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.

 

[sdcowboy]

Better talk to Calan. It’s a great hunt. He has a strong opinion on gun power. Be ready to see hundreds of sheep and be patient and you’ll shoot a big one. Also practice for some long shots. Take the best binos you got. And be ready for some outstanding food!

 

[tarheelpwr]

If you go .270, don’t miss this ammo opportunity.

270 Win 140 Grain Elite Hunter Sierra Tipped Centerfire Rifle Ammunition, Box of 20

Massive expansion delivers instant knockdown and terminal energy on small to medium game.

rogerssportinggoods.com

 

[Cactus kid]

Aoudad hunting in that country is one of my favorites!

Fitness: Be able to climb and descend 500-1000 foot hills multiple times a day, maybe all day. The outfitter should be able to guide you more on expected fitness.

Gear:
A good pair of binos and a tripod will be your best friend

Good pair of boots, whatever fits your feet best and can hike all day in. Does not need to be waterproof. Do not buy insulated.

Clothing- Its forgiving country for clothing choices. Blue jeans and a pearlsnap shirt if you want to fit in. A puffy jacket will be nice that time of year.

Rifle:
a tikka 6.5cm would be an easy button. As would a sig cross in 6.5 cm. Or 6 cm. SWFA scope in 6x or 10x is a reliable choice. The PRC calibers are not going anywhere, but if you are keeping your shots less than 300 yards (and you should be keeping your shots much less than 300 yards if you are new to this) you are gaining nothing for a lot more recoil. Burn a pile of ammo from different shooting positions getting ready.

Bullet choices matter. Hornady eld-m or eld-x bullets are known killers.

Study shot placement on aoudad. Their vitals sit a bit more forward than typical north amarican big game. Look up "vital V" and put a bullet in the middle of that and you will have little issue.

 

[406life]

My .02:
Go with leather mountain boots, you'll want the hard soles.
Think about snakebite gaiters, really more for the stupid cactus.
Take more water than you think you'll need.
Quality glass and tripod will be very handy.
Don't forget to pet a tarantula.

 

[Short Track]

Be prepared for thorns everywhere. Boots, gloves, pants, shirts. It's nasty terrain. and cut out the back straps, no matter what anyone says !!!

 

[S-3 ranch]

Caliber = any high b.c .264wm , 6.5x55 , 6.5-284 Norma , .270 , 280 , .300 mag
Imo you don’t want a ram running and dying in a tough place to get out
So bust the sweet spot on the shoulder with a decent shot and caliber
Practice for 200-400 yard shots for sure

And be able to easily walk over variable terrain for couple miles without flagging out, most distance is traveled by vehicle and then by foot after

 

[Bartbux]

You are going to love this hunt.

Good glass makes it more fun - not necessary, but you can really reach out...you might consider pairing with an Ollin adapter and your phone for video.

Gun choice - so many opinions and options - I've had very good success, including aoudad, with a .300 Win Mag, using Federal Terminal Ascent (200 grain). I agree with the other posters - get comfortable shooting at distances and various types of rests/sticks/bags/bipods, etc.

You might not need to be in great shape - but it could definitely be a difference maker - consider a MTN Tough program - Aoudad live in nasty country...

If you can, bring a friend - it is a great group trip - often many targets - the challenge is getting in range and closing the deal - you are going to see some great animals. Also, consider spending some extra time in this area, most people aren't aware of the rugged beauty of this area - you might be surprised that it is Texas.

Fort Davis/Alpine/Marfa area is awesome. Free range aoudad. Others can disagree with me, but this is the equivalent of Iowa Whitetail, Utah Elk, Vancouver Island Black Bear, Kodiak Brown Bear, BC Mountain Lions or Limpopo Kudu and so on...this is where the big boys live...and they move the needle way past the high fence options in other areas....

And yes, everything down there wants to poke you...look twice before you sit or put your hands on the ground!

Have a blast.