Winter 2016

forage in-take, thus reducing their need for free-standing
water. True to sheep and goat form, aoudads often seek the
rougher topographies that are found in an area, and their
ability to traverse steep, craggy terrain is simply amazing.
They have extra-ordinary eyesight and they are also very
high strung, making them a very challenging animal to hunt.
Some landowners consider aoudads to be somewhat of a
pest, perhaps creating unwanted competition with native
wildlife, such as desert bighorns, while other landowners view
aoudads as a resource that can be managed in a way that
adds value to their ranching portfolio.
The Hunt
Interest in hunting aoudad sheep in Texas has mushroomed
in recent years. Many consider aoudads to be the top exotic
game hunt that’s available in the state. A telephone call to
one of the most experienced aoudad guides in Texas, Jackie
Murphy, provided a revealing account on what makes this
such a special hunting option. “I’ve guided all over Texas,
Colorado, New Mexico, and Alaska, and I can honestly say
that aoudad sheep is my favorite hunt.” When pressed for
more details on why he enjoys guiding for these animals so
much, Murphy elaborated, “For starters, you must consider
that the Trans-Pecos Region, where I do all my sheep work,
is a very special place to spend time in the field. The big, raw
beauty of this region is simply stunning. Then, add to the mix
that these animals are extremely wary, hard to bring down,
they often hang out in rough and remote areas, and the big
rams make majestic trophies; all combined, you have a blend
of features that make this a special hunt. I love it. I cannot get
enough of it.”
Since aoudads are considered exotics in Texas, they can
be hunted year-around, but the most popular time-periods
are September, October, and January through April.
Licenses are over the counter and non-resident fees for a
special 5-day non-resident license is only $48. Regarding
appropriate choice of firearms for hunting aoudads, a general
recommendation is to not proceed under-gunned. A minimum
of a 150 grain, well-constructed bullet is recommended, as
aoudads have large muscle mass and are heavy-boned in the
frontal potion of their body. Hunters should be prepared for
shots that are often 200–350 yards. Good optics are a must
for scanning the big country that you may be hunting, as well
as evaluating sheep at distances up to 2 miles away. A day
pack, comfortable hiking boots, and enough water and snacks
for the day should be part of the normal drill. These hunts are
generally best suited for a single hunter or small group, up to
3–4 hunters.
Hunt prices for aoudads can vary from $2500 on some of the
high-fenced game ranches to $7500 on some of the freerange
hunts in the Trans-Pecos, though most free-range
hunts are generally closer to $4000–$5000. Compared
to some hunting options, there are not that many hunting
operations that offer free-range aoudad hunts.
The Outfitter
Wildlife Systems, Inc. (WSI) was formed in 1987 and
specializes in developing commercial hunting operations
and wildlife management programs on various private lands.
Currently, WSI provides a broad range of hunting services on
some 900,000 acres of private lands, including free-range
aoudad hunts on roughly 400,000 acres in far West Texas.
These sheep hunts have become one of the signature hunts
of this well-known hunting company. WSI aoudad packages
are typically structured as a 3.5 day, 4-night affair, including
modest meals and lodging, and guiding. Hunters have the
option of booking as either a 2x1 or a 1x1 guided arrangement.
For those hunters who are traveling via air-service, flights are
generally booked into Midland, where hunters can rent a car
and make the 3-hour trek to the hunting destination.
For further information, check out the WSI website at
www.wildlifesystems.com or call (325) 655-0877.
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