Overview
Aoudad Sheep, also known as Barbary Sheep, were introduced into the desert mountains of west Texas and southern New Mexico from their native habitat in the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa during the 1940’s. Aoudads have flourished as a free-ranging, wild sheep ever since.
These hearty, desert sheep are well-adapted to the rough, desert mountains of the southwest and are an elusive trophy to hunt. These sheep are free-ranging and occupy a large home range due to their nomadic nature. Aoudads have the ability to obtain water from dew and the sparse vegetation of the desert which greatly expands their range due to their independence on surface water.
Aoudad sheep are one of the most challenging species of big game to hunt. They seem to thrive in the roughest country they can find and possess an extraordinary sixth sense at detecting danger.The Aoudad sheep is truly the best-kept secret in North America. What else can you hunt, for under $5000, during January or February, with an over-the-counter license, that is more challenging or exciting to hunt? Nothing else compares. Not to mention that these rams make spectacular mounts.
The
Hunting Area
Elite hunts the elusive Aoudad sheep on the Chance Ranch. The Chance Ranch is located in the rugged Glass Mountains of west Texas. The ranch consists of over 50,000 acres of the most inhospitable, free-ranging, sheep terrain anywhere. Once home to the desert bighorn, this country is now ruled by the Aoudad Sheep.
Much of the sheep country on this ranch must be accessed by foot, as there is limited road access. This hunt is as tough, from a physical perspective, as any hunt possible. If you like physically-challenging hunts with lots of glassing and stalking....this is it. If you are not in exceptional shape, this ranch is not the place to go. There is nothing easy on this hunt. Don't let stories of traditional, high-fence hunting in Texas lead you astray. This hunt is entirely free-ranging. You will earn your sheep on this hunt, guaranteed.
Tactics
Spot-and-stalk tactics with binoculars and spotting scopes will be used to locate the herds. Once spotted, the approach is determined and the stalk is on. Patient hunters should be rewarded with an opportunity at a trophy ram.
All hunts are guided 1 on 1.
Expectations
Elite has averaged over 95% success on mature rams over the last five years. Expect to hunt for heavy, 28 to 32-inch sheep. On the average, 9 out of 10 hunters will kill a sheep in this class. If you are in good shape, you will get a good ram.
Accommodations/Meals
Lodging is provided in a very nice 6-bedroom lodge located on the ranch. Each bedroom has a private bath.
The scenery and ambience of the lodge, the ranch and the Glass Mountains can not be described, it must be experienced. Needless to say, the entire hunt is nothing short of a premiere experience.
References
Tim Hanratty, WI 612-718-2221
Kelly Moldenhauer, ND 701-400-4584
Brian Mariuz, MI
248-650-0273
Steve Mariuz, MI 616-748-9027
Kevin Phillips, MI 586-612-2238
Duane Banyai, MI 248-543-8228
Jim Johnson, WI 920-434-3721
Ralph Baeten, WI 920-499-2408
Ron Eichelberger, AZ 928-339-4203
Mark Lamberth, TX
281-350-3266
Steve Deweese, TX 281-351-6208
Steve Broeren, WI 715-426-9746
Jeff Ehlen, WI 920-822-8519
Scott Newman, AK 907-772-4878
Jeff Cole, TX 972-463-2308
Gary West, AR 870-867-3235
Airport Information
Air service is available by flying into either El Paso, TX or Midland, TX. The ranch is located centrally between the two airports. You will need to rent a vehicle and drive to the ranch. The drive time is approximately 3 hours.
2012
Aoudad Hunt Prices
4-Day Chance Ranch Rifle Hunt
$4500 (1 on 1)
2012 Aoudad Season
January and February, 2012
Call to set up specific dates.
2012 Aoudad License Fees
$55
The license is guaranteed.
