We have three areas where we hunt for desert bighorn sheep – two are in Mexico and have guaranteed permits and one is in the western states and requires a hunter to either draw a very limited tag or buy an auction tag. Here are your choices and the details and costs associated with each choice.

Option 1 - Baja Peninsula Sheep Hunts in Mexico

This is my favorite hunt to book my clients on right now. There are a lot of sheep on the Baja Peninsula. It is a cartel free area without violence and you can be assured of safe travel to your hunting area. This area is home to the “Weemsi” sub species of desert sheep which flourish in the perfect habitat of the La Giganta and El Muchudo Mountains. These desert rams will consistently average between 155-165 B&C with the occasional book size ram. We get a limited number of permits here each season and book hunters on ten day hunts for $45,000 all inclusive of hunting license, gun permits, etc… Call our office for more details on this awesome hunt.

Option 2 –Carmen Island Sheep Hunts in Mexico

This hunt is another one of my favorites because hunters are virtually guaranteed a desert ram on this 37,000 acre island. Hunting is by boat access to shorelines and then hiking up the hills and hunting sheep each day. This island is owned by Vitro Corporation which is fully committed to conservation. They have three “Super Trophy” hunts each year that are sold at conservation auctions for $75,000 to $90,000 with the proceeds going toward sheep conservation. Then they offer twelve “Trophy” hunts for mature desert rams up to 165 B&C size for $58,000 flat rate which is all inclusive. Call our office for details on this hunt. Be prepared to book your hunt 2-3 years in advance because the spots are extremely limited and sell out quickly.

Option 3 – Western States Desert Sheep Hunts (Auction)

There are auction tags in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona that sell for between $75,000 and $125,000 for desert sheep hunters who want to pursue rams in the western states without traveling to Mexico. These are hunts for 170+ class record book rams and the tags are sold at auctions during banquets which are fund raisers for conservation groups raising money for sheep conservation. If you buy one of these tags the amount you pay is tax deductible because the conservation groups are 501c non-profit. We then hire one of our approved sheep outfitters for between $5000 and $8000 to pre-scout and guide you on a trophy ram hunt.

Option 4 – Western States Desert Sheep Hunts (Draw)

This is my least favorite option but for most hunters their financial limitations this is their only option. I have strong suggestions here, but first realize that you could apply your whole life and NOT EVER DRAW a tag or license to hunt for a Desert Bighorn sheep. Expect to layout $2,000 to $3,000 each year in up front application expense and after “unsuccessful refunds” have an annual expense of between $800 and $2000 for state hunting license and tag application fees. We will show you how to apply and what to apply for each season on your own OR you can contract our office to make the applications for you. This is the long road to obtaining a sheep tag BUT if you do draw a tag it will be worth the wait because you should get a great ram.