Free-Range Aoudad Hunts in West Texas
Mellon Creek Outfitters specializes in guiding free-range Aoudad hunts in the mountains of West Texas. We consider this one of the most exciting and rewarding hunts in all of Texas, and we invite you to experience it for yourself.
If you are looking for an authentic, fair-chase Texas aoudad hunt, reach out to start planning your adventure.
What You Need to Know About Aoudad Hunting in West Texas
History of Aoudad Sheep in Texas
Originally from North Africa, Aoudad—also known as Barbary sheep—were introduced to West Texas in the 1950s and quickly adapted to the region’s rugged desert mountains. Today, thriving populations of free-range Aoudad roam throughout West Texas, where their heavy horns, distinctive beards and chaps, and elusive nature have made them a staple of Texas exotic hunting.
Where & When to Hunt Aoudad in Texas
Aoudad hunting with Mellon Creek Outfitters is done near Alpine, Texas, during their rut season, which runs from September to October. Rams and ewes often travel in large herds during this time of year, making it one of the best times to harvest a trophy Aoudad.
What to Expect on a Free-Range Aoudad Hunt
Aoudad hunting is considered a more challenging hunt, especially in terms of physical demands. The terrain in West Texas can be steep and rugged, and Aoudad can often cover large distances in a single day. Considering this, hunters should strive to be as physically fit as possible before their hunt. However, our team at Mellon Creek Outfitters always works hard to make the experience as easy as possible based on individual needs, and much of the terrain is covered on side-by-side ATVs before going on a stalk.
Hunting Licenses Needed to Hunt Aoudad
To hunt Aoudad in Texas, hunters must have a valid hunting license. No tag or draw is required for exotics. Licenses can be purchased through the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.
Resident:
Resident Hunting License Item 101
Non-Resident:
Non-resident Special Five (5) Day Small Game/Exotic Hunting License Item 157
Guided Aoudad Hunts in West Texas
Hunt Details
Guided Aoudad hunts with Mellon Creek Outfitters are 4-day hunts and take place on private, free-range hunting ranches in West Texas. All hunts start on the evening of the day you arrive, and you will hunt the following two full days, the last morning, and conclude at noon. Guides will take all hunters to our range to sight in and check their rifles before hunting. Guides will field dress/skin/quarter/cape your harvest, and shipping to our recommended taxidermist is included. We will ship capes/horns to you or your taxidermist for an additional fee.
Hunting Methods
Our Texas Aoudad hunts are done in spot & stalk manner. We primarily use side-by-sides to cover ground and travel to our favorite glassing areas, where we will sit and glass the terrain in search of Aoudad. Once a desirable ram is located, we will then stalk the animal until we are within a comfortable shooting range. We typically hunt the first 2-4 hours and last 2-4 hours of daylight, depending on the time of year.
West Texas Aoudad Hunt Package
What is included:
- 3 Days worth of fully guided hunting.
- Field dress/skin/quarter/cape
- Drop off at our taxidermist
- 3 meals daily, prepared by our onsite chef
- Private bed/bath lodging with WiFi and laundry facilities
What is not included:
- Hunting license
- Shipping to you or your taxidermist
- Taxidermy cost
- Gratuity
- Transportation. We recommend flying into El Paso (ELP) or Midland (MAF) airports. You will contact our guides for further instruction on where to go from there.
*Please see the FAQ page for more information and details. Contact us for pricing.
