USA: TEXAS - DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP HUNT

The season for a Desert Bighorn Sheep hunt in Texas spans Nov. 15 to Sept. 30, and the rut occurs from July to Sept., but it is extremely hot then. Some hunts are conducted in Sept., but most sheep are hunted March-April and May.

- Aoudad: May be taken for a flat rate trophy fee.
- Javelina: Can be taken as targets of opportunity for a flat rate trophy fee if encountered.
- Texas Desert Mule Deer: Possible with relocation during open deer seasons, but no permits are available on the Desert Bighorn Sheep hunting ranches.

Mornings come early on Desert Bighorn Sheep hunts, and after a quick breakfast, pack a lunch hitting the trailhead before the sun crests the horizon. Many of the small, isolated mountains and much of their lower elevations are accessible by 4x4 side-by-side vehicles. The rest of the terrain requires some light hiking to reach various key overlooks. This is a classic spot and stalk style hunt, which is generally relaxed. Glass from the vehicle or make a short climb to strategic vantage points with the outfitter in an effort to relocate the specific ram being targeted.

Most rams are harvested within the first 1-3 days of the Desert Bighorn Sheep hunt, seeing as a legal ram first needs to be located before a client arrives, and at times, can be heavily pre-scouted. Most hunts are on call with very flexible schedules. Sheep in this area/this time of year have strong site fidelity, meaning they often stay and occupy the same mountain range during the main hunting seasons.

High-end custom Gunwerks rifles are always available in camp at no charge for clients, chambered in proven hard-hitting calibers like 7mm mag, 28 Nosler, 300 win mag or PRC. For any clients wishing to bring their own rifles, 6.5 PRC or 7mm calibers or bigger are recommended. Typical shot ranges are around 300-500 yards, but for proficient long-range shooters, further is certainly possible!

Archery Desert Bighorn Sheep hunting is no longer possible in these free-range hunting areas.

The Chihuahuan desert of Southwest Texas is a harsh and rugged landscape. An obscure corner of the continental US that many don’t explore or experience. Numerous jagged, lower elevation mountains provide ideal habitat for Desert Bighorn Sheep. The local wildlife line-up also includes Aoudad, Desert Mule Deer, Pumas, Mexican Black Bears, Grey Foxes, Javelinas, Golden Eagles, Kangaroo Rats, Scaled Quail and Road Runners. Once on the mountain the terrain is a sloped combination of rim rock, ridge tops, and undulating spiers full of nooks and crannies. Vegetation is sparse, with the dominant plants being Yuccas. Prickly Pear, Ocotillo and some Cholla Cactus also fill in the gaps. The low country gives rise to Mesquite washes and creosote flats.

A dry desert environment, temperatures here range throughout the year. September is generally hot with temperatures ranging from 90+ degrees and it rarely rains. Winter and springtime Desert Bighorn Sheep hunts are cooler, but almost never dip below freezing. Mornings are crisp but the sun warms the landscape and temperatures rise throughout the day. Some afternoons can get quite warm. Hunters tend to start the day in a sweater and end it in a T-shirt. Typical temperatures swing between 60-80 degrees.

Hunters stay in comfortable ranch house lodgings right in the hunting area at the base of the mountains. The lodge has running water, flushing toilets, a shower, and generator-powered electricity allowing for light, cooking and Wi-Fi. Clients all receive private bedrooms and bathrooms. The lodge is also complete with common dining and lounging areas, as well as outdoor veranda and fire-pit.

While Desert Bighorn Sheep hunting in Texas, breakfasts are quick and simple to get hunters in the field bright and early. Toast, eggs, sausages, fruit, cereal and coffee most often. Usually pack a lunch to stay out and hunt all day. Water, Gatorade, fruit, sandwiches, jerky, cookies, and candy are provided. Once back for the night, the outfitter or guides prepare a local Tex-Mex style dinner, often cooked outside with open fire mesquite grills. Cook like a cowboy under the stars. Enjoy bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, grilled chicken, pork chops, Texas steaks and more, with potatoes, rice, or veggies on the side.

Destination City: Unless driving from home, hunters are asked to arrive at either the Midland or El Paso airports in SW Texas. It is encouraged to rent a vehicle and drive the approximate 3.5 hours south to the hunting area the day before the hunt commences. A pin, GPS point or detailed directions are provided to hunters in advance, who are greeted at either the ranch gates, or a prominent intersection nearby.

Travel Suggestions: Unless choosing to drive from home, Midland or El Paso are both easily reached by various North American airlines. Either on direct flights, or with connections typically in either Denver or Dallas.

After successfully Desert Bighorn Sheep hunting in Texas, rams are carefully skinned and promptly frozen. US clients can fly or drive home with their trophies. The outfitter can also deliver trophies to a capable local taxidermist in Midland. The taxidermists can then either do the complete work, or prep, certify, crate, and deliver trophies to an expeditor, to then be shipped internationally (or domestically). Turnaround time can range from 6-12 months.

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