New Mexico Barbary

[82ndreddevil]

Hello all. I just found out I drew out on barbary sheep in New Mexico units 31,32,34,36 and 37. Any useful tips would be appreciated. I am a NM resident but have never pursued these things.

[jeff 300]

The best thing i can help you with is GET IN SHAPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[82ndreddevil]

Uh yea, well that is applied. This is my first Barbary hunt, but I am fully aware of the terrain challenges and I already in most excellent shape. I guess what I am asking is do they tend to come down in evenings to feed, then head to higher ground to bed down in mornings? I know they can go weeks without water, so trying to hunt near water holes may not benefit. Do they have the same habits as mule deer and elk? Do they only hang out in the steep country, or can they be found in the low rolling hills?

[jeff 300]

I know on our ranch they bed down up high most of the time but i have seen them down low as bedded as well just not most of the time. they travel a lot from what i have seen and can disappear in a sec. When i was hunting mine by 9:30-10:00 in the morning they would be bedding down and up eating again by 3;30-4:00.

The best time to hunt them from what i have heard and read is in sept-oct but i don't know far sure. i have seen big ram with big groups year around so who knows. We just flew our ranch last month and i saw a big guy by his self but we also found a large group the had three nice ram in it as well. I hunt mule deer in unit 29 and saw a lot of them there but that's been 11 years ago. You may try over at monstermuleys.com there is a guy that lives in NM and hunts them in NM and has some good ones.
Any way best of luck to you make sure you give us a story after your hunt

[WildRose]

Originally Posted by 82ndreddevil

Hello all. I just found out I drew out on barbary sheep in New Mexico units 31,32,34,36 and 37. Any useful tips would be appreciated. I am a NM resident but have never pursued these things.

Lots of water, like at least 6 liters (two day supply just in case) when you leave out in the morning. It's very dry country and even when cold you will dehydrate very quickly.

also a good packe like the Eberlestock.

Pack along some salt and cheese cloth to take care of the meat so it won't spoil before you can get it out as you may have a long haul getting down. If you cant' get it all out in one trip, have a shovel/e tool and tarp along so you can bury it in a dry creek bed with steep sides.

If you just get down a couple of feet you'll find it's almost refrigerator cool if it's shaded most of the time. (hence the steep sides which minimize direct sun exposure).

I've not sheep hunted that area but I'm VERY familiar with the area/terrain and challenges.

[WildRose]

Originally Posted by jeff 300

I know on our ranch they bed down up high most of the time but i have seen them down low as bedded as well just not most of the time. they travel a lot from what i have seen and can disappear in a sec. When i was hunting mine by 9:30-10:00 in the morning they would be bedding down and up eating again by 3;30-4:00.

The best time to hunt them from what i have heard and read is in sept-oct but i don't know far sure. i have seen big ram with big groups year around so who knows. We just flew our ranch last month and i saw a big guy by his self but we also found a large group the had three nice ram in it as well. I hunt mule deer in unit 29 and saw a lot of them there but that's been 11 years ago. You may try over at monstermuleys.com there is a guy that lives in NM and hunts them in NM and has some good ones.
Any way best of luck to you make sure you give us a story after your hunt

When do they tend to move to water (if at all) in your neck of the woods, mid-late afternoon?

[IChaseCoues]

I've hunted them a few times in that area and others. I'm not very good at it by any means, but I have learned a few things over the last few years.
+1 on the water. I carry about 4 liters and usually come home mostly empty.
The terrain is rocky and steep so good boots with ankle support are a must.
Glass is also important. The things are hard to see untill they are running away spooked.
Start prepping for the hunt by studdying maps. Find the easiest travel routes and glassing locations if you can ahead of time. They may not always work out though. I
n the middle of the day glass the steep nasty stuff and the very tops of the ridges. They sometimes bed in the cholla patches on the ridge tops. Really they could be anywhere at any time especially if there are any other hunters around.

When one hits the ground the work begins. I know its an over used statement, but the most work I've ever had getting an animal out involved bringing a ram from the bottom of a canyon to the road at the top 2 miles away. That was painful and I was in pretty good shape! Knowing where the roads are will help with this too. It may be easier to pack away from the vehicle and stash next to a road then go bring the vehicle to the sheep. As stated above a good pack will help a lot. I use a badlands 2200, but most top end packs will work as long as it fits you well. I should be down there helping a buddy during that hunt.

Hope this helps! If you want more info PM me.