Desert Bighorn Sheep2023-2024 Seasons & Regulations

Desert Bighorn Sheep is by Permit Only

The harvest of desert bighorn sheep (DBS) is by permit only. Permits are issued to landowners or their agents. A limited number of permits are also available through “Big Time Texas Hunts”, and other public hunting opportunities.

No person may possess a DBS ram skull obtained after Sept. 1, 2003, unless the skull has been plugged by TPWD or the individual has proof that the skull was legally obtained outside of Texas. Skulls found in the wild may be possessed, provided the individual did not cause or participate in the death of the ram, and TPWD is notified within 48 hours of the skull/horns being found. Individual horns and hornless skulls may be possessed without identification or documentation.