|
|
|
Click here for
Time & Date Info |
Aoudad Sheep, while native to North Africa, were first introduced into the Palo Duro Canyon in 1954 by a group of Texas Landowners who were passionate about "wild sheep" hunting and with the cooperation of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. "Sheep Hunters of the World" who have been fortunate to hunt both areas are reminded of the close resemblences. Another release of aoudad sheep was made in the Trans Pecos Mountain Region of Western Texas. This was the State of Texas answer to the vanishing opportunities for Desert Big Horn Sheep that were infected with deadly dieseses transmitted from domesticated sheep. Since then, these free range herds of aoudad sheep have flourished and expanded their ranges to encompass many remote areas of North and West Texas along with portions of Southern New Mexico where they are called "Barbary Sheep."
These wild sheep have incredible agility. Their soft spongy hooves provide the necessary traction to climb the steepest and rocky terrain. These sheep have heavy, muscular forequarters that give them the power to climb while their light rearquarters give them the ability to spring effortlessly from ledge to ledge. These sheep can squat and spin 180 degrees in a split second while traversing a knife-edge ledge. They have "no fear" of heights! The exceptional ram may push 300 lbs with most mature rams weighing in around 250 lbs live weight. Aoudad sheep in North Texas will have a pinkish color due to the red dirt found in that region of Texas. Aoudad in West Texas will have a more tanish/brown color to them. The reason for this is due to the fact that sheep spend time each day digging their horns into the soft dirt in an effort to cover themselves in dust to protect themselves from biting horseflies and other insects while at the same time utilizing their front hooves to excavate for nature's mineral licks. Mature rams will have horn bases with circumferences of 12-14 inches. Overall horn length will vary with a ram's age and frequency of "dusting" for they actually wear down the tips of their "brushers." Lengths for 7-10 year old rams will measure from 28-34 inches. Aoudad Sheep have a long flowing beard that hangs suspended from their thick neck all the way down to their knees, often referred to as "chaps." Hunters who concentrate their "aim" for the shoulder area will avoid being deceived by this long hair. Aoudad Sheep have tremendous eyesight, easily surpassing that of a whitetail buck. Because aoudad are gregarious in nature, approaching hunters must use extreme caution in evading the potential scrutiny from several sets of eyeballs. These sheep are highly intelligent and resent any potential threat that penetrates their comfort zone. The slightest hint of movement on the part of a hunter may result in a "stare down" that may last a full hour. Hunting aoudad sheep, whether in a "preserve" or in a "free range" setting, demands the highest respect from sheep hunters.
Texas Free Range Aoudad Sheep hunters can enjoy hunting in the High Desert Mountain Ranges of thorny West Texas where sheep hunting is exactly like hunting the Desert Big Horn Sheep without the high price tag! Sheep hunters may also hunt the brush choked gullies and rocky hills of Central Texas where small pockets of aoudad sheep seek refuge after having escaped from neighboring high fence game ranches. Our Free Range Aoudad Ram hunts involve lots of fun 4 wheeling, walking, stalking, and glassing distant bands of sheep through spotting scopes in order to pick out the largest rams. Hunters will enjoy seeing "free range" elk, mule deer, whitetail, javelina, coyote, blue quail and maybe even a mountain lion during their hunt. We conduct our hunts on (3) private West Texas ranches that encompass just under 100,000 acres. They are located in the Glass Mountains, Davis Mountains, and Chianti Mountains. These hunts are the purest form of free range hunting in Texas. They may also be combined with other big game and small game species for a multi-specie hunt.
We also offer "preserve" aoudad sheep hunts where hunters do not pay a trophy fee unless they are successful. One area we hunt is in the Texas Hill Country which is primarily safari style hunting from a vehicle combined with a short "spot and stalk" over flat ground suitable for most anyone. The other area we hunt is in West Texas on two very large "preserve" ranches where aoudad sheep are free to climb steep mountains and deep canyons while offering hunters a challenging hunt yet with an increased opportunity for success.
While the predominate breeding season occurs during the months of October and November, aoudad sheep will breed year round. It is during the fall when sheep hunters are more likely to locate large dominant rams within a large herd of ewes. Outside of these months, mature rams will split off in reclusive bachelor groups. While these sheep live in harsh, rugged, windblown and arid regions of Texas, their hair/coat quality will reflect little difference between summer and winter, offering hunters a year round opportunity.
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Current
Special
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
|
Pricing
 |
 |
|
|
Fully Guided, 4 Nights Food & Lodging, 3 Full Days of Hunting, all inclusive.
Free Range Aoudad $4,750.00 ea. |
Preserve Daily Rate
Daily rate includes; food, lodging, guide, photos of your trophy, and caping of your trophy. *Young hunters 16 and under will receive a 15% discount off the daily rate at the time of booking, if requested. **Daily rate depends on which area of Texas hunt is conducted.
$395.00+ per day/night |
Preserve Trophy Fee
Aoudad Sheep trophy fee on a no-kill, no-pay trophy fee basis. *Depending on which area of Texas hunt is conducted.
$3,500.00 |
| Exotics, Predators, Doves, Quail, Ducks, Javelina, Feral Hog, elk, mule deer and whitetail deer may be available for an extra charge. |
| Non-hunters are welcome for $225.00 pp per day based upon availability. |
Rifle Rentals $75.00 per day
"Based upon availability"
|
|
We again had a hunting experience worthy of a story in any hunting magazine ; WHAT A THRILL !
You for years have been touting me to do a free range Aoudad hunt , but I said I already have one.
I mistook a trophy collection with the fullest experience of a challenging hunt.
It is a testament to your ethics to how many high level leases and ranches you've
discovered and developed. Even knowing you as I do, I was overwhelmed with the continual
investment and upgrade in equipment you make. The six wheel Polaris Ranger allowed us to go
where the animals were on a very rugged mountainous ranch that I question if any person had
ever been before. Equipment doesn't mean much without the skills to use it and the knowledge of where to go.
Your skills and knowledge are unsurpassed . You have an organization that follows you high standards and your
constant involvement assures that you are being replicated.
The 07 Mule deer hunt is booked out but I've signed up for 08 as I've never seen so many high quality bucks;
and that's not what we were hunting. After hunting with you for over 20 years and through many outfitters and guides going from Alaska to Canada to
Africa and many states in the 48 I think I'm pretty knowledgeable. Well (pleasantly) I went to school again.
You keep me mentally inspired , advised me on shot placement and moved my skills up and brought me success.
I got a 32" ram , but more I got another lifetime experience with a trusted friend.
To anyone reading this....I pay the same as you do and I don't get any special treatment.
If you want an experience and success hunting anything: call Magnum. You'll get more than you pay for.
Lew Miller, TX
What can I say! When I
booked my Aoudad hunt I viewed it as nothing more than a
filler hunt between seasons. As it turned out, I
experienced the most physically challenging adventure of
my hunting career. I will never forget the all day stalk
into B.C. Canyon and the vertical trek out with my
trophy ram. You truly pushed me to the limit and taught
me a whole new respect for this magnificent creature.
Your attention to detail and commitment to your
profession proved to be exceptional. For anyone looking
for an affordable sheep hunt coupled with all the bells
and whistles of a desert bighorn hunt, this is it.
Many thanks,
R.D.(Bubba)
Belk, AL
Here is the big man
himself at 456yds. What a stud! [of course im talking
about the sheep] This experience just made the hunt that
much more of a once in a lifetime hunt. All I can say is
thank you once again to you and your 1st class crew.
Matt Tupen, CA
 "I cannot put into words the gratitude and respect that I have for the both of you and the times and experiences that I have had in your company. I look forward to many more trips with you and my new family. I know, without a doubt, that any future hunts will always generate around Magnum Guide Service and the service you provide. I also wanted to thank you for the extensive effort you put forth on my free-ranging Aoudad hunt. I have never seen or heard of an outfitter putting a hunt package together for one person consisting of two guides for one hunter, an airplane and pilot, four wheel drive hunting truck with a high rack, camp cook/driver, and tracking dog for one man to hunt sheep. Not to mention that you provided all of this for the same rate as a ranch hunt for Aoudad sheep. Thank you both for all that you did and I look forward to being in your company soon."
Steve Howell, AL
|
|
| United
States |
325-853-1555
(lodge) Central Time Zone |
| International |
001-325-853-1555 |
| Fax |
325-853-1556 |
| E-mail |
jroche@magnumguideservice.com |
| Office
Address |
707
N. US Hwy 277, Eldorado, TX 76936 |
|
|
