Runners, Gambel's Quail, hosts of migrant songbirds and raptors, Vultures, Burros, Javelina, and Coyotes.

Enjoy pleasant weather while Desert Bighorn Sheep hunting - with a refreshing coastal breeze and classic desert conditions. Cool overnight and warm during the day. Average daytime temperatures tend to range from 70-80 degrees. Occasionally daytime highs will reach 85-90 degrees. Overnight lows tend to range around 40-50 degrees. Rain or frost are rare, mainly with blue skies during the day, and star-covered skies at night.

Remote ranch haciendas are primarily used to base hunters during Desert Bighorn sheep hunts. On rare occasions, comfortable tent camps may be used to best position a hunter in a strategic area. The ranch houses are somewhat rustic but traditional, built of stone, stucco, and brick nestled in a beautiful desert valley near the sea. Hunting areas are generally made exclusive to each hunter, and with that hunters often have private villas. Electricity, running water, and flushing toilets are standard. Wi-Fi is also generally available. Sunrise and sunset throw beautiful colors upon the horizon, and after dark enjoy relaxing by an open fire under the stars. The Sonoran Desert is truly a beautiful place and often a welcomed treat during the winter months.

Each camp has a full-time cook who prepares authentic Mexican cuisine that both impresses and satiates our hunters. Breakfasts are typical, with burritos, bacon, eggs, pancakes, fruit, coffee, toast, and beans, while lunches are usually tacos or sandwiches and an array of snacks. Dinner offers a traditional Mexican menu lineup, with favorites being carne asada, freshly grilled fish, and other local seafood, served with rice and beans, capped with dessert items like flans and cheesecakes.

Destination City: Hunters are asked to arrive in Hermosillo, Mexico, where they will be greeted by the outfitter or staff. The hunting area is located roughly 2.5 hours west of Hermosillo.

Travel Suggestions: Hermosillo is best reached by several airlines. While there are options to connect in Mexico City, it is recommended to arrive via Phoenix Arizona.

Once the hunt is concluded, the outfitter and his staff provide basic preparations of the trophy and shuttle hunters back to Hermosillo for their flights home. The outfitter then delivers trophies to their local taxidermist and both includes and facilitates the CITES permit process - included in the Desert Bighorn Sheep hunt cost for a hassle-free experience. Partners in Hermosillo then arrange for transfer into the US, or internationally, and initiate shipments to the final destination. Turnaround time can range but approx. 8+ months.

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