Aoudad Ram

Introduction to Aoudad Hunting

The aoudad, also known as the Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), is Africa's only native wild sheep species. These magnificent animals have adapted to some of the harshest desert mountain environments on earth, developing incredible endurance, agility, and eyesight that make them one of the most challenging mountain game species to pursue.

Originally native to the rocky, arid mountains of North Africa—from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria through Libya, Egypt, and Sudan—the aoudad has been successfully introduced to numerous locations worldwide. Today, Texas hosts the world's largest free-ranging population, with huntable numbers also established in New Mexico, California, and on game ranches throughout North America, Europe, and Africa.

Physical Characteristics

Aoudad are powerfully built sheep with sandy-brown coats that provide excellent camouflage in their rocky habitat. Their most distinctive feature is the long fringe of hair (chaps) that extends from the throat down the chest and onto the front legs. This fringe is particularly pronounced in mature rams and becomes their most identifiable field characteristic.

Both sexes carry backward-curving horns, though rams' horns are much larger and heavier. A mature ram's horns typically reach 26-32 inches, with exceptional specimens exceeding 34 inches. Ewes' horns rarely exceed 12 inches. Body weight for mature rams ranges from 200-320 pounds, with old desert-hardened rams often appearing smaller but carrying impressive horn mass.

Conservation Status

In their native North Africa, aoudad are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss, competition with livestock, and unregulated hunting. Ironically, introduced populations in Texas and New Mexico are thriving, providing excellent hunting opportunities while simultaneously raising concerns about competition with native desert bighorn sheep in some areas. Regulated hunting of introduced populations has no negative conservation impact and provides significant economic value.

Hunting Seasons by Region

Texas (Free-Range)

As an exotic species, aoudad can be hunted year-round on private land with no bag limit. The best time is during the cooler months (October-March) when rams are most active and the weather is more comfortable for mountain hunting. The rut occurs from late September through November, when rams are less cautious. Key areas include the Trans-Pecos region, particularly around the Palo Duro Canyon and the mountains surrounding Alpine and Marathon.

Texas (High-Fence Ranches)

Numerous ranches offer managed aoudad hunts year-round. Trophy quality is often exceptional on properties that have selectively bred for horn size. These hunts can be done on shorter timeframes than free-range hunts.

New Mexico

New Mexico offers limited public land hunting through a draw system, typically in the Canadian River Canyon area and Hondo Valley. Seasons usually run January through March. Success rates on public land are lower but rewards include a true fair-chase wilderness experience.

North Africa

Native range hunting is possible in Morocco, where limited permits are issued for the Atlas Mountains. Tunisia and other North African countries occasionally offer hunting. These hunts represent the authentic Barbary sheep experience but are expensive and logistically challenging.

South Africa & Game Ranches

Introduced populations on game ranches in South Africa and other countries offer year-round hunting opportunities in controlled environments.

Hunting Methods

Spot and Stalk

The classic and most rewarding method for aoudad hunting. Use high-quality optics to glass rimrocks, cliffs, and canyon edges at first light. Aoudad typically feed in the early morning, then bed in rocky shade during midday. Once a good ram is located, plan a careful stalk using terrain to stay out of sight. Approaches can take hours and may cover considerable vertical terrain.

Ambush Hunting

Setting up along known travel routes between water and feeding areas can be effective, particularly during hot weather when aoudad must drink regularly. Water sources in arid habitat concentrate animals and create predictable patterns. Dawn and dusk setups near canyon mouths or ridgeline saddles can produce opportunities.

Vehicle-Assisted Glassing

On large Texas ranches, covering ground by vehicle to locate sheep, then dismounting for the stalk is common practice. This allows hunters to glass more country and locate trophy rams more efficiently. Once a target is identified, the hunt becomes a traditional spot and stalk.

Shot Placement

Aoudad are extremely tough animals with heavy shoulder bones. Place shots just behind the front shoulder at the lower third of the body for heart/lung hits. Shoulder shots can anchor rams but require heavier calibers and premium bullets. Avoid shots at steep uphill or downhill angles if possible—the vital zone becomes much smaller. Neck shots are effective on stationary animals at reasonable ranges but should only be attempted with a solid rest.

Tracking Considerations

A wounded aoudad will often head for the most inaccessible terrain available. Mark the shot location carefully and approach slowly. Blood trails can be sparse on hair-covered animals. Give marginal hits time before following—aoudad will often bed down if not pressured but will travel miles if pushed.

Recommended Firearms

Rifles

Mountain-worthy calibers with flat trajectories are essential:

• .270 Winchester: Outstanding choice, handles the range and has adequate energy
• 7mm Remington Magnum: Excellent for longer shots common in aoudad country
• .300 Winchester Magnum: Premium choice for heavy rams at any range
• 6.5 Creedmoor/6.5 PRC: Modern favorites with excellent long-range performance
• .30-06 Springfield: Classic and effective with proper bullet selection

Choose premium controlled-expansion bullets—aoudad are heavily built and require bullets that penetrate well.

Bowhunting

Extremely challenging due to their habitat and keen senses:

• Draw weight: 65-70 lbs minimum recommended
• Broadheads: Heavy, fixed-blade designs for maximum penetration
• Range: Most shots will be under 40 yards
• Strategy: Water ambushes or stalking bedded animals offer best chances

Optics

• Rifle scope: Variable 3-12x or 4-16x with quality turrets for holdover; illuminated reticles helpful for dawn/dusk
• Binoculars: 10x42 or 12x50 for extended glassing sessions
• Spotting scope: 20-60x essential for evaluating rams at distance
• Rangefinder: Critical in deceptive mountain terrain—shots often exceed 300 yards

Essential Gear

• Quality mountain boots with aggressive soles
• Layered clothing—desert mornings are cold, midday is hot
• Lightweight pack with hydration (minimum 2 liters)
• Shooting sticks or bipod
• Knee pads for rocky stalking
• Gloves for climbing sharp rock
• Hat and sunscreen

Physical Preparation

Aoudad hunting is among the most physically demanding hunts in North America:

• Cardiovascular conditioning: Hiking, stair climbing, or inclined treadmill work essential
• Leg strength: Squats, lunges, and step-ups prepare you for climbing
• Core stability: Helps with balance on uneven terrain
• Altitude consideration: Texas hunts typically range 3,000-6,000 feet—not extreme but noticeable
• Heat tolerance: Prepare for hot midday conditions if hunting shoulder seasons

Shooting Practice

Long-range mountain shooting skills are essential:

• Practice at 200-400+ yards from field positions
• Master shooting from shooting sticks at various heights
• Learn angle compensation for uphill/downhill shots
• Know your rifle's trajectory and holdover at hunting distances
• Practice shooting in wind—West Texas is consistently windy
• Dry-fire practice to control breathing and trigger press under fatigue

Planning Your Hunt

• Duration: 3-5 days for free-range hunts, 2-3 days for managed properties
• Success rates: Highly variable—50-80% on ranches, lower on free-range
• Physical demands: High—expect significant climbing and walking
• Best conditions: Cool, clear mornings with calm or light wind

Trophy Expectations

Field-judging aoudad horns requires practice. Look at horn mass, curl, and length relative to the body. A ram whose horns clearly extend below the chin line and sweep back well past the ear is likely a mature animal worth pursuing. Anything over 30 inches is an excellent trophy. The world record stands at 34⅝ inches.