Auodad outfitters

[Lesserhunter]

Currently in the research process for booking an Auodad hunt. Right now I have specifically been looking at Texas, likely at this point going to book with Mike at West Texas hunt organization. Before I go ahead and book though, do any others have recommendations? Size isn't the priority, just want to have an enjoyable hunt and hopefully take home something unique for the wall! Also if you have taken one, I love hearing tips and stories. Have read through quite a few of the threads on this forum regarding them

 

[snox801]

You want to hunt free range or high fence ranch. Wanna walk a lot or hunt form a blind.
I've killed a decent amount of them. Both ways can be fun. I really like hunting them both ways. Feeders and water are fun cause you get to window shop them a bit more.

 

[wyosteve]

What kind of physical condition are you in? I hunt them in West Texas, free range, but it's rugged terrain.

 

[Lesserhunter]

From my understanding most of the high fence ranches are so large you don't even realize it's fenced? Definitely prefer free range or very large high fence so the animals are still wild, don't want a canned small area high fence type of operation, I want to put some effort in. I guess I'd love to shoot one from a blind with my bow but I've read they are extremely jumpy on bait so was planning spot and stalk with a rifle. As for physical condition, I'm definitely not a gym rat or anything like that, but consider myself in good shape and have never had an issue in my western hunts. Am terrified of snakes, so I have that working against me in the south

 

[JohnnieB]

I've hunted both high fence and free range. High fence was really pretty easy. Free range was tough and you need to be in good shape and able to shoot well. I had a great time with both hunts but will only be doing west Texas free range from now on. My outfitter was exceptional. So good that I've booked Axis deer with him this June. Its pretty easy to get addicted to Audad!

Have fun with your search!

 

[Elkeater]

I've done both high fence and free range. Both are fun.

Best advice I've got is be proficient with your rifle out to 400 yards plus and have quality binos on a tripod if your hunting free range or large properties. Be able to hike in rough terrain.

I killed a 30" ram with west Texas hunt organization in 2020. Great hunt. Have shot a couple ewes high fence in the hill country.

 

[snox801]

From my understanding most of the high fence ranches are so large you don't even realize it's fenced? Definitely prefer free range or very large high fence so the animals are still wild, don't want a canned small area high fence type of operation, I want to put some effort in. I guess I'd love to shoot one from a blind with my bow but I've read they are extremely jumpy on bait so was planning spot and stalk with a rifle. As for physical condition, I'm definitely not a gym rat or anything like that, but consider myself in good shape and have never had an issue in my western hunts. Am terrified of snakes, so I have that working against me in the south

You are correct on all points. Most high fence you would never know. Think how long it would take to cover say 5k acres with some dense cover. Now that would be a small ranch as far as size for a lot of Texas. Yes they are very alert but I seen to think they are easier over a feeder than stalking. But that's just my experience. I is hunting so a lot depends on where you are. You should be fine with any way you choose to hunt them.

 

[BCID]

If you would like to know where my Wife got this one a couple days ago pm me.

 

[Lesserhunter]

Anyone care to share any other outfitters they have had experience with worth looking into? Prices seem to be pretty consistent among the places I've looked. Inside 400 is typical shots? Very comfortable taking a shot at that distance so that is good to hear

 

[Elkeater]

Anyone care to share any other outfitters they have had experience with worth looking into? Prices seem to be pretty consistent among the places I've looked. Inside 400 is typical shots? Very comfortable taking a shot at that distance so that is good to hear

West Texas Hunt Organization did well for me on my west Texas free range hunt. Harding Ranch in the hill country for nice lodging and fun high fence experience. Have shot a few aoudad ewes, hogs, feral goats, axis does with them.

Oh and the further you can shoot the better in west Texas. Hill country inside 400 no problem. West Texas lots of 500+ opportunities

 

[JohnnieB]

I went with Safari Specialists for my free range hunt. I've known these guys for over a decade and they are great. The hunt is old school rustic on a huge ranch. Lots of Audad, but the country is rough and steep. You need to be in shape, and I'm not kidding about this. Also, shots can be long. They recommend being able to shoot 500. My beast of an Audad was at 547.