Record Aoudads from the Lone Star State

Connor Merritt

Aoudads, also known as Barbary sheep, are native to the rugged mountains of North Africa, where they have long roamed the arid landscapes of countries like Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. In the early 1900s, they were introduced to the United States, primarily in Texas, as a game species for hunting and to bolster exotic wildlife populations. Their adaptability to rocky terrain and dry climates allowed them to thrive in the Lone Star State, where they quickly established wild populations; now, they are a popular hunting game, with many hunters going after record aoudads every year. While the average aoudad stands about 2.5 feet at the shoulder and weighs between 200-250 pounds, some of these beasts grow far beyond that. 

Record Aoudads 

The current Texas state record for an aoudad, as recognized by Safari Club International (SCI), boasts an incredible horn length of over 39” and an overall score of 169 0/8”. These horns, thick and ridged with age, illustrate the animal’s ability to survive in some of the harshest landscapes. But it’s not just the horns that impress — record-breaking aoudads have been known to tip the scales at over 300 pounds, making them one of the largest wild sheep species roaming Texas today. 

Hunters looking to find their own record-breaking aoudad often head to rugged regions like the Chinati Mountains, the Davis Mountains, and the expansive lands of the Texas Panhandle. It’s in these remote, desolate areas that the biggest aoudads have been spotted, blending seamlessly into the golden-brown landscape. 

For those lucky enough to take down a true giant, the reward isn’t just in the trophy. Aoudads provide excellent meat, their thick hides make for impressive mounts, and their horns — well, they speak for themselves. So, if you’re looking for the next big adventure, Texas’ record aoudads might just be the challenge you’re looking for. 

Read more about record aoudads on iSportsmansUSA.