New Mexico Bighorn Sheep

The good old days of sheep hunting in New Mexico are alive and well. As NMDGF continues its conservative permit allocation for both species of sheep, the payoff is obvious when it comes to the quality of rams being harvested across the state. Aside from the Fra Cristobal Desert sheep hunt, every hunt in the state offers a hunter Boone & Crockett potential for both Rocky and Desert sheep. Current statewide estimates have the Desert sheep population at 1,088 animals and the Rocky Mountain population at around 1,675.

The draw process allows applicants to apply for both Desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep with up to three choices each. You can list three hunt codes on your sheep application, but two of the codes available are for ewe licenses, which cost the same as the ram licenses. As such, applicants must be careful and not apply for a ewe tag unless you are willing to spend $3,173 to harvest a ewe. There will again be 30 ewe tags issued on the Pecos between the rifle, archery, and youth hunts. You can find more information on the ewe hunts on pages 103 and 104 of the regulations.

In 2024, a new Rocky hunt was opened in 6A/6C after successful reintroduction efforts began in 2017 in the Jemez Mountains. After building the herd to a sustainable population, its first two draw tags were issued last year. The auction tag winner also took part in this hunt's inaugural season, and between the three hunters, the three biggest rams in the state came out of this unit in 2024. The best of these rams was an absolute giant and went into the books at 208 1/8". This ram surpassed the existing state record by 10 inches and was good enough for #4 ever harvested. While 2024's hunters had first crack at these rams, there are still plenty of giants in the unit with 28 class IV (9+ years old) rams being counted in the most recent survey. As a result, an additional draw tag will be available on the first Jemez hunt this year.

The only reasons not to be excited about applying in New Mexico's bighorn draw are the dismal odds of drawing a tag and the expensive up-front fee to apply.

The up-front application fee is usually refunded to your card about five weeks after the application deadline. If you can swing the charge, make sure you have your name in the hat for the draw. You won't regret your decision if you are one of the lucky applicants with a New Mexico sheep tag in your pocket this year!

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