Texas Private Land Free Range Aoudad Hunts: Aoudad sheep, Corsican Sheep and varmint hunts
Hunting Information:
Hunting takes place on a 20,000 acre ranch located on the Devils River in famous Val Verde County, Texas. There is a good resident population of Aoudad and often you can spot sheep from the camp and sometimes even in the corrals surrounding the building. Corsicans tend to live in the more southern part of the ranch and move between the canyons and cliffs down into some areas with more trees and brush along small creek bottoms.
This is west Texas canyon country, and typical of this area the ranch has some relatively flat grazing areas on the ridge tops, which fall off into steep walled canyons, drainages, cliffs and caves. There is very little vegetation above knee high except for some trees which grow in the thick drainage areas at the bottom of each canyon. The rocks are sharp and the cactus all over, so hard soled boots and tough pants are recommended. Hunting is spot and stalk. Early and late in the day the Aoudad come up out of the canyons to feed in the more open and grassy areas on top, then as the sun rises they move back down where they bed in the shade on north slopes or even in the numerous caves. Aoudad tend to gather in herds, sometimes as small as 5-7 animals and sometimes numbering up to 30 or more. Rams will move frequently, especially during the peak rut months of September and October. Large herds can make finding Aoudad easier, but getting close tough as there are more eyes to pick you up as the stalk begins. When not in the rut, Aoudad rams tend to be more solitary. Finding them may be a little harder, getting in position for a shot can be easier.
Hunters will want good optics and shooting sticks or a bi-pod are essential. Flat shooting calibers with premium bullets must be used. Mature Aoudad rams will weigh 250-300 pounds and are very tough animals. Shots can range from as little as 50 yards to well over 400, but long range shots are to be expected. You need to practice shooting these distances from hunting positions and you must know the capabilities of yourself and your rifle. Your ability to hit at long range is crucial, and if unsure, decline the shot and we will sneak closer. During the three day hunts all hunters encounter rams and you will have a shot opportunity. This is free range hunting on incredibly wary animals and the hunting is as tough as any wild sheep hunts in North America. You need to be in good physical shape and be comfortable hiking in steep, rocky terrain. The temperature and weather can range from close to 90 degrees in September to freezing with a little snow in February. Know that while you will see sheep, you may have only one chance at an outstanding mature animal and you will want to make it count, so practice shooting!Camp Information: 1x1 or 2x1 guided for trophy rams in the 28-30 inch range. The ranch has a rustic bunk house with full bath facilities, washer/dryer and DirectTV. While not fancy it gets the job done and you are living in the middle of the sheep. We have a cook and all meals are homemade. Hunters may pursue extra Aoudad rams, Corsican sheep or predators at additional cost. Transportation: Fly San Antonio, rent a car and drive to the ranch about 3 hours west, north of Del Rio.
All hunts are subject to taxes if applicable and price changes not reflected on the web site.
Non-residents need only purchase the Texas Five-Day License at $48 to hunt sheep.
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Steve Bland
Colorado High Country Adventures
(802) 468-8869
"Serving big game hunters since 1994"