12/31/2025
Here’s Venisa Reyna’s beautiful blood horn ram from the Cabeza Prieta!
When the Arizona sheep draw initiated and credit card charges began hitting, Dave saw the magical $300 charge every AZ hunter dreams of—a bighorn sheep tag. The Reyna family waited on pins and needles, checking their portal accounts daily to see which family member would be the lucky one.
When the results were finalized, Venisa was the tag holder—drawn for a coveted Unit 46BE hunt. She wasted no time booking her hunt with and the planning began.
Unit 46BE lies entirely within wilderness, with access only by foot or stock. Water is extremely scarce and is the limiting factor when planning a hunt. Hunters can expect hikes ranging from 3 to 12 miles one way, depending on the country being hunted. Dave, Venisa, and Shadow Valley Outfitters guides Jake Lindsey, Mark Hardy, and Ben Brochu began strategizing hunt areas and water-drop locations. In the months leading up to the hunt, nearly 40 gallons of water were packed in, giving the team critical options.
The week prior to the opener, the team spread out to locate and monitor rams. Two possible shooters were found, but we believed there was better country to explore. The decision was made to commit to a 12-mile hike into extremely remote terrain for opening morning. Venisa, Dave, their son Emilio, Jake, Mark, Ben, and JD made the long trek and established camp.
Opening morning finally arrived—the culmination of months of planning, preparation, and anticipation. Spread out over four miles of country, the team glassed illuminated desert slopes when Emilio whispered, “I’ve got two good rams.” Shortly after, Jake radioed the group: “We’ve got a shooter.”
Ben and Emilio circled high through a saddle to keep eyes on the ram while Jake, Dave, and Venisa moved into position. Mark and JD posted on the north side of the saddle in case the rams broke that direction.
Once set up, the ram began feeding at 550 yards, and Venisa made a perfect shot with her rifle built by Brent Jacob. Emotions ran high—Venisa had just taken her once-in-a-lifetime ram.
We made our way to the ram and stood in awe over a phenomenal, heavy blood-horned desert bighorn. A long photo session followed, and the next morning the group completed the demanding 12-mile pack-out.
The ram officially measured 167 5/8” gross with AGFD, an exceptional Cabeza Prieta ram.
Congratulations, Venisa, on an incredible once-in-a-lifetime bighorn—and thank you for trusting Shadow Valley Outfitters to guide you on this unforgettable hunt. Thanks JD Parker for lending a hand!
