Barbary sheep hunting in New Mexico is one of the most physically demanding - and underrated - big game pursuits in the West. Also known as aoudad, these animals thrive in steep, rocky, unforgiving terrain where your endurance, strength, and mental grit will be tested every step of the way.

At LOH Outfitters, we’ve guided dozens of successful Barbary sheep hunts across the state’s most rugged units. If you’re booked for an aoudad hunt - or planning one - this is your guide to getting physically and mentally ready for what lies ahead.

Why Barbary Sheep Hunts Are Physically Demanding

Unlike elk, mule deer, or oryx hunts that often rely on vehicle access or glass-and-stalk terrain, aoudad hunting requires serious climbing and glassing from elevation. You'll be covering miles across:

Steep ridgelines and shale slopes
Sharp rocks and narrow ledges
Hot, dry conditions with little shade or cover

This isn’t a sit-and-wait hunt. You’ll need to move frequently, ascend quickly, and remain steady for long-distance shots after hours of hiking. To perform well and stay safe, you need to prepare like you’re training for a backcountry endurance event.

The Physical Skills You’ll Need

There are three main pillars to focus on in your Barbary sheep prep:

1. Leg Strength and Stability

You’ll be climbing with weight and descending loose terrain. This demands:

Strong quads, hamstrings, and calves
Knee stability
Ankle mobility and balance

2. Cardiovascular Endurance

Sustained elevation gains, long glassing sessions, and quick transitions require:

High aerobic capacity
Ability to recover from short bursts of effort (like a sprint to a vantage point)

3. Core and Pack Management

A strong core helps with balance under a pack and stability while glassing or shooting on uneven ground.

6-Week Barbary Sheep Training Plan (3-5 Days/Week)

Here’s a simple, effective structure that hunters can adapt to their own fitness level:

Day 1: Lower Body Strength + Core

Weighted step-ups (3x12)
Walking lunges (3x20 steps)
Box squats (3x10)
Planks and side planks (3x1 min)

Day 2: Hike + Pack Training

3-5 mile hike with 20-30 lbs in your pack
Focus on uphill sections
Add trekking poles for balance training

Day 3: Rest or Active Recovery

Stretching, foam rolling, or light swimming

Day 4: Hill Intervals + Core

30-45 min of hill sprints or stair intervals
Mountain climbers, Russian twists, leg lifts

Day 5: Long Hike or Weighted Ruck

5-8 miles with 30-40 lbs
Elevation gain of at least 1000+ ft
Practice stopping and glassing mid-hike

Repeat this structure weekly, increasing intensity and weight as you improve.

Gear Prep: Get Used to What You’ll Wear and Carry

Don’t wait until the hunt to learn how your gear fits or functions.

Boots

Break them in completely
Train in them, even for workouts and errands
Ankle support is crucial - look for stiffer mountain boots

Pack

Train with the same pack you’ll hunt with
Adjust fit and learn how to manage weight comfortably
Practice loading, unloading, and accessing gear quickly

Clothing

Layering systems for both cold mornings and hot days
Train in your gear to test for hot spots, overheating, or discomfort

Hydration & Nutrition

Learn how your body performs with different hydration systems (bladders vs. bottles)
Practice fueling with the same snacks and meals you'll use in the field

Shooting Readiness: Can You Make the Shot After the Climb?

Most Barbary sheep shots are at long range, from awkward angles, and after hours of hiking.

To prepare:

Practice shooting from kneeling, prone, and sitting positions
Set up your rifle for quick deployment from a pack or bipod
Simulate field conditions: shoot after hiking, out of breath, from uneven ground

Pro Tip: If you’re using a scope, train with your exact optic, reticle, and turret system. You won’t have time to guess in the field.

Mental Grit: The Forgotten Element of Barbary Sheep Hunts

Physical prep is essential - but mental toughness is what finishes the hunt. You may glass for hours without a shot opportunity. You may climb three ridges and get blown out on the fourth. You may miss... and have to keep going.

Train your mind to:

Embrace discomfort
Stay patient during long glassing sessions
Stay calm and focused under pressure

The payoff - a heavy-horned aoudad on steep desert cliffs - is absolutely worth the effort.

Final Thoughts: Start Now, and You’ll Thank Yourself Later

Barbary sheep hunting isn’t for the unprepared. But with the right training, gear, and mindset, it’s one of the most rewarding and wildest hunts New Mexico has to offer.

Quick Prep Summary:

Build leg strength, endurance, and core stability
Train in your boots, pack, and layers
Practice long shots from field positions
Start hiking with weight - today
Sharpen your mental game for the long haul

Book Your Barbary Sheep Hunt with LOH Outfitters

If you’re ready to take on one of the toughest and most exciting mountain hunts in North America, LOH Outfitters is ready to lead the way.

Contact us today to learn more about our New Mexico Barbary sheep hunts, availability, and what it takes to succeed in the cliffs and canyons these rams call home.

Barbary Sheep Hunting Prep: How to Get Physically Ready for the Climb