Aoudad, also known as Barbary sheep, are one of the toughest and most challenging animals to hunt in North America. Originally from North Africa, this rugged species has adapted perfectly to the mountains and canyons of Texas and the American Southwest. Their keen eyesight, endurance, and ability to disappear into steep terrain make them a true test of a hunter’s skill.

Whether you’re planning your first Aoudad hunt or looking to improve your success rate, this complete guide covers everything: scouting, gear, shot placement, scoring, meat quality, guided vs DIY, hunt costs, and more.

What Is an Aoudad? Quick Overview

Aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) are a wild sheep species with:

• Thick, curving horns

• A distinct “chaps-like” mane on the chest and legs

• Exceptional agility on rough terrain

• Incredible eyesight—one of the best among game animals

• A weight range of 150–300+ lbs for mature rams

They behave like a mix of sheep, goats, and elk—fast, wary, and incredibly tough to bring down.

Aoudad Hunting Quick Facts (Easy Reference Table)

Why Aoudad Are So Challenging to Hunt

Competitors rarely explain why this animal is uniquely difficult. Here are the true reasons seasoned hunters know:

1. Elite-Level Vision

Aoudad can spot movement from 700+ yards. They rely on sight more than scent, making stealth and positioning critical.

2. Nearly Silent Footsteps

Even when moving in large groups, Aoudad travel quietly through rocks.

3. Extreme Durability

Aoudad can:

• Absorb marginal shots

• Travel far after being hit

• Survive in harsh terrain

Poor shot placement results in long tracking jobs—or lost animals.

4. Mountain Terrain Advantage

They always choose the high ground. Hunters are almost always at a disadvantage.

Best Places to Hunt Aoudad in the U.S.

Texas (#1 Destination Worldwide)

West Texas is the global epicenter of Aoudad hunting. Key regions include:

• Palo Duro Canyon

• Big Bend region

• Lubbock & Amarillo areas

• Private ranches in the West Texas mountains

New Mexico

Public-land opportunity exists, but tags are competitive.

Other Regions

Small introduced populations exist in:

• California

• Oklahoma

• Mexico

Texas remains the best location for trophy-size rams.

Aoudad Shot Placement: The Guide No Competitor Tells You

One of the largest content gaps online is accurate, practical shot placement for Aoudad. Hunters often shoot too high or too far back.

Rifle Shot Placement

Aim:

• 1/3 up the body, just behind the shoulder.

• The heart lies lower than most hunters expect.

• The lungs sit slightly forward compared to deer.

Bow Shot Placement

Bowhunters must aim:

• Tight to the shoulder, slightly lower than a whitetail shot.

• Quartering-away shots are ideal.

Avoid These Bad Shots

• Straight-on

• Hard quartering-toward

• High shoulder (Aoudad muscles are dense)

Best Calibers for Aoudad Hunting

Recommended Rifles

• 6.5 Creedmoor

• .270 Win

• .308

• 7mm Rem Mag

• .300 Win Mag

Aoudad are tougher than deer; choose a cartridge with controlled-expansion bullets like:

• Barnes TTSX

• Nosler AccuBond

• Hornady ELD-X

Aoudad Hunting Gear Checklist

Competitors often skip gear recommendations—this section boosts EEAT and user value.

Essential Gear

• Lightweight, grippy mountain boots

• Rangefinder (Aoudad shots often run 200–500 yards)

• Bipod or shooting sticks

• Spotting scope (15x or 20–60x)

• Wind checker

• Backpack with hydration bladder

• Layered mountain clothing

• Trekking poles for steep ascents

Optional but Valuable

• Knee pads for crawling

• Glassing tripod

• Lightweight tarp for shade in desert heat

Tactics: How to Hunt Aoudad Successfully

1. Glassing is 70% of the Hunt

Aoudad blends perfectly into rocks. Spend hours glassing:

• shelves

• cliff lines

• shadows

• grassy pockets

Look for the movement of horns rather than body colour.

2. Spot-and-Stalk Is the Most Effective Method

Use terrain features to stay hidden:

• Ridges

• Rock outcroppings

• Drainages

Avoid silhouetting yourself.

3. Hunt Morning and Late Afternoon

They feed low early, then bed high mid-day.

4. Wind Discipline Matters

While Aoudad rely more on sight, getting winded still ends the hunt.

5. Don’t Rush the Shot

Aoudad frequently stop to look back before fleeing—use that moment.

How to Score an Aoudad (Trophy Measurements)

Most hunters don’t know how Aoudad are judged. Here are the official metrics:

• Horn Length (primary measurement)

• Base Circumference

• Both horns are measured and combined

Trophy-Class Benchmarks

• 28–30 inches: Mature, solid ram

• 30–33 inches: Trophy

• 34+ inches: Exceptional, world-class

Is Aoudad Meat Good to Eat?

Yes, when handled correctly.

Flavor Breakdown

• Lean, mild, similar to goat or very lean lamb

• Aging improves tenderness

• Younger animals taste better

Tips for Best Flavor

• Cool quickly

• Remove musk glands

• Trim tallow

• Slow-cook or smoke

Guided vs DIY Aoudad Hunts

Guided Hunts ($3,500–$8,000+)

Benefits:

• Local expertise

• Access to private land

• Trophy rams

• Pack-out assistance

DIY Hunts

Pros:

• Lower cost

• Greater adventure

Cons:

• Harder success rate

• Challenging terrain navigation

• Requires more scouting

Approximate Aoudad Hunt Costs (2025)

Field Dressing & Packing Out an Aoudad

Aoudad often die in nasty, cliffy terrain. Be prepared to:

• Quarter the animal on the mountain

• Use the gutless method

• Carry 100–150 lbs of meat, cape, and horns

• Pack out in steep, loose rock

Common Aoudad Hunting Mistakes

• Shooting too high

• Rushing the stalk

• Underestimating the terrain

• Bringing insufficient optics

• Hunting mid-day without glassing high

FAQs: Aoudad Hunting

Are Aoudad dangerous?

Not usually aggressive, but rams can charge if wounded.

What is the best month to hunt Aoudad?

October to February for cool weather and high visibility.

Do Aoudad smell like goats?

Yes, especially mature rams.

How far do Aoudad shots typically range?

200–500 yards on average.

Where do you shoot an Aoudad?

Lower third of the body, just behind the shoulder.

Final Thoughts: Why Every Hunter Should Try an Aoudad Hunt

Aoudad hunting is one of the most rewarding challenges in the hunting world. These animals test your endurance, stalking skills, accuracy, and patience. Whether you’re chasing a 32-inch trophy ram or simply wanting an unforgettable mountain hunt, Aoudad offer an experience like no other.

With the right tactics, gear, and knowledge, you can turn a difficult hunt into a successful one.

Hunt smart. Hunt hard. Welcome to the rugged world of Aoudad hunting.