Barbary Sheep

No, I'm not going to provide the location on a map where the sheep have a tendency to frequent.  What I can tell you is that we are currently allowing one or two hunts a year, for sheep, according to what is allowable by NM Game and Fish.

Barbary Sheep are a big game trophy hunt, with a tremendous amount of value.  They can bring big money for a land-owner, once a reputation is created about the size of the sheep.  I've been told that we have 'trophy' size sheep on the property.  What I do know is we are careful about who hunts the sheep, controlling the number killed.  The object is to keep the herd, which I have also been told is of a decent size, sustainable.

They are a spectacular creature for photographers.  Finding them is touch and go.  Their special little part of Alamo Canyon Ranch is extremely rugged, with difficult topography. According to a friend, who rents the property for about twenty head of cattle, they are almost impossible to find, they hide so well. He does not like to go into the canyon where they hide, it is so rugged and so dangerous.  Locating them, even for photography or inventory is not for the faint of heart.

Hunting

Let's face it, Alamo Canyon Ranch is about hunting.  A friend of the family is running a few head of cattle on it, but it isn't for cattle.  There isn't enough grass for sheep.  But, it can sustain wildlife.  New Mexico Game and Fish has proposed setting up remote game cams to do a wildlife inventory.  They've also offered several ideas about land management, wildlife sustainability, and sustainable hunting.  One of the programs I like is offering hunts to underprivileged youth.  Game and Fish, out of Roswell sponsor a program where the kids are taken out to hunt, primarily a cull hunt for deer.  The deer is then taken to a butcher, processed and wrapped, then given to the family for food.  There is also a program where they will bring in people who need fire wood, who will help clear the land, in exchange for wood.

There are so many different big game animals in the area and on the ranch that is almost an embarrassment of riches.  As with other states, there is a strict schedule for hunting.  There are also fees for various tags.  Naturally, instate residents get a better price. 

MOUNTAIN LION:  Cougars or mountain lions are managed by each 'region'.  There is a quota for that area.  Currently, in our location, we have an exploding population for mountain lions to the point where it is not as difficult to obtain licenses. 

ANTELOPE:  There are antelope in the lower elevations and several large herds within 25 miles of Alamo Canyon Ranch.

BEAR:  There are bear in them there hills, I know that much.

BARBARY SHEEP:  Alamo Canyon Ranch has an excellent herd of sheep.

COYOTE: Everywhere

BOBCAT:  On the ranch.

WOLF:  There are wolves in the area, but they cannot be hunted.

JAVALINA:  They have been seen in Lincoln County, but I don't know of them being on the ranch.

MULE DEER:  I don't like the idea of killing anything, but there are so many deer in the area, they are becoming dangerous.  Where my parents live, in San Patricio, the deer were so abundant, they attracted predators like mountain lions.  Now the deer have moved up into the mountains, and the mountain lions prowl the property.  It is quite terrifying.

ELK:  We do not qualify for Elk tags, though there are many in the area.

ORYX:  There are oryx at White Stands and some in Lincoln County, though not on the ranch.