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.

 

[cuerro viejo]

My advice, from dozens of aoudad hunts. Leather boots not synthetic, and leather gloves. Extra water and
Caliber doesn’t matter, just like everywhere else pressure will dictate how far you most likely will have to shoot.

 

[JohnJohnson]

What rifles, if any, do you already have? If none, this is a basic concept below.

- Tikka of some flavor in 6.5CM
- Harris HBRMS 9-13" bipod with Pod-Loc: https://www.shortactionprecision.co...rris-brms-9-13-swivel-bipod?variant=997670475
- UM Tikka scope rings of whatever height/diameter: https://www.unknownmunitions.com/product/um-tikka-rings/
- Scope level of some kind with this as an example but get whatever just make sure you pick the right diameter for your chosen scope: https://www.mkmachining.com/product/34mm-xlp-billet-scope-level/
- If you can afford it and it's legal for you, consider a suppressor. They're amazing.
- Scope of your choice, see below for some scope durability testing/reviews:

Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

rokslide.com

 

[jssaylor2007]

What rifles, if any, do you already have? If none, this is a basic concept below.

- Tikka of some flavor in 6.5CM
- Harris HBRMS 9-13" bipod with Pod-Loc: https://www.shortactionprecision.co...rris-brms-9-13-swivel-bipod?variant=997670475
- UM Tikka scope rings of whatever height/diameter: https://www.unknownmunitions.com/product/um-tikka-rings/
- Scope level of some kind with this as an example but get whatever just make sure you pick the right diameter for your chosen scope: https://www.mkmachining.com/product/34mm-xlp-billet-scope-level/
- If you can afford it and it's legal for you, consider a suppressor. They're amazing.
- Scope of your choice, see below for some scope durability testing/reviews:

Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

rokslide.com

Currently all I have is an AR-15, so basically nothing. I was thinking of going the Tikka route in either .270 or 6.5 PRC. Would it be worth the money to get a Sako over a Tikka? Was thinking either the 90 Adventure or the S20.

 

[JohnJohnson]

Currently all I have is an AR-15, so basically nothing. I was thinking of going the Tikka route in either .270 or 6.5 PRC. Would it be worth the money to get a Sako over a Tikka? Was thinking either the 90 Adventure or the S20.

I can't really speak to "worth it" but the Sako S20 seems to have good feedback and people like it. As far as the cartridge it's up to you but I don't really see an advantage of those ones over a 6.5CM when it comes to getting practice and ammo availability.