Overview:
Desert Bighorn Sheep can be found throughout
the Aqua Dulces, Growlers, Childs,
and Granite Mountains. Past rams harvested
have scored 145-180+. I recommend hunters
to scout early, to allow themselves
plenty of time to explore all areas
and especially see as many sheep as
possible. In late August and into September
the rams are in the rut; excellent
opportunity to observe several rams
in fewer areas. Keep in mind that the
temperatures will range into the hundreds
and that its monsoon season. Between
personally dehydrating and being stranded
by flooded washes, please use common
sense and be prepared for desert survival.
The rams you may have observed in September
will not necessarily be there by December.
Mature rams have been known to roam
in small bachelor groups or be solitaire;
do not over look adjacent small hills
to a large mountain as your hunt approaches.
The Department completes sheep surveys
by October. Note - not
all units are surveyed each year.
A strategy for your hunt; round up friends prior to your hunt, to
scout out the unit. The more eyes helping you look will increase
your odds in finding them. A great time to carry a camera or video
camera. By late November, you should have a good feel where to start
your hunt. Hopefully you have in your mind the ram you plan to harvest
from your earlier scouting effort.
In locating sheep, I prefer to observe with an at least a 10 or 20
power binocular/scope first from the base of the mountain. This allows
sheep plenty of escape room and sheep that are there may stay and
watch you. Otherwise, a direct assault on the mountain will more
likely send sheep fleeing before you see them. As curious as sheep
are, they may watch you approach with out running. Make an indirect
approach, as if you're searching for your keys (avoid eye contact),
you'll surprise yourself how close you may get. Practice this technique
during your scouting effort. When you are on the mountain, stay with
in the first two-thirds of the way up; the third above you will still
provide sheep escape room. Regularly stop and sit and listen as you
use your binoculars. Chances are you'll hear sheep before you see
them, as rocks fall from the sheep's movements.
If drawn, guides
and taxidermist will find you. I recommend you attend the October
sheep clinic held each year in Phoenix, sponsored by Arizona Desert
Bighorn Sheep Society, ADBSS. You can ask questions in person to
wildlife biologists, wildlife managers and various government agencies
that administer the land your hunt is on. If your not drawn, I encourage
you to participate as a helper in a sheep hunt.
Areas: Contact the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge at 1611
N. Second Ave., Ajo, AZ 85321 (520) 387-6483. Ajo is located
40 miles south of Gila Bend on S.R. 85. The Refuge will provide you
a welcome packet with the rules of the refuge. The conditions are
extremely primitive and harsh. Four wheel drive is required on the
Refuge. The refuge is primarily a wilderness area. A BMGR (Barry
M. Goldwater Range) permit is required for access on to the Refuge,
because of military over flights. The sheep from this area have a
unique reputation for its red stained horns, as well as its horn
size. This hunt is not for the meek and the weak. Increase UDA (
undocumented aliens) and drug trafficking is a reality, hunters should
use discretion
and good judgment where to hunt and camp. In the past, hunters have
used horses to negotiate the terrain and distance you may have to
travel to reach many parts of the refuge.
