Aoudad Sheep Hunts in West Texas

History of the Aoudad/Barbary Sheep

Also known as Barbary Sheep, they are native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. They were first introduced into the U.S. in 1948 in the Guadalupe Mountains along the New Mexico-Texas Border. This arid mountain region of the U.S. is much like their native country, and the first herds that were introduced did so well that subsequent herds were introduced in other desert regions of Texas. Trophy Aoudad Sheep Hunts take place in some of the roughest and driest country imaginable. Due to the environment that Aoudad Sheep live in, they can obtain all their water needs from the dry vegetation and dew. They do not depend on reliable water sources, but when available, they will take full advantage of water holes and often can be found wallowing in any mud they can find. Aoudad Sheep continue to thrive in Texas and now occupy most mountainous regions from West Texas to Del Rio and the Texas Panhandle.

Hunting Aoudad Sheep

West Texas Free Range Aoudad Sheep Hunts are probably the best, true, wild sheep hunt for the money. Both Ranches are a great choice for a hunter wanting to hunt a Trophy Aoudad. When you book your hunt with us, we will discuss the options of each ranch and the type of hunt you are looking for, group size, and your physical shape, and we will place you on the right property. We are very fortunate that in the Glass Mountains, elevations vary from 3200 ft to 5200 ft, and we can offer hunters who are less physically fit or have health or mobility problems 100% shooting opportunities on Aoudad that average the coveted 30" mark. With specially designed Mountain Buggies, we can virtually go anywhere we need to go and cover huge amounts of country that would otherwise take weeks on foot. In comparison, the Chinati Mountain Hunt can still offer less physically demanding hunts. It also can provide a mountain hunter with one of the most physically demanding hunts in North America, having elevations over 6000 ft in some of the roughest terrain imaginable. Much of this remote wilderness is only accessible on foot, and for the dedicated sheep hunter, there are thousands of acres that take hours to hike into. These isolated areas of steep-walled canyons and rim rock are perfect aoudad habitat and allow sheep to thrive, and the rewards can be great.

For the record, we have many entries in the SCI Free Range Records, including the #4 Sci Free Range Aoudad of all time; the 38-1/2 Aoudad scored 164-2/8 and held the #1 potion for over ten years. The current # 11 is another great Aoudad that our clients harvested that officially scored 157-3/8. The #25 entry stretched the tap to 37-1/2" and was badly broomed off and still scored 153-4/8. There are many other great Aoudads that have passed through my hands over the years that clients simply did not enter that would place high in the SCI Records.

Planning Ahead Matters in Texas

Preparation on any Wild Sheep Hunt is imperative; knowing your rifle and being prepared for real-life shooting situations out to 400 yards will go a long way in helping you be successful. Remember, there are no shooting benches out here, so do not practice on one. Good optics are imperative on your rifle, especially your binoculars, as you will be looking through them most of the day. Bipods work really well in this country, with prone shots being the most common. Flat shooting, hard hitting calibers are best, I personally prefer 300 magnums. Aoudads are tough; mature rams can weigh 275-300 lbs and can absorb lots of punishment.

Aoudad Hunting Season in Texas
Best Times To Hunt Sheep

While hunting with us in September through November during the rut, it is not uncommon to see more than 100 Aoudads in a single herd with 5-7 mature rams, sometimes many more. Although normally herds from 25-50 are encountered, there are 2-4 mature rams per herd. During our spring hunts, February through May, we will be hunting bachelor groups of rams that may have 6-12 rams in one herd. These bachelor herds are also aged-based; find the right group, and you may have a problem picking out the one you want. Both times of year are successful, and both have their advantages. Be prepared: Aoudad Sheep are as challenging to hunt as any sheep species in North America. 

All of our hunts consist of four full days of hunting.  On the Glass Mountain Hunt you will arrive in Ft.Stockton at noon where one of our team members will meet you and head to the ranch. Your hunt will normally start that afternoon once your settled in and rifles have been checked. 

For the Chinati Mountain Hunt, you will arrive in Marfa, Texas, between 3 and 4 p.m. The day before your hunt starts, you will meet your guides, head into the ranch, unload your bags and equipment, and check zero on rifles. Your hunt will begin the following morning for four full days if needed.

On both hunts hunters leave the day after the last animal is harvested or the morning of the 5th day if the hunt last the full four days.