Aoudad Hunts

Aoudad Hunts

Native to northern Africa, the aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) can be found in Algeria, Tunisia, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, and Sudan. The only species in the genus Ammotragus, also known as Barbary sheep, waddan, arui, or arruis, are aoudad. Aoudads were initially imported to the USA at the turn of the 20th century, and they have spent decades raised in zoos and on private ranches. Aoudads were first recognized as game animals by American soldiers stationed in Chad and the Barbary Coast of Northern Africa during World War II. The troopers later assisted in setting up imports once they returned home. The first aoudads were released into the wild in New Mexico in 1950, and 31 were released in Armstrong County, southwest of Claude, in Texas in 1957. Near Quitaque, thirteen more were released.

The Texas region of Palo Duro Canyon saw great success with these imports. A controlled hunt was deemed prudent in 1963 because the population had increased to a sustainable number. Six rams and three ewes were taken. Fifty permits were obtained in 1964; eight rams and seven ewes were harvested. Eight rams and eight ewes were taken in 1965. Even though current estimates are unavailable, the majority of experts estimate that there are over 25,000 aoudad in Texas and hundreds more in New Mexico. Both the open range and ranches with high fences are suitable for hunting them.

Texas Audad Hunts

Ranchers in Texas have built an entire industry based on the capture and sale of exotic animals. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture study, producers in some areas of Texas make more money producing exotic animals and white-tailed deer for hunting than they could by raising cattle for meat. The country's exotic-wildlife market was valued at $1 billion in a 2007 Texas A&M University study report; it is estimated that amount has increased by twofold since then.

Aoudad season in Texas is all year round. However, most hunting takes place from late fall to early spring before the hot summer temperatures appear. On many ranches, an aoudad hunt can be combined with other animals, such as deer.

Aoudad hunters can hunt some public lands, but the chances of success are slim, and it's frequently challenging to obtain tags. Thus, most hunting takes place on private property. Many outfitters provide various lodging options, including luxurious lodges and tent camps.

New Mexico Audad Hunts

With the exception of the northeastern region of the state, you can find barbary sheep (aoudad) almost everywhere in New Mexico. In some areas of the state, over-the-counter tags are offered. Most Barbary sheep hunts in over-the-counter units are on private property. While there are a few sheep accessible on public land, there is high demand for the commercially offered tags.

The top unit is number 28 (McGregor Range), which enjoys a brief two-day season from December 31 to January 1. There isn't much hunting pressure because Unit 28 only has 20 tags available. The odds of winning were 0.2 percent for the non-resident draw, and 1 percent for the guide draw in 2021.

California Audad Hunts

In 1924, the first aoudad, or barbary sheep, were released into the wild in California. Populations of the species currently exist throughout California, New Mexico, and Texas due to their remarkable capacity to adapt to local habitats over time. There is a great deal of worry about major ecological competition with endemic fauna and change in local flora because of their apparent ease of adaptation.

The best time to hunt aoudad on the Central Coast range of California is from the middle of October thru November during the breeding season. This is also the best time of year to hunt aoudad because of the hair quality, which is longer during these months. During this time of year, 100 to 200 aoudads can be seen in a single group. The hunt is near the Pacific Ocean, and the views are spectacular. The area is a lead-free hunt zone in California. Therefore, the use of copper bullets or lead-free bullets is mandatory.

Spanish Audad Hunts

Native to the rocky regions of the Sahara and Western North Africa, the Aoudad Sheep is a bovine creature of the Caprid family. The Berber language gave rise to the terms arru and aoudad, as they are known in various European tongues.

Early in the 1970s, a scheme to introduce new hunting species to Spain included the introduction of the Barbary Sheep (also known as the aoudad sheep). Due to the plentiful foliage and food, the lack of predators, and the high birth rate, they were swiftly dispersed along the eastern coast (mostly the Sierra Espua). However, they can also be found farther inland. They are regarded as transitional animals between sheep and goats. They are large, strong animals that weigh about 100 kg (220 lb.). While the horns of males and females are similar, males' horns are longer and thicker. In addition, their lengthy mane, which extends from the head to the breast, is distinctive.

Except for its tail and the shaggy "beard" that covers its throat and front legs, the aoudad has very little hair. On the underside, the color is a little lighter and more reddish or sandy brown. Horns are present in both sexes. However, female horns are somewhat smaller and thinner. The males' horns have a backward circular growth pattern, a triangular cross-section, and a very wide base.

The Southeast mountain ranges of Spain are home to the aoudad sheep. They are a mountain species that lives on crags and rocks in dry, semi-arid climates. They exist in more or less mixed herd groups made up of adult males of all ages, adult females, and their young. The females are the herd leaders. These are animals that can live in any terrain with ease.

The most popular hunting grounds are located in southeast Spain's Región of Murcia. The Region of Murcia is an autonomous community of Spain located in the southeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean coast. Murcia-San Javier airport (45 minutes away) and Alicante airport are the closest (1h15 minutes) airports for easy access.