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West Texas Aoudad

Mark Peterson

| August 15, 2017

Mark Peterson
August 15, 2017

West Texas Aoudad, written by WTA CEO Mark Peterson

Aoudads where introduced in West Texas in the 1960’s and have adapted extremely well as there are large populations all across West Texas. In my opinion, Aoudad may be the most underrated sheep hunt there is. It’s by far the least expensive, there are high populations, and it is available year-round, even in the slump of winter when hunters start to get the itch as most hunting seasons are over and the realization that’s its 8 months till the next hunting season sinks in. You can still get out and chase Aoudad.

There are many types of ranches, and terrain on those ranches, where you can hunt Aoudad in Texas. On my most recent trip, my good friend Ryan and I wanted to get into the traditional West Texas Mountains as much as we could and that’s exactly what we did. The lower flats of the ranch were a working cattle ranch, but as you made way past that, and drove into the mountains, it was nothing but Aoudad and deer. The drive from the lower ranch house to where we would stay for the hunt, was over an hour. You’ve gotta love Texas; everything is big and you could drive all day on this ranch and not hit a boundary.

The hunting was the same as with all other sheep hunts. You try to get up as high as you can and start glassing. We were hunting in February but the mid-day temps would still sneak up to the high 70’s, so the Aoudad where moving in the morning and then again at night, as they were trying to get into any shade they could during the middle of the day.

In February the sheep have, for the most part, split up into groups of Rams and also into groups of nanny’s and ewes. Which I have to say, there is nothing like glassing up a group of over 40 Rams at once. On this particular ranch, there were no shortage of Aoudad, which meant we could get a little picky when glassing and trying to turn up a big heavy horned old Ram. On day two, we found just that Ram. We turned him early in the morning in a group of just over 20 Rams. Being probably a little too excited, I grabbed my muzzleloader and cameraman and we followed our guide over the ridge where we last saw them. At the same time Ryan and his guide started the process of doing the big circle around to try and get in front of them.

Like too many times before on sheep hunts, it is never just over the next ridge. A couple hours into our hike and over the 4^th ridge, we caught sight of the group of Rams again, about a mile away. After all the time in the mountains I’ve had, I still can’t figure out sheep, as some will stand and let you walk all around them, but others will walk all day just because the wind is blowing. Luckily, Ryan had made it all the way around and was able to get in position as the group was starting to cross an opening. From that point all I was missing was popcorn. We sat down and got out our bino’s to watch the action. With a well placed shot, Ryan had a giant Aoudad down. He was a true giant!!! After some pictures, and quick clean, it was off to celebrate the day and give my feet a break.

The next day we went out and turned up numerous groups of rams, but all of them where just a little on the young side. Based on what I saw, I can guarantee this ranch will be loaded with trophy Aoudad for the foreseeable future. The good news on this ranch is that the outfitter manages it for trophy quality and limits the number of hunters each year.

On the last day of our hunt, we set out for a new area of the ranch that is normally the hot spot during the rut, but in February its normally just Nanny’s and Ewe’s. The outfitter had a hunch and I learned long ago when the outfitter has a hunch, roll with it. As it turned out, his hunch was spot on, and it didn’t take long to glass up a small group of Rams with 3 shooters in it. They had found a spot on this ledge, out of the wind, and looked like they hadn’t moved in a week.

We were already above them and had the wind in our face. I can honestly say that was the first time sheep hunting I could make that statement. Normally I’m on the bottom of the mountain and my scent is blowing right at them. As we slid around to get right above them, we started our stalk down, which was about ½ mile from the top of the mountain. Everything worked out perfect. The wind was blowing so hard the sheep couldn’t hear us and rocks kept us hid. We were able to sneak within 225 yards. I set up my pack and waited for the largest of the Rams to stand. After about 30 minutes, he stood to stretch and the shot found its mark. He was an absolute gorgeous ram and, it was a great way to top off an awesome week of hunting.

Like always, it’s great hunting with friends, and making new friends in the field. The outfitter I hunted with is one of the best I’ve seen. I’m already planning my next trip back to this ranch, but next time I’m planning on bringing my bow. Hopefully we can catch some Rams up in those same rocks.

If your looking for an action packed hunt, or a break from those winter blues, you have to look into going on a Aoudad hunt. WTA works hand in hand with our outfitters and we hold some of the best spots on these ranches for our clients. For more information about this hunt the link is below.

TROPHY WEST TEXAS AOUDAD HUNTS

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Despite the challenges statewide, the limited-entry regions—managed by very conservative tag allocations—continue to produce outstanding results for the lucky applicants of WTA TAGS:

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Some of the largest Dall rams in North America.

For those willing to embrace the physical challenge, this hunt represents the ultimate North American mountain adventure.

Why…

My Alaska Range Grizzly Adventure

I’ve been a bear hunter my whole life, but grizzly was always the dream. When the time finally came, I reached out to WTA to book a hunt. My someday hunt was finally becoming a reality. I thought I knew what I was hoping for: one good opportunity at a mature grizzly. What actually happened over those 10 days was beyond anything I could have imagined.

My journey began in Anchorage, where I stayed the night before flying into the bush. The outfitter has a liaison in town to help with any last-minute needs, so no rental car was needed. The next morning at Merrill Field, I boarded a turboprop (they use caravans, not tiny Super Cubs) for the 1½-hour flight into hunting country.

At the airstrip, the crew waited with Kong—a massive military deuce-and-a-half that can ford rivers, plus Polaris six-wheelers. After a stop at the roadhouse to organize, we headed to moose camp, about four miles upriver.

The camp itself told stories of 50 years of hunting. Cabin walls covered with dozens of hunters’ stories, as far back as the ’70s. Old regulation books showing $50 polar bear licenses. Boxes of ammo, left behind over decades for anyone who might need them. Four cabins with wood stoves surrounded the main lodge, and there was a creek-fed shower with endless hot water. A crate of beer stays ice-cold in the stream. It’s glorious. Remote Alaska with just enough comfort to keep you hunting hard every day.

From the roadhouse, we spotted two black bears on the mountainside. That evening, the cameraman Jordan and I glassed near camp, getting oriented for what was supposed to be a grizzly-focused hunt.

The next morning, those black bears were still there. We moved in. At 390 yards, with shifting thermals threatening to blow our approach, I took my shot. Low but lethal. Two more shots finished it. While butchering, we discovered this old boar was peppered with birdshot—dozens of pellets in each leg and shoulder. Somewhere, sometime, he’d been a problem bear. He could take a bullet. By 3 p.m., we had meat in the freezer and the hide salted. We were back to looking for grizzly.

Day two took us seven miles up the creek on six-wheelers, somewhat technical riding through river crossings and over rough terrain. Near the old sheep camp, we spotted a sow with three cubs and various black bears, but no boars.

Then everything changed. Rounding an alder-lined corner, our guide hit the brakes. A black bear ahead was acting strangely. It was actually approaching us. Behind him, a grizzly was hunting him, panting from the chase. The black bear, caught between predators, escaped up the cliffs.

The grizzly sat on its haunches, exhausted, looking between us and the black bear as it escaped. This bear was in full predator mode, seemingly calculating whether we might be easier prey. Then he simply lay down for a nap, 400 yards away, completely unconcerned by our presence.

For 34 minutes, I stayed behind the gun. Time passed slowly as we talked through every scenario: “If he does this, we’ll do that.” Finally, he stood and turned broadside at 415 yards. One squeeze, perfect shot placement. He barrel-rolled down the slope.

This was it—the animal I’d wanted forever, taken in a sequence I couldn’t have scripted better. Pure euphoria.

We had two bears down and over a week left of hunting. Day three was Jordan’s birthday, and we decided to get him a bear tag from camp. This would be his first hunt behind a rifle. We picked up a great black bear in no time. Jordan’s demeanor totally changed as he went into hunt mode and put a perfect 350-yard shot right into the bear’s heart. Top-tier birthday!

Three bears in three days with a week remaining. I bought a second tag and grabbed my bow. We spent four days searching for another bear, exploring drainages, following wolf tracks, catching Dolly Varden, and collecting shed antlers. Living the full Alaska experience while always hunting.

On the second-to-last day, I spotted a huge black bear doing loops through berry patches on a steep face. After multiple failed positioning attempts, I opted to go solo while Jordan and our guide filmed from a distance. The bear, hearing me crash through the alders below him, thought I was another bear invading his berries. At nine yards, with his hackles up and ears flat, I put an arrow through his front shoulder. Our group’s fourth bear.

Four bears in four days. An incredible adventure. This was the outfitter’s first year focusing on Fall bear hunting. The populations are thriving (evident from the moose without calves), and they’ve wisely increased tag allocations.

I came to Alaska with a lifelong dream of taking a grizzly. What I got was something I couldn’t have imagined: multiple species, incredible encounters, and memories that transformed a dream hunt into something beyond dreams. The grizzly lying down in front of us, completely unafraid. Jordan’s pure joy at his first bear. Stalking with my bow, close enough to hear the bear growling and clacking its jaws.

Some hunts meet your expectations. This one created new ones. When you book with WTA, you’re not just booking a hunt, you’re setting yourself up for adventures you can’t even imagine.

Learn about this Hunt

The Central Flyway is a waterfowl superhighway—a vital corridor for migrating ducks and geese—and for those of us lucky enough to be waterfowlers, it offers unmatched opportunities to hunt and experience the migration from September through January.

Over the past 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of chasing ducks around the world, but many of my favorite memories come from following this flyway, especially during those early years when my duck-obsessed father would pull my brother and me out of school every Fall to chase birds.

That’s right! We missed school every year for dedicated waterfowl trips. No regrets.

In the true north country, along the edges of Canada’s boreal forest, early-season hunts are nothing short of magical. The birds are just beginning their journey south—hungry, unpressured, and eager to settle into newly harvested grain fields. It’s a waterfowler’s paradise. The decoy spreads in these northern zones are often among the first the birds see, and their eager, uneducated responses can be absolutely breathtaking.

One of the most unforgettable sights is the famed swirling cyclone of Canada geese funneling down into a field. I can still hear my dad yelling over the deafening honks, his voice barely audible, “They can’t hear us!” The birds were so loud that those at the top of the funnel couldn’t even hear the gunfire below. If you’ve ever experienced it, you know exactly the kind of spine-tingling moment I’m talking about.

When the birds pushed south, so did we.

The prairie pothole regions of North Dakota are pure waterfowl gold. The right pothole on a cold morning—especially if you can find open water—can be magic. And if the water’s frozen? My dad had a fix: get there early, break trail through the skim ice, and push it under itself to create an opening. Voilà…open water.

I’ll never forget one frigid morning. After breaking ice, my hands were bright red and on the edge of frostbite. I looked at my dad for sympathy, but he just grinned as the puddle ducks cupped up and said, “Do you want warm hands, or do you want to shoot ducks?” Like I said, he was a fanatic. I grabbed the old Winchester pump and did my best. That day, I also learned the value of hand warmers and Gore-Tex gloves.

There are so many unforgettable moments:

Slipping and sliding at a Nebraska reservoir, laughing hysterically as we wondered if we’d ever get the old Suburban and trailer back up the icy boat ramp. After limiting out on greenheads.
Rowing across the Delta Marsh in the dark to find the perfect crescent-shaped bulrush island to set the decoys that the canvasbacks couldn’t resist.
Chasing snow geese in South Dakota and realizing we’d finally picked the perfect field, the one that made it worth all those hours spent spray-painting sheet-metal shell decoys in the garage.

These weren’t just hunting trips. They were memories shared with family, with friends, and with the great outdoors itself.

In the end, missing a week of school every year was worth every single minute.

The last duck hunt I shared with my admittedly duck-crazy father was a world away and half a lifetime ago. The hunt may be long over, but the memory will always stay with me.

At WTA, we’re proud to connect our clients with trusted partners so they can experience these same one-of-a-kind adventures.

We offer incredible destinations and outstanding outfitters all along the Central Flyway—from Alberta and Saskatchewan to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma—so you can create your own lasting memories.

Call Worldwide Trophy Adventures at 1-800-346-8747 today to book your trip of a lifetime.

See Central Flyway Hunts