RamDreamer
Lil-Rokslider
A friend and I have drawn the Barbary sheep tags for New Mexico in units 29 and 30 and I have been talking with a few people and pouring over information online and onXmaps. We have taken 15 days off so will be down there for the first half of February. I figured I would reach out to this group for any helpful tips as well. I know animals are where animals are.
So far I have read up on them enjoying cholla cactus fruits and an association with them, there is variability in how the wind affects them and that in extremely high winds they can be found in deep and steep canyons. A this time of year the rams will be in smaller groups away from the larger groups of mostly females. We have both talked about this a lot and do not plan on being picky and will enjoy the whole experience and be happy with what we find and will take advantage of any opportunity provided. Of course the final and major thing is glass, glass, glass, and then glass some more. When glassing look for any "V" that stands our and inspect it a little more. We will both be set up with binos and spotters on tripods to scan and pick a part the country the best we can. The Rim in the Lincoln National Forest looks good as well as some areas in the Guadalupe Escarpment Wilderness Study Area along the Texas border to me based off internet scouting. We do not plan on having a stationary base camp, but will be mobile and making day treks, bringing plenty of fluids, and then returning to the pickup to camp for the evening or move in different directions if needed.
If anyone feels like sharing some other pointers I would be more than thankful. I know I will have some beautiful photos of the field to share when we return and hopefully there might be a few other more specific photos as well!
-Brett
So far I have read up on them enjoying cholla cactus fruits and an association with them, there is variability in how the wind affects them and that in extremely high winds they can be found in deep and steep canyons. A this time of year the rams will be in smaller groups away from the larger groups of mostly females. We have both talked about this a lot and do not plan on being picky and will enjoy the whole experience and be happy with what we find and will take advantage of any opportunity provided. Of course the final and major thing is glass, glass, glass, and then glass some more. When glassing look for any "V" that stands our and inspect it a little more. We will both be set up with binos and spotters on tripods to scan and pick a part the country the best we can. The Rim in the Lincoln National Forest looks good as well as some areas in the Guadalupe Escarpment Wilderness Study Area along the Texas border to me based off internet scouting. We do not plan on having a stationary base camp, but will be mobile and making day treks, bringing plenty of fluids, and then returning to the pickup to camp for the evening or move in different directions if needed.
If anyone feels like sharing some other pointers I would be more than thankful. I know I will have some beautiful photos of the field to share when we return and hopefully there might be a few other more specific photos as well!
-Brett