Aoudad Hunting

[jacobprovo]

I'm going Aoudad hunting next week. Just kind of wondering if anyone had any tips on where to begin to look for them at? what size groups they'll be in this time of year? I've done a lot of online research and there's nothing super conclusive about where to start your search at. I figured the leeward side, against bluff/ mountain walls, grass slopes with cactus? Any incite is appreciated. I don't know everything by any means, so I figured I'd try to expand my knowledge base.

 

[Ole Dead Eye]

Where are you going??

 

[wyosteve]

I got back a month ago from a West Texas hunt. My .02 is to start glassing about 1/2 way down the slopes and work your way up. Any patch that seems to have a bit of grass has potential. Also, saw them eating prickly pear cactus for moisture. The more cliffy/rugged the country, the better potential. Also, at 1000 yds. with 10x42 binos, they looked like ants on the hill and blend in well with the terrain. Good luck.

 

[jacobprovo]

I've killed one on a DIY hunt. Shot him at 30 yards. He was 31 1/4" on his long side. That was a freak deal tho. Super heavy fog and I heard them fighting so that's how I knew they were even there. Thanks for the info

 

[wyosteve]

Take a spotting scope if you have one. I left mine home because the guide had one, but wish I'd have taken it!

 

[jacobprovo]

Take a spotting scope if you have one. I left mine home because the guide had one, but wish I'd have taken it!

I will. Are they in large groups still or have they split off into smaller bands?

 

[wyosteve]

They were mostly in large groups. 30-35!

 

[jacobprovo]

They were mostly in large groups. 30-35!

Awesome thanks again

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

Depends...rams will be mixed in and out--larger older rams will be on their own, if you see one good ram more than likely there will be a couple more close so look around.It has been warming up so they will be feeding early then bedding down during the heat--then getting back out in the afternoon . We drive and look up draws most of the time look at rocky out cropping and look in the shade of the bushes. I also like to get some elevation and look down. I'd get up early and see if you can spot them feeding and follow them to bed during the heat of the day and make a move. Good luck

 

[jacobprovo]

Depends...rams will be mixed in and out--larger older rams will be on their own, if you see one good ram more than likely there will be a couple more close so look around.It has been warming up so they will be feeding early then bedding down during the heat--then getting back out in the afternoon . We drive and look up draws most of the time look at rocky out cropping and look in the shade of the bushes. I also like to get some elevation and look down. I'd get up early and see if you can spot them feeding and follow them to bed during the heat of the day and make a move. Good luck

Thank you for the info. I really appreciate it! I'll definitely do this! What's your biggest ram? You seem like you've been hunting awhile.. it's been between the 50-75 the last few weeks suppose to be 40-63 the two days I'm hunting with high winds the first day

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

If you are in west Texas during this time--you will always have high winds. If the winds really get high they will tuck down in the bottom of bowls--spend time on your glass. I went to a set of 12x56 Maven binoculars on a tripod about 4 years ago for scanning--and man it has improved me finding stuff and straining my neck looking and moving a spotting scope. My largest ram has been 33 and he was like 10-11 but to pretty to pass up. Funny most really old ram rarely get over 31 after they broom. Anything "heavy" and 29-34 is a stud. Good luck.

 

[jacobprovo]

If you are in west Texas during this time--you will always have high winds. If the winds really get high they will tuck down in the bottom of bowls--spend time on your glass. I went to a set of 12x56 Maven binoculars on a tripod about 4 years ago for scanning--and man it has improved me finding stuff and straining my neck looking and moving a spotting scope. My largest ram has been 33 and he was like 10-11 but to pretty to pass up. Funny most really old ram rarely get over 31 after they broom. Anything "heavy" and 29-34 is a stud. Good luck.

Will do. I've got some 12x50 vortex I'm using. Hope I'll be about to see them in the bottom. Lol lots of trees in there

 

[Nimrod62]

Is there a preferred season / time-of-year for hunting Aoudad in West Texas other than weather, i.e., a rut or anything like that?

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

I like late September-November....rut...big rams are patrolling the girls...way easier to find the rams. Summer is a no go--unless you roll up on one.