Aoudad

2026/27

SEPTember - April

WHAT TO EXPECT

Sandy Hills Hunting Co guides free-range aoudad hunts in west Texas. Aoudad are also called barbary sheep, and they are not native to North America — the herds that run the mountains of west Texas are free-range animals living on open country, hunted by glassing and spot and stalk. That is the difference between a free-range aoudad hunt and a high-fence one, and it is the hunt we offer.

we have partnered with one of the oldest ranches in west texas. THE RESULT IS AN EXCEPTIONAL hunting EXPERIENCE IN THE INSPIRING CHINATI MOUNTAINS. the 40,000 acre ranch is home to a very large population of barbary sheep(aoudad), javelina, and more. if you're looking for a quality ram and a quality experience, give us a call.

HUNTING:

HUNTS ARE CONDUCTED ON PRIVATE land. The ranch is considered to be one of the top three places to hunt aoudad in west texas AND IS HOME TO 800-1200 SHEEP. on a typical day WE will pick you up before daylight(or at a time of your preference) and proceed to areas where our guides have been consistently seeing aoudad rams that meet or exceed the ranch requirements. at daylight we will begin glassing over such areas as cliff faces, rocky hillsides, and other terrain that typically holds sheep. Being physically fit to walk, climb moderate hillsides, kneel, and sit for moderate periods is highly recommended. if you have something preventing you from accomplishing one or more of these tasks, give us a call and we can discuss your options. additionally, our clients are always curious of what they can expect for shot ranges. it's difficult to predict an unknown situation, but we prefer to maintain 20-60 yard shots with a bow, up to 150 yards with a muzzleloader, and out to 500 with rifles. we can discuss longer shot situations if you're comfortable, but typically it's not necessary.

TROPHY CLASS:

It is our goal to find the biggest mature ram possible, and we strive to harvest mature rams in the 28 inch range and up, with the possibility of reaching 34 inches or more. Previous seasons have produced an average trophy ram of over 30 inches, with the largest ram stretching the tape past 36 inches. Aoudad are judged on horn length, base and flare, and an older ram with heavy bases and broomed tips is a better trophy than a younger ram carrying more length.

SEASON:

Aoudad are an exotic species in Texas rather than a native game animal, and we guide these hunts from September through April. The cooler months are more comfortable country for glassing and climbing.

RATES:

Our west Texas free-range aoudad hunts run $8,750 to $9,500 per hunter, with meals and lodging included. Javelina can be added to an aoudad hunt. Full pricing for every hunt we offer is on our hunt rates page.

our SERVICES:

hunts include a 1:1 or 2:1 hunter to guide ratio depending on how you book. groups larger than two hunters can also be accommodated. we will transport you for the duration of your hunt, provide you with professional hunt photos, cape your trophy, and make recommendations on game processors and taxidermists. meals and lodging are included in most hunt packages, however, if you prefer to prepare your own food there are additional hunt packages to accommodate such situations.

GETTING HERE:

Most hunters fly into Midland/Odessa or El Paso and rent a car from there. Hunters normally arrive the afternoon or evening before the hunt starts. More detail on travel, what to bring and how we handle your meat and cape is on our trip planning page.

LICENSE process:

texas offers a 5 day hunting licenses($48.00) or other annual hunting licenses depending on your intentions for your stay. please visit the texas park and wildlife website to determine which license you will need for your trip. Because aoudad are an exotic species in Texas, there is no draw and no preference points — you buy a license over the counter and hunt.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

HTTPS://TPWD.TEXAS.GOV

COMMON QUESTIONS:

Are these free-range aoudad? Yes. The sheep are free-range animals on a large private ranch in west Texas, hunted by spot and stalk. This is not a high-fence or put-and-take hunt.

What is an aoudad? Aoudad, or barbary sheep, are a wild sheep originally from North Africa. They were released in Texas decades ago and now run wild in the mountains and canyons of the western part of the state.

Do I need a draw or preference points? No. Texas treats aoudad as an exotic, so there is no draw. You buy a hunting license over the counter and hunt.

What weapon can I use? Archery, muzzleloader and rifle are all welcome. We prefer 20-60 yard shots with a bow, up to 150 yards with a muzzleloader, and out to 500 with a rifle.

How fit do I need to be? You should be able to walk, climb moderate hillsides, kneel and sit for moderate periods. Call us if that is a concern and we will talk through your options.

Can I add another animal? Javelina can be added to an aoudad hunt.