SA-11 TAOS PUEBLO ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP PERMITS
Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Dept., Taos Pueblo WarChiefs Office
Contact: Sylvia Rains Dennis, Ecology Programs Director
P. O. Box 2596, Taos, NM 87571
Phone: 575-758-3883; email: tpgfdept@taospueblo.com
Booth #851
Attn: Special Permit Bidders: A 5% buyer’s premium will be added to the final bid price of each special permit sold, unless prohibited by statute. Proceeds will be dedicated to WSF Conservation Initiatives.
As a long-term partner in the restoration of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep to their known historic range in Northern New Mexico, Taos Pueblo participates in the conservation and management of this unique wildlife species in collaboration with the New Mexico Game and Fish Department. Taos Pueblo’s wildland habitats include diverse, rugged mountain terrain and lush subalpine forests within a pristine alpine environment, representing a legacy that extends from centuries of cultural engagement to the present and all future generations. The condition of this landscape reflects the continuous, ecologically sustainable settlement by the Taos Pueblo people, who will designate selected hunting areas and provide scouting and outfitting services for all hunts held on tribal lands. All proceeds from the auction of the ram permits will benefit wildlife conservation efforts, related education/outreach programs, and habitat restoration within our traditional homelands.
We manage two distinct populations of successful reintroductions of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep: one in the Rio Grande Gorge habitat area and another in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. For the 2012 hunting season, Taos Pueblo’s Department of Wildlife and Habitat Conservation offers two permits for alpine hunts during April or mid-July. First bidder holds the priority to select spring or midsummer hunt timing. The Wild Sheep Foundation cosponsors the auction of these permits, which will enable the successful bidders to choose a hunting window of up to ten days in either season. Previous hunts resulted in the harvest of more than a dozen trophy rams with scores exceeding 180 on the Boone & Crockett rating, including three that scored in excess of 190. The 2005 Bighorn Sheep hunt in Taos Pueblo’s alpine terrain scored the official state record of 198 4/8.
The two tags purchased through the Wild Sheep Foundation auction provide for the hunter and one optional guest. The WarChiefs of Taos Pueblo will arrange all guide and outfitting services in coordination with the Taos Pueblo Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Department, including specifying the timing, access, and camping opportunities for the hunt. Taos Pueblo WarChiefs and their staff will provide accommodations and transportation (including airport pickup in Taos, Santa Fe or Albuquerque), all catering services, a full hunting camp, horses and tack, hunting and guide services as well as game care. Each permit is valid for one ten-day hunt during one of the two specified 2012 seasons. All hunters must comply with the rules and regulations in the Taos Pueblo Conservation Code, respecting the privilege afforded by the opportunity to enter tribal lands for the purposes of the hunt and our Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep conservation goals.