Guided Barbary Sheep Hunts in New Mexico
New Mexico offers excellent Barbary sheep hunting opportunities to both resident and non-resident hunters. Barbary sheep (or aoudad) tags in New Mexico are offered exclusively through the lottery draw system, making these tags highly sought-after. At Radiant R Outfitters, we conduct most of our New Mexico aoudad hunts in two primary areas: The McGregor Missile Range in southern NM, and Units 29 and 30 in southeastern NM.
McGregor Range Barbary Sheep Hunts
The McGregor Missile Range, also referred to as Game Management Unit 28, is widely regarded as New Mexico’s premier Barbary sheep hunting unit. The McGregor Range is located in southern NM just across the border from El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. It is part of the Fort Bliss US Army post / artillery testing and training installation, which means guides must have proper training and permitting to hunt the area. Radiant R Outfitters is fully authorized to hunt the McGregor Range and likely conducts more hunts in this area than any other outfitter in New Mexico.
What To Expect on a McGregor Range Hunt
McGregor Range Barbary sheep tags are very difficult for non-residents to draw, with less than 2% odds of drawing. However, when you do draw, you can look forward to an incredible aoudad hunting experience. This area is home to large free-range populations of aoudad with great trophy potential. Hunters can realistically expect to shoot a 32”+ barbary sheep ram.
New Mexico Governor’s Tag Barbary Sheep Hunts
Every year, the governor of New Mexico partners with NM Game & Fish to conduct a hosted event called the New Mexico Governor’s Auction. At this event, several highly coveted and exclusive hunting tags are sold during a timed auction through a 501(c)(3). One of these tags is called the “Exotic Package”, which includes both a White Sands Missile Range oryx and McGregor Missile Range aoudad tag.
Barbary Sheep & Oryx Combo Hunts
Radiant R Outfitters has had the privilege of guiding numerous governor’s tag hunts for both oryx and Barbary sheep. If you ever are fortunate enough to win one of these governor’s tags, reach out to us to plan an unforgettable Barbary sheep and oryx combo hunt in New Mexico. If you only want to hunt one of the two species, we can also assist in selling the other tag to another hunter.
Barbary Sheep Hunting in NM Units 29 & 30
NM Units 29 and 30 are located in southeastern NM and run from just outside of Carlsbad all the way across the Guadalupe Rim to the NM border north of Dell City, TX. Barbary sheep hunting in these large units is a true adventure hunt that we often refer to as “the poor man’s sheep hunt” because it offers the same physically demanding challenge at a more affordable price than bighorn sheep hunts, or even other aoudad hunts.
What To Expect on a Unit 29/30 Hunt
The terrain in Units 29 and 30 is vast and made up of big rock cliffs and thick cedar brush. On an aoudad hunt in these units, hunters should be prepared to hike 7-8 miles per day and work hard for their ram. Trophy expectations are also slightly lower than the McGregor Range or our West Texas aoudad hunts, with an average size of 28-30 inches, but the experience of the hunt makes up for it.
If you are looking for a true adventure in the mountains and an affordable aoudad hunt, this is the perfect option for you.
Accommodations
McGregor Range Hunts
You will be responsible for your accommodations and meals on McGregor Range hunts. However, we can help provide suggestions for several quality options in the area. Let us know if you need help finding a lodging option.
New Mexico Unit 29/30 Hunts
For Barbary sheep hunts in Units 29 & 30, your lodging will be out of a Motel or Airbnb near the hunting area and your meals will be provided.
Rates & Trophy Expectations
- 5-day Unit 29/30 hunt: $5,000 | 28-30"+ rams
- 2-day McGregor Range hunt: $3,500 | 32"+ rams
