Ep. 53: NM Desert Bighorn Sheep
01 September 2025

Ep. 53: NM Desert Bighorn Sheep

Ahi Va

About
Less than 1% of hunters in the United States will ever harvest a bighorn sheep ram. One of the guests on this episode of the Ahi Va podcast talks about the disbelief he felt when he learned that he drew a very coveted tag for a Desert Bighorn Sheep in New Mexico's Fra Cristobal Range.

Garett Hayes joins the show to talk about his recent experience and share the story of the hunt and the harvest with our listeners. Accompanying Garett on that hunt and on this episode is his good friend and hunting partner TJ Montoya. Our host, Jesse Deubel sits down with Garett and TJ to talk about all things wild sheep. Included in the discussion are thoughts regarding the recovery of this iconic North American species as well as threats to its future. In addition to recalling the details of the hunt, our guests share their thoughts on public versus private land conservation, the importance of helping new hunters and taking full advantage of our youthful abilities.

There are some words of special appreciation for Blackhorn Guide Services, the owners of which are friends of the show and appeared on episode 18 of the Ahi Va Podcast. This is a fun and thoughtful conversation that will be appreciated by the 99+% of hunters who have never pursued a bighorn ram as much as it will appeal to those lucky enough to be in the <1% club.

Congratulations on your induction to this prestigious group Garett Hayes! To everyone else, enjoy the listen!   

For more info: 
NMWF Website