First Hunt Aoudad

[jssaylor2007]

Hey there guys, new to the forum. I recently won an aoudad hunt in South/West Texas, and was coming to get some advice. I have never in my life been big game hunting, but I did grow up doing all manners of bird hunting. I guess my big question is what kind of gear will I be needing, what kind of shape do I need to get myself in, and maybe most importantly, what kind of rifle should I buy (caliber/brand). This hunt should be next October/November.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Nickziegler]

What part of texas are you hunting? Know who the outfitter is? Or ranch?

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[jssaylor2007]

What part of texas are you hunting? Know who the outfitter is? Or ranch?

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The outfitter is Calan Ahrens. Looks like it'll be down around Fort Davis/Alpine/Marfa area. I believe he has access to a few different ranches.

 

[huntnful]

I love aoudad hunting. The terrain can be pretty wicked, so come prepared to do some hiking. I’d ask the outfitter about the style of hunt though.

Any modest cartridge will kill one 6CM, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC. With lack of rifle knowledge/experience, get some good practice in and keep the ranges close in the field and you’ll be fine!

 

[jssaylor2007]

I love aoudad hunting. The terrain can be pretty wicked, so come prepared to do some hiking. I’d ask the outfitter about the style of hunt though.

Any modest cartridge will kill one 6CM, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC. With lack of rifle knowledge/experience, get some good practice in and keep the ranges close in the field and you’ll be fine!

So would most recommend going with one of these newer cartridges? Future availability of ammo has been my main concern as far as buying something chambered in one of the PRC cartridges. I was wondering if it might not be better to go with a 270 or 30-06, 7mm or even 300win mag since these seem to always be in stock at just about every store.

 

[Nickziegler]

With all my rifles I find some ammo that shoots well and buy a case. That way I have more than enough for as long as i need and all the same lot number

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[wyosteve]

Whatever rifle you use, get comfortable with shooting out to 400 or even 500 yards. 300-400 shots are more the rule than the exception.

 

[SDHNTR]

So would most recommend going with one of these newer cartridges? Future availability of ammo has been my main concern as far as buying something chambered in one of the PRC cartridges. I was wondering if it might not be better to go with a 270 or 30-06, 7mm or even 300win mag since these seem to always be in stock at just about every store.

The prcs aren’t going anywhere. That said, it really doesn’t matter much imo. They all work just fine. If just starting out, I wouldn’t recommend a magnum as recoil can impede the process of learning to shoot well. A 6.5 Creedmore is a perfect choice. Well suited for nearly any big game, easy to shoot and lots of ammo choices and availability.