Magnification Range for NM Barbary

[180ls1]

I am a dual bino guy 10x and 20x as I generally dislike glassing with a spotter. However, I realize that's lacking for this hunt. What max mag range should I be looking at? Would a 13-39 razor work for verifying, not so much spotting?

 

[180ls1]

Sorry, wrong section and I don't know how to move it.

 

[Kenny Hart]

I brought my 10x42 SFs for actual tripod-based glassing, and a pair of Zulu6 16s for my walk-arounds. I would have readily given up magnification on the sigs if it would have yielded better FOV, because I was never really glassing all that far, and for me the 16s were plenty. I rarely used the SFs until it was close to dark.

Honestly, the sheep weren't hard to spot because they are a different color than the habitat...more reddish, when everything else was some shade of Mule Deer grey-brown to green. You can see it from pictures, though it seems more subtle through a photo. It's much more noticeable in person and at distance.

2 of the 3 times I spotted sheep, they were 350-400 yards and with my naked eye. The group I saw was closer to 1000 when I first saw them through binos, and I could readily see them without. Each time I knew exactly what I was looking at because of the shade of their hide.

I could see needing real magnification if you were being picky between a couple big rams, but for me and those I spoke with, this was typically not that kind of hunt.

 

[180ls1]

I brought my 10x42 SFs for actual tripod-based glassing, and a pair of Zulu6 16s for my walk-arounds. I would have readily given up magnification on the sigs if it would have yielded better FOV, because I was never really glassing all that far, and for me the 16s were plenty. I rarely used the SFs until it was close to dark.

Honestly, the sheep weren't hard to spot because they are a different color than the habitat...more reddish, when everything else was some shade of Mule Deer grey-brown to green. You can see it from pictures, though it seems more subtle through a photo. It's much more noticeable in person and at distance.

2 of the 3 times I spotted sheep, they were 350-400 yards and with my naked eye. The group I saw was closer to 1000 when I first saw them through binos, and I could readily see them without. Each time I knew exactly what I was looking at because of the shade of their hide.

I could see needing real magnification if you were being picky between a couple big rams, but for me and those I spoke with, this was typically not that kind of hunt.

Interesting. I wouldn't have guessed that. I am not much of a trophy guy, I just like cool hunts and try to harvest mature animals. It sounds like I'll be OK with what I have then?

 

[cuerro viejo]

I’m 10x40 and 14x NL’s but some of that country is better suited for 65 spotter.

The little vortex is fine too, it just has a very tiny Fov at 33,

 

[180ls1]

I’m 10x40 and 14x NL’s but some of that country is better suited for 65 spotter.

The little vortex is fine too, it just has a very tiny Fov at 33,

Thanks, sounds like this hunt is very doable with the 10x and 20x then?

 

[cuerro viejo]

Thanks, sounds like this hunt is very doable with the 10x and 20x then?

I hunted the upper 30’s in feb. I spent a lot of time behind spotter from the truck, but once I got my route planned, it was 10 and 14x’s

It’s very doable with 10 and 20x’s but you can save your feet some with a spotter.

 

[180ls1]

I hunted the upper 30’s in feb. I spent a lot of time behind spotter from the truck, but once I got my route planned, it was 10 and 14x’s

It’s very doable with 10 and 20x’s but you can save your feet some with a spotter.

Got it. My dad (74) will be with me, sounds like a spotter should definitely come with if that's the case.

I think I drew the same tag starting Feb 1st. I am still feeling a little overwhelmed as it seems like a ton of country. How did it go?

 

[cuerro viejo]

Got it. My dad (74) will be with me, sounds like a spotter should definitely come with if that's the case.

I think I drew the same tag starting Feb 1st. I am still feeling a little overwhelmed as it seems like a ton of country. How did it go?

There is lots of aoudad, but not a ton of big rams, there are a ton of tags trying to keep population suppressed. They are like hogs and out breed everything. Dont over think it, just have fun, cover country and let your glass do your walking. Aoudad are as about as nomadic as they come. Look for peckers, that will help you pick out rams until you get a better eye on size. They arent OIL DBHS tag, large chance you will draw the tag again. Id give your dad the spotter and have at it. Dont be scared to glass out the lower county too. Its doesnt take much topo, to hold them. That time of year the Big rams are usually split off big ewe herds, but you never know

 

[180ls1]

There is lots of aoudad, but not a ton of big rams, there are a ton of tags trying to keep population suppressed. They are like hogs and out breed everything. Dont over think it, just have fun, cover country and let your glass do your walking. Aoudad are as about as nomadic as they come. Look for peckers, that will help you pick out rams until you get a better eye on size. They arent OIL DBHS tag, large chance you will draw the tag again. Id give your dad the spotter and have at it. Dont be scared to glass out the lower county too. Its doesnt take much topo, to hold them. That time of year the Big rams are usually split off big ewe herds, but you never know

Thank you! That clears up one of my other "fears," spending too much time trying to pick them out in areas where they are not. Seems like there is good density and they are visible so that's not much of a concern.

Is this pretty doable in a 4x4 truck? I have a toyhauler and quads if needed (bad weather). I am just a little hesitant to tow that far, especially if I am moving camps a lot.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Thank you! That clears up one of my other "fears," spending too much time trying to pick them out in areas where they are not. Seems like there is good density and they are visible so that's not much of a concern.

Is this pretty doable in a 4x4 truck? I have a toyhauler and quads if needed (bad weather). I am just a little hesitant to tow that far, especially if I am moving camps a lot.

I drive an f250 so my answer is a little different….. I make it about 2 days before I wish I’d brought my SxS, but that country has decent 1/2 ton or Tacoma type roads

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Honestly, the sheep weren't hard to spot because they are a different color than the habitat...more reddish, when everything else was some shade of Mule Deer grey-brown to green.

Depends on where you are hunting, there are areas in the state that are reddish brown and the sheep blend in quite a bit.