Mouflon Hunts

Hunting Mouflon

Mouflon sheep are thought to be an ancestor of domestic sheep. Biologists believe the mouflon went extinct in their original range, which covered the mountains of Europe up to Crimea, in the Neolithic period but survived on a few Mediterranean islands where they were introduced around the same time. From these islands, the mouflon was introduced to its current range, which includes most European countries, such as Spain, France, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Russia, as well as countries with game farm hunting, including Argentina, Uruguay, the USA, and South Africa.

Being an exotic species, the mouflon can be hunted year-round in many places. However, most European hunting ranches, especially with free-range sheep, prefer to hunt mouflon from about September to February. The best time for a trophy hunter is during the rut, which happens around October in the Northern Hemisphere, and around June in the Southern.

Mouflon live in wooded mountains. They usually dwell on the edges of woods and Alpine meadows, moving to higher and lower altitudes depending on the season and temperature. As a result, mouflon hunting methods aren’t limited to the spot-and-stalk technique used on other mountain game. When the animals are down in the woods, they are often hunted from high seats or by a driven hunt. If you’re after a genuine mountain hunting experience, check that the outfitter is located in a mountainous area and that the hunt takes place when the animals are in the meadows.

Texas Mouflon Hunts

Mouflon sheep were successfully introduced into game ranches in the 1980s in North America, most commonly in Texas, for the purpose of hunting. It is rare to find a purebred Mouflon on these ranches as they generally interbreed with the Corsican sheep. There are no seasonal restrictions on hunting the Mouflon sheep in Texas, which makes it a suitable trophy throughout the year.

A Texas mouflon sheep hunt is a prime example of an excellent hunting challenge. The mouflon is the most common sheep in all of Europe and is closely related to the ancestor of all sheep. They originated in Corsica, Sardinia, and Cyprus but are now ironically endangered in those areas. Fortunately, they are thriving in several European countries, and of course, in Texas. They are majestic animals, intelligent, agile, and fast. They can climb over rocks and run through thick brush with ease.

The mouflon is active throughout the day but becomes more so around sunrise and sunset. They have an elaborate hierarchy, and before each rut, all rams will have fought and found their place. They are not allowed to breed until they have established their position. The gestation period is five months before giving birth to one or two lambs.

Hawaii Mouflon Hunts

Mouflon Sheep are considered the most highly prized game animal on the big island of Hawaii. They live in rough lava flows at high elevations on the slope of the Mauna Loa volcano.

 A frequent mental roadblock for hunters planning their own DIY hunt in Hawaii is the perceived difficulty in transporting a weapon from the mainland to the island. However, with a bit of preparation, the process is not very difficult. Importing a rifle is a somewhat involved process, but still manageable. Generally, all that is required is for the rifle to be stored unloaded in a locked hard-sided case. Use locks on both ends of the case. The ammunition must be in the original packaging or in packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition and may not be transported in carry-on baggage. Once you have arrived in Hawaii, you are required to register your firearm with the County Chief of Police within forty-eight hours of arrival.

Hungary Mouflon Hunts

The mouflon sheep were imported from Corsica and Sardinia at the end of the last century. The best trophy animals live in the Mátra, Budai, Börzsöny, Bükk, Pilis, and Vértes mountains. Although the quality of mouflons living in the Zemplén Mountains is only average, they have stayed in the area's rough terrain, so the hunting experience is much more interesting.

The hunting season for mouflons starts at the beginning of September in Hungary, and the best hunting is during the rut in October and November. Still, for a unique experience, you need to try the stalking hunts in the snowy winter months.

Spain Mouflon Hunts

Iberian Mouflon were introduced into Spain from the island of Corsica at the end of the 19th century. Iberian Mouflon have outstanding eyesight and are known for their wariness which makes for exciting hunting. Mouflon live in herds and are led by a dominant ram. Spain has magnificent Mouflon trophies, making any sheep hunter’s dreams come true. Iberian Mouflon sheep hunting is done from September to May.

The Mouflon is spread all over Spain, so it can be found from the warm south to the cold Pyrenees Mountains. However, they specifically are found in Castilla y León, Castilla la Mancha, Extremadura, Andalucía, Comunidad Valenciana, and the Pyrenees. Despite being able to adapt to many different habitats, it is known that they prefer areas with thick bushes in hilly and rocky areas.

France Mouflon Hunts

If you are a non-resident wishing to hunt in France, you must hold a valid hunting license/firearms permit issued by your own country and have hunt insurance. In addition, if you want to travel with a hunting dog, you must also ensure that it has the correct passport documents.

The Mediterranean Mouflon was reintroduced into France about 50 years ago, and the sheep from the Cadaraches, Bauges, and Chambord Reserve quickly spread to the South of France. They now inhabit the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Massif Central. Although the expansion of the wolf has reduced the sheep population in the Alps, its numbers continue to escalate elsewhere.

Other European Mouflon Hunts

Mouflon can also be hunted in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Macedonia, Poland, Portugal

For those hunters who desire to hunt in a more exotic country, here is a partial list of other countries with mouflon sheep.

Armenian Mouflon (Armenia, Iran, Turkey, United States)
Central European Mouflon (Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, 

Sweden)
Corsican Mouflon (France)
Esfahan Mouflon (Iran)
Konya Mouflon (Turkey)
Laristan Mouflon (Iran)
Shiraz Mouflon (Iran)