New Mexico Barbary Sheep

Unit 28-mcgregor (McGregor Range)

New Mexico Hunting Guide — Barbary Sheep

McGregor Range is a US Army artillery installation adjacent to Fort Bliss in Otero County, New Mexico, where a managed aoudad (Barbary sheep) population has been established. Tags are allocated in limited numbers through the NMDGF draw and require coordination with Fort Bliss/McGregor Range military authorities. This is one of the few opportunities to hunt aoudad on a military installation in the United States, and the herd quality is excellent given the limited hunting pressure.

View Draw Odds New Mexico Hunting Guide

Barbary Sheep Hunting in Unit 28-mcgregor

Where to Find Barbary Sheep on McGregor Range

McGregor Range Barbary sheep (aoudad) inhabit the rocky desert mountain terrain within the installation. The Sacramento Mountain foothills and rocky ridgelines within the range provide the escape terrain these cliff-adapted African sheep require.

Rocky Mountain Terrain

Aoudad concentrate on the steepest, rockiest terrain available — cliff faces, boulder fields, and rocky ridgelines. These locations provide escape cover from predators (and hunters). Glass systematically from open positions looking across canyon systems and cliff faces.

Desert Flats Feeding Areas

In early morning and late afternoon, aoudad descend to lower desert flats and scrub to feed on grasses and browse. The mountain base transition zone is the highest-activity period outside of cliff bedding times.

Water Sources

Aoudad are well-adapted to desert conditions but do visit water when available. Any developed water on the installation or natural desert tinajas may serve as aggregation points, particularly during warm-season hunts.

How to Hunt Barbary Sheep on McGregor Range

McGregor Range aoudad hunting combines the standard desert sheep hunting approach with mandatory military installation compliance protocols — escort requirements, check-in procedures, and range safety rules are non-negotiable.

Military Installation Protocol

Upon drawing a McGregor Range Barbary sheep tag, NMDGF will provide Fort Bliss/McGregor Range contact information for coordination. Hunters must check in at the appropriate installation gate, present valid identification, and complete any required safety briefings. All hunting is conducted under specific installation rules that differ from BLM/forest hunting.

Spot-and-Stalk on Rocky Terrain

Aoudad hunting is a glassing-and-stalking game. Set up glassing positions on elevated terrain and systematically scan cliff faces and rocky ridges for bedded or feeding animals. Mature rams are often solitary or in small bachelor groups away from the main herd.

Shot Preparation

Aoudad are exceptionally tough animals — known for absorbing hits and continuing to run. Practice precise shot placement at hunting distances (150–400 yards) before your hunt. Target the vitals and be prepared for a follow-up shot. Bring an adequate caliber — minimum .30 caliber is strongly recommended.

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Barbary Sheep Success Rates

See the Draw Odds chart for McGregor Range Barbary sheep tag quota and harvest data. The managed installation population and limited tag numbers result in high encounter rates and good success for prepared hunters who draw the tag.

Barbary Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Draw	17	1,395	1.2%	0

Data from 2022 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

McGregor Range aoudad tags are issued in small numbers through the NMDGF draw. Draw odds vary by year based on tag allocation agreements between NMDGF and Army management. This is a niche draw with a smaller applicant pool than mainstream species — consistent annual applications with accumulated preference points give the best odds. See the live Draw Odds chart for current statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Barbary sheep (aoudad) native to New Mexico?

No — Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), also called aoudad, are native to the rocky mountain terrain of North Africa. They were introduced to New Mexico, Texas, and other southwestern states in the mid-20th century for sport hunting and have established self-sustaining populations in suitable desert mountain habitat throughout the region.

What do I need to get onto McGregor Range for my hunt?

McGregor Range is a US Army installation requiring entry through official gates with valid photo ID. Background checks may be required. NMDGF will provide coordination instructions and installation contact information when you draw the tag. Do not attempt to access the installation independently — unauthorized entry on a military installation is a federal offense.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

NMDGF Big Game Hunting — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Unit boundaries, Season dates, License quotas · accessed 2026-04-18
NMDGF Big Game Draw — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Draw odds, Application process · accessed 2026-04-18