There are seven west Texas mountain ranges with established populations of bighorn sheep. Unregulated hunting decimated the free-roaming populations to near extinction by 1958. In the early 1980s steps were taken to revitalize the bighorn sheep population and by 2011, their numbers are up to approximately 1,500 across these seven mountain ranges. Hunting is now permitted but strictly limited. Special hunts may even be auctioned by the Texas Wildlife Association.
Hunting of bighorn desert ram in Texas is not a free for all. You will have to obtain special permits. The number of permits will vary from one season to the next and some will be reserved for resident landowners and the state-sponsored wildlife association. In the past, as few as three permits were issued for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public hunting program. From past numbers it is safe to assume that getting a permit to hunt desert ram in Texas is not as easy as purchasing your hunting license.
If you are interested in a guided bighorn sheep hunt in Texas you must fill out the required paperwork and send it in along with application fees before the deadline. The deadline will vary each year but is generally in October. You must be at least 17 years of age to participate in the program. The fee basically buys you a chance to go on a five-day guided hunt, lodging and transportation included.
If you are one of the lucky few to go on a guided desert ram Texas hunt, there are a few items you are going to need. The law states that you must hunt with a center fire rifle of .243 caliber or higher. Guns of this caliber are the only ones allowed on the hunt. You will also need a bedroll and any other personal hunting gear you would like to use, such as scent away, calls and binoculars.
