Awards
January 2023, Mr Vallina Receives CIC Markhor Award 2022
The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) honoured the winners of 2022 CIC Markhor Award at the 2023 Sheep Show. The award winners are 3 proyects for their efforts repatriating desert bighorn sheep in Mexico.
The CIC Markhor Award is a prestigious wildlife conservation award presented by the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC). The award is named after the Markhor, a mountain goat from Central Asia that has been the focus of conservation efforts by the CIC for many years.
The award is given annually to individuals or institutions who have made a significant contribution to wildlife conservation and sustainable development in their country or region. Candidates are nominated by CIC members and winners are selected by an international jury.
Established in 2007, the CIC Markhor Award has been presented to outstanding conservationists and organizations from around the world, recognizing their work in the conservation of endangered species, protection of natural habitats, and promotion of sustainable hunting.
References
Boone and Crockett Club
- Life Time Associate.
- 2010, 2012, 2013 Donor.
- 2013 Convention Exhibitor.
- Trophies in the record book.
Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF)
- Life time Member.
- 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014,2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 Donor.
- 2011 winner of the outfitersbronce medal ram taken with a bow.
- Recipient of the 2014 Conservation Award.
Dallas Safari Club International (DSC)
- 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 Convention Exhibitor.
Pope & Young Club
- 2017 Donor.
Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife
- 2009 Donor.
Revista Wild Sheep. Primavera 2014
January 23, 2014 Jose Antonio Vallina Receives Special Award.
Wild Sheep Magazine: Spring 2014.
Desert bighorn sheep were extirpated from the Mexican state of Chihuahua during the 1960s. The wild Sheep Foundation honored the man who brought them back, a man whose incredible and dedicated effort resulted in more than 330 desert bighorns back on the mountain.
In 1981 Jose Antonio Vallina purchased a special ranch, Rancho La Guarida with a dream to repatriate desert bighorns into their native home and habitat. After three years of habitat improvement, water development and restoration of native flora by the removal of cattle he was ready… but it took 18 years of relentless effort and perseverance with permitting and convincing the Chihuahua State Government about the importance of the reintroduction of this iconic species. In 2000, four desert bighorns were released, and then with the support and cooperation of CEMEX, more sheep were released.
Today there are more than 300 desert bighorns back on the mountain and 30 have been taken off to start new herds on two more ranches in the state with more trap and transplants planned. Regulated hunting is ensuring that bighorns reign and Rancho La Guarida rams are now accepted for entry into the Boone & Crocket Record Book. After more than 20 years, SeñorVallina’s dream has become a reality.
We know the bighorns are an indicator species. With the habitat improvements and water projects the mule deer population has also rebounded and Señor Vallina has taken 80 deer off to foster populations in Chihuahua as well as 70 deer trapped and transplanted to suitable habitat in the states of San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas where they were extirpated in the 1950′s.
WSF was pleased to honor Jose Antonio Vallina with a WSF Special Conservation Award during the Thursday Conservation Night banquet during “Sheep Week” in Reno for Putting and Keeping Sheep on the Mountain… and mule deer as well. WS.
Hunting Season
November – March
