Aoudad Sheep Hunts in Texas
Texas Aoudad Hunt
Texas Hunt Lodge offers fully guided aoudad hunts throughout the year. Also known as Barbary sheep, aoudad are famous for their sweeping horns, long flowing chaps, exceptional eyesight, and ability to disappear into rugged Texas terrain. Aoudad hunting is one of the most difficult and challenging exotic hunts in Texas. Trophy Class rams commonly carry horns around 30 inches, while exceptional aoudad may exceed 35 inches.
Limited Time Special:
Save $1,450 on Trophy Class Aoudad hunts. Hunt before August 31st for the best rate of the season!
Lodging & Meals Packages
Pricing is per hunter and covers accommodations and meals. Trophy fees for each species are additional and selected at checkout.
3-Day, 2-Night Package: $1,000 per hunter
4-Day, 3-Night Package: $1,350 per hunter
5-Day, 4-Night Package: $1,700 per hunter
Lodging & Meals Packages
For non-hunters who want to stay at the lodge and join the experience.
3-Day, 2-Night: A Private Room for $885 per person, a Shared Room for $600 per person
4-Day, 3-Night: A Private Room for $1,180 per person, a Shared Room for $800 per person
5-Day, 4-Night: A Private Room for $1,475 per person, a Shared Room for $1,000 per person
Aoudad Trophy Classes
Trophy Class Aoudad
Trophy Class rams are mature animals with impressive horns and good mass, along with a long mane and chaps. Many of these rams carry horns around 30 inches.
Record Class Aoudad
Record Class rams are exceptional animals with greater horn length and heavier bases, often approaching or exceeding 35 inches.
Platinum Class Aoudad
Platinum Class rams are the rarest and most extraordinary aoudad available, representing the highest levels of horn size, mass, and maturity.
Qualifying Record Class and Platinum Class rams may be eligible for entry into Safari Club International and Trophy Game Records of the World.
What Makes a Trophy Aoudad Ram?
Aoudad have horns, not antlers. Horns are permanent and are not shed, and they continue developing with age. When judging a trophy ram, the characteristics that matter most include:
- Total horn length
- Horn mass and base circumference
- Symmetry
- Shape and sweep
- Age and body maturity
- Length and fullness of the mane and chaps
- Overall visual character
Mature rams grow long hair, known as the mane or chaps, along the throat, chest, and front legs.
Aoudad and Barbary Sheep History
The aoudad, scientifically known as Ammotragus lervia, is native to the dry mountains and rocky deserts of North Africa. The name Barbary sheep refers to the historic Barbary Coast. Aoudad were introduced to the United States in the 1950s and now thrive in Texas and New Mexico, where they are well suited to rocky slopes, canyons, cedar-covered hills, and arid mountain terrain.
Are Aoudad Sheep or Goats?
Aoudad are commonly called Barbary sheep, yet they display characteristics of both sheep and goats. They belong to the Caprinae subfamily but are classified in their own genus, Ammotragus. Barbary sheep remains the accepted common name.
Why Aoudad Are So Difficult to Hunt
Aoudad have exceptional eyesight and are highly alert to movement. Their sandy brown and reddish coats blend with rock, cedar, brush, and dry grass. They use terrain well, bed on elevated slopes, and disappear behind ridges. A challenging aoudad hunt may involve:
- Hours of careful glassing
- Judging horns at long distances
- Planning an approach around terrain and wind
- Steep or rocky stalks
- Shooting across canyons or open country
- Locating one mature ram in a group
- Remaining patient while animals move
Fully Guided Texas Aoudad Hunts
Your guide assists with orientation, glassing, locating rams, judging horn size, selecting the correct animal, shot placement, and recovery. Available methods include:
- Spot-and-stalk
- Rifle
- Bow
- Muzzleloader or black powder
- Handgun
- Safari-style
- Hunting from a blind
Spot-and-stalk is the most rewarding and physically demanding method, while safari-style and blind hunting are more accessible alternatives.
Year-Round Aoudad Hunting in Texas
Texas Hunt Lodge offers aoudad hunts year-round. Aoudad are exotic animals in Texas with no state-imposed closed season on private property, and their permanent horns mean there is no antler cycle to schedule around. Guides adjust strategy to seasonal conditions. In warmer weather, hunts focus on early morning and late afternoon movement, water sources, and shaded bedding areas.
Year-Round Aoudad Sheep Hunts in Texas for Impressive Trophy Rams
At Texas Hunt Lodge, we specialize in providing hunters with the opportunity to pursue and harvest magnificent Trophy Aoudad Sheep, also known as Barbary Sheep. With hunts available year-round, there are no seasonal restrictions on hunting these impressive creatures in Texas, ensuring a thrilling trophy pursuit at any time of the year.
We understand that each hunter has their own preferences when it comes to hunting methods. That’s why we typically allow our hunters to choose their preferred approach. Whether you prefer the Spot and Stalk method, Rifle Hunting, Black Powder, Safari Style Hunting, or hunting from a Blind, we cater to your individual preferences. Additionally, we pride ourselves on our ability to accommodate hunters of any age and experience level, as well as those with physical disabilities.
The Aoudad Rams that we hunt are all of trophy class, boasting impressive horn sizes. On average, the Aoudad Sheep we harvest have horns measuring around 30 inches. However, we frequently encounter Aoudad Rams with horns reaching upwards of 35 inches, making them truly remarkable trophy specimens.
The Platinum Class represents a truly one-of-a-kind specimen and showcases some of the largest animals of its species ever harvested at Texas Hunt Lodge. These elite trophies are extremely rare and carefully managed to provide an unmatched hunting opportunity. This class is specifically designed for serious hunters pursuing record-book animals, with strong potential for qualification in both TGR (Trophy Game Records) and SCI (Safari Club International).
Embarking on an Aoudad hunt with us requires patience and skill, as these animals are known for their elusive nature. However, with the guidance of our experienced team and the thrill of the chase, you’ll have the opportunity to harvest a Trophy Aoudad Sheep that you’ll be proud to display on your wall for years to come.
Aoudad Sheep Trophy Fee
Trophy Class: $4,950
Record Class: $7,500
Platinum Class: TBD
The Aoudad Sheep, also known as Barbary sheep or Aoudad Goat, is native to the Desert Mountains of the Sahara region, but is also now quite plentiful on Exotic Game ranches in Texas and New Mexico. Introduction of Aoudad into the wild in the US, by private sources, first took place in Llano and Kerr counties of Texas in the early 1950’s
Both male and female Aoudad Sheep have large horns that make for great trophies. Aoudad Sheep Mounts are usually done with the shoulders and front legs in tact to show the beautiful flowing mane, also known as “chaps”. Both male and female Aoudad are sandy brown in color and weigh anywhere from 60 lbs to 350 lbs. The shoulder height is between 2.5-3.7 feet and their length is between 4 and 5.5 feet.
* Prices may vary.
Secure Your Texas Aoudad Hunt Dates
Why Texas Aoudad Hunts Are a Unique Experience
Aoudad sheep hunts in Texas rival any experience you’ll find in Africa or Asia. They’re a unique species that looks like a cross between sheep and goats. You’ll likely come back with an Aoudad sheep trophy that your hunting friends and family won’t already have on display.
As masters of camouflage, learning how to spot these sheep feels like quite an accomplishment in itself. Free-range aoudad also prefer the rocky cliffs of Texas, making for a challenging experience. You’ll develop stamina and physique unlike when you hunt in the carefree plains or forests.
Aoudad meat has a delicate, almost sweet taste with much less gaminess than traditional lamb. It’s leaner than many other meats and packed with protein and nutrients like B12. You can also hunt these elusive animals year-round, though late fall and winter are best.
Enjoy an All-Inclusive Lodge with Modern Amenities
Pursuing barbary sheep at Texas Hunting Lodge is an experience unlike any other.
You Can Take Advantage of Our Award-Winning Hunting Outings
Our guests have a high rate of success, and you’ll have ample opportunity to take home a trophy. The local rams boast ample horn sizes, some more than 35 inches. You’ll have a fulfilling experience, no matter what, and feel a renewed passion for your hobby.
You Have Our Experienced Guides to Elevate the Weekend
Our guides take Aoudad sheep hunts in Texas to the next level. Even the most experienced hunters will learn something they can use to improve their technique. The guides accommodate any hunting technique you want and can entertain you with their stories while you wait to spot a sheep.
You Can Stay Comfortable in Luxury Suites in Your Off Hours
When you’re not stalking nature’s most elusive sheep, you can rest your weary muscles in comfortable rooms or cabins. We have all-inclusive prices that include the following:
- Our suite accommodations include shared rooms with two queen beds or private ones with one king bed. Every option has a private bathroom.
- If you opt for a cabin, you’ll spend your evenings and nights in coziness and complete privacy. You’ll still have quick and easy access to the main lodge.
- We offer modern technology in every room and suite, including individual air conditioning and heating. You can also enjoy Direct TV and wireless internet and charging.
You’ll also work up an appetite after stalking prey all day. Let our world-class chefs prepare everything from exotic game to your favorite Mexican cuisine. You can hunt and eat like royalty at Texas Hunt Lodge!
Texas Aoudad Sheep Hunt Gallery
FAQ: Texas Aoudad Hunts
Q: When is aoudad hunting season, and can they be hunted year-round?
A: Aoudad are classified as exotic animals in Texas and can be hunted year-round on private property, with no state-imposed closed season. Because their horns are permanent and never shed, there is no antler cycle to schedule around, so a quality ram can be pursued in any month.
Q: Are aoudad and Barbary sheep the same animal?
A: Yes. Aoudad and Barbary sheep are the same animal, Ammotragus lervia. The name Barbary sheep refers to the historic Barbary Coast of North Africa, where the species is native.
Q: How large are Texas Hunt Lodge aoudad trophies?
A: Trophy Class rams commonly carry horns around 30 inches, while exceptional Record Class and Platinum Class rams may approach or exceed 35 inches. Qualifying rams may be eligible for Safari Club International and Trophy Game Records of the World.
Q: Do aoudad have horns or antlers?
A: Aoudad have horns, not antlers. Horns are permanent, are not shed, and continue developing with age, which is why older rams carry the longest, most massive horns.
Q: How difficult is an aoudad hunt?
A: Aoudad hunting is one of the most challenging exotic hunts in Texas. Aoudad have exceptional eyesight, blend into rocky and brushy terrain, and use elevation and ridges to disappear. Expect careful glassing, long-distance judging, and steep or rocky stalks.
Q: What can I use to hunt aoudad, and what methods are available?
A: Available methods include spot-and-stalk, rifle, bow, muzzleloader or black powder, handgun, safari-style, and hunting from a blind. Spot-and-stalk is the most rewarding and physically demanding, while safari-style and blind hunting are more accessible options.
Q: Are the hunts fully guided?
A: Yes. Every aoudad hunt is fully guided. Your guide assists with orientation, glassing, locating rams, judging horn size, selecting the correct animal, shot placement, and recovery.
Q: Can I bow hunt aoudad?
A: Yes. Bow hunting is available, along with rifle, muzzleloader, handgun, spot-and-stalk, safari-style, and blind hunting. The best method depends on conditions, the individual animal, and the hunter’s abilities.
Q: Is a Texas hunting license required?
A: Yes. Hunters must carry the appropriate Texas hunting license. License options and regulations can change, so check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Outdoor Annual or speak with our team before arrival.
Q: Can Texas Hunt Lodge help with taxidermy and trophy scoring?
A: Yes. Our team can help coordinate field care, taxidermy, and trophy-scoring services, including measurement for Safari Club International and Trophy Game Records of the World on eligible rams.
Q: How long can guests stay, and can non-hunting guests come along?
A: Guests can plan a multi-day, all-inclusive stay at the lodge, and non-hunting guests are welcome to accompany the hunter by selecting an available non-hunter lodging and meal package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we answer more questions about spot and stalk hunting for Aoudad sheep.
When Is Aoudad Hunting Season in Texas?
You can schedule Texas Aoudad hunts year-round. However, our guides highly recommend hunting from October to February.
What Can I Use to Hunt Aoudad Sheep?
You can use whatever method you want for our Aoudad hunts in Texas. Our guides support bows, rifles, and more.
How Long Can Guests Stay for Aoudad Hunts in Texas?
Guests typically spend between three and five days on Aoudad sheep hunts in Texas.
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