Hunter: Zeev Nederman
Species: Desert Bighorn Sheep
Location: Elephant Mountain WMA, Texas
Method: Rifle (.300 Weatherby), guided TPWD permit
As a mountain hunter, I often ask myself a simple question: Why do I do this? The answer has never really changed— it’s an addiction. Sheep and goat hunting sit at the top of the mountain world’s hierarchy of difficulty. The terrain is unforgiving, the weather unpredictable, and the animals live where trails disappear and effort begins. But the true challenge often comes long before the hunt itself—drawing the tag.
Across the American West, only a limited number of sheep permits are issued each year, and just a fraction go to non-residents. Other avenues exist—Canada, Mexico, governor’s tags, tribal permits. International hunts for sheep and ibex can be more accessible, yet they demand time, logistics, and a willingness to navigate increasingly complicated firearm regulations.
I was fortunate to start this journey decades ago. Back then, guidance from Garth Carter came in stapled newsletters, and applications were mailed in with checks attached. Today, as I approach my seventieth birthday, I still apply each year across seven states—holding onto a bucket full of preference points and the same anticipation I’ve had from the beginning. Over time, I’ve been lucky enough to hunt sheep across North America and around the world—completing the North American Grand Slam, a World Slam of Sheep, and taking more than thirty Capra species. But one animal remained just out of reach: a Desert bighorn ram in my home state of Texas.
Ironically, drawing tags through the Texas Public Hunt System isn’t usually difficult. Over the years, I’ve drawn permits for mule deer, nilgai, exotics, and even alligator—twice. But Desert bighorn sheep are different.
Texas doesn’t operate on a more traditional preference or bonus point system for Desert bighorn sheep. Instead, the Texas Public Hunt System uses a loyalty-based approach with relatively low application costs but extremely limited tag availability. Only a handful of guided Desert bighorn permits are issued by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) each year, depending on population surveys. The tag is among the rarest and most coveted in Texas. But in early November 2025—after twenty years of applying—I received a “Notice of Selection.”
My first thought? Someone had gotten creative with AI and sent me a prank. A quick check of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website confirmed it: I had drawn a guided Desert bighorn sheep permit. After speaking with TPWD biologist Cody McEntire, we scheduled the hunt for early March 2026 at Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area.
My wife and I made the drive from San Antonio to West Texas carrying more than just gear—I carried two decades of hope and anticipation. Some hunts are about the trophy. Others are about the journey. This one was about both…and something deeper.
We spent a few days unwinding around Alpine before reporting to Elephant Mountain. Orientation, paperwork, and a final rifle check at the range made it official: the hunt had begun.
Our team included TPWD biologists Cody McEntire and Josh Cross, with Montgomery Cain behind the camera. Scouts were already in the field, and we spotted six rams along with several ewes that first afternoon. It didn’t take long to realize this was going to be a serious hunt.
The next morning started early. After breakfast and packing lunch, we climbed into the mountains with scouts already positioned. Before long, we located a group of ten sheep, including a mature ram. The stalk was on.
We closed the distance to 125 yards. I spent a long time behind the glass…and decided to pass. By the end of day two, we had seen twenty-three rams.
On day three, the pace intensified. By late afternoon, we had evaluated forty-four different rams. That’s when I asked Cody about a heavy, broomed ram we had seen the day before. In his opinion, it was an exceptional animal—over ten years old. Cody got on the radio. After coordinating with Connor, Kevin, and Mark, the ram was relocated.
The stalk was on again.
We closed to 300 yards. The rams were alert—uneasy. Time stretched thin, every movement deliberate. Then, finally, I had a clear view of him: an old warrior, heavy-horned and worn by time. Twenty years of applying came down to that moment.
Two shots from my .300 Weatherby, and it was over.
When we walked up to him, there was no ground shrinkage. He carried massive sixteen-inch bases—broomed, heavy, and aged at over eleven years. A true desert monarch. Later, TPWD officially scored him just over 170 inches. He was everything I had hoped for.
After photos, the team expertly broke down and packed the ram. Back at the lodge, we celebrated with a great steak dinner among an outstanding group of dedicated, hardworking men.
This was more than just a successful hunt. It was the culmination of patience, persistence, and a lifelong passion for the mountains. Elephant Mountain delivered everything— wild country, exceptional wildlife, and a team that made the experience unforgettable. From the guides to the cooks, every detail reflected professionalism and pride.
My wife and I extend our sincere thanks to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, the Texas Bighorn Society, and everyone involved in making this incredible opportunity possible.
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