Hello All,

Just joined GSCO as a lifelong hunter and have
become very interested in Sheep/Goats in the past year or so. This is my first year for entering in the draw process in AZ, NM and several raffles in various states (all with no luck, which was to be expected). I plan to apply to a few more states next year and at least get those points, and I have an Aoudad hunt in west Tx. to look forward to (Feb.07). Any advice on this hunt would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to GSCO! You're really going to enjoy the Aoudad hunt. You can expect the same terrain you would find while hunting Desert bighorns – dry, dusty and VERY windy. Take a pair of lightweight gloves when climbing in the mountains. There is a lot of volcanic rock in the area that will wear out your hands quickly. Also, expect to remove a lot of cactus needles.
The Aoudad are a little different than other North American sheep. They tend to be much more skittish, making it difficult to get an easy shot. That, coupled with the high winds, makes this a challenging but very enjoyable hunt. Good Luck!

Thanks admin,

I would have never thought of the volcanic rock in Tx. I guess I'll have a pair of light leather gloves and also maybe some tweezers in my daypack for those cacti.
I would like to pose another QU?, Rifle choice: A Remington 700, 30-06 w/ VariX-3 Leupold 2.5 X 8-36mm, OR a 7mm Weatherby MarkV wearing a Leupold VariX-3 4.5 x 14-50? I am VERY familiar with the Remington, I've never hunted with the Weatherby but I would like to make this my primary Sheep/Goat rifle.I plan on taking both but which one sees the action? Thoughts anyone?

Your 30-06 is quite capable of killing any sheep walking the planet, with the possible exception of some of the larger asian species, often taken at longer ranges. Your model 700 is also possibly a slightly lighter rifle than the 7 mm with it's heavier magnum action. Remember, most sheep are killed at 200 yards or less. If you are more comfortable with the 30-06, then go with it. It is a very good choice. Personally, I've used a .280 remington on all the sheep I have harvested with exceptional results.

That .280 sounds like good sheep medicine,and I'm sure it's not as heavy as that
10lb. Weatherby.
I dearly love my '06 and have a high confidence level when carrying it.It is relatively light and with Hornady Light Magnum
ammo I'm sure it's plenty for anything but dangerous game. BUT.....
When I asked the guide/outfitter his opinion on these two rifles he said the Weatherby would be his choice due to the tenacity of these animals (The Aoudad) and the possibility of long shots. *I'm an eastern woods deer hunter where 100 yards seems like a long shot. And, I plan on future trips to other countries mainly in search of Ibex where shots may be really long from what I have read. I just thought the Aoudad hunt would be a great opportunity to familiarize myself with the new rifle and maybe gain a little confidence for future hunts where it may be better suited.I do plan to replace that Lazermark wood stock with a Bell & Carlson
composite stock which should lighten it up a tad.
I think what I will do is start out with the Weatherby and if it becomes too heavy/awkward during the 4-day hunt I'll pick up my battered and efficient '06 and feel good about it.

Thanks for your input.

Enjoy your Aoudad hunt. I got lucky and took a great free ranging Aoudad last October in the Chinati Mountains of West Texas. He was 33 X 14. Be in shape...bacause it's a real sheep hunt.
Good luck and have fun!

Congratulations, a 33'incher sounds like an exceptional aoudad. It also sounds like I'll be hunting in the same general area. I've been working on that "sheep shape" thing,....... slow process. Thanks for the luck, I'll take all I can get.

Sounds like a great trip. Are you going to use an outfitter or will this be a do-it-yourself hunt? I'd be interested in more info regarding your outfitter if that's possible. I'm not familiar with hunting out West (yet!) and would appreciate more info. Thanks. Joe

This hunt will be my first guided hunt and also my first hunting trip "out west". I have booked with Desert Safaris operated by Hunter Ross who has offered to be my guide. I will be flying into Midland Tx. and then rent a car for the drive to one of several ranches he has leased for hunting. It is a free range 1X1 guided hunt, 5 nights, 4 days, lodging, meals, transportation, etc...
I will also have the option of taking Javelina if I get lucky with the sheep early in the hunt.