Who here has hunted free range aoudad? What was the shot distances? Just wondering I have worked/darted live aoudads in the past and know a little about them. I just never hunted them, and I am going in Oct 2009 on a west Texas free range hunt and I was just wondering what to expect as far as how far/close you can expect to get a shot at one.I heard too many different versions from friends that have hunted them. I will be using a 30-06 with a 220 grain bullet or 180 grain one of the two thanks in advance Pack

if you got close enough to dart them,you should not have any problem with your 30-06.

Those where in a small pasture, will be hunting 2500 acres or so. Just trying to figure out a genral distance, the guys I have talked to say 200yrds plue and as far as 300yrs in one case which he did dispatch it. Was wondering if that was the norm thats all, and if so will plan to shoot that far. Just did't know if that was the normal distances or not.

i have never hunted them,but the country i have seen them in is pretty rough with not a large amount of cover to conceal yourself. there is usually quite a bit of elevation change,and drainages,so you could use that to your advantage.i would say the shot distances you are thinking about would probably be realistic.might not hurt to practice a bit at longer ranges just in case.good luck,i hope you get a big one.

they are pretty spooky on our place. i see them from time to time, but they really only seem to hang around the protein feeder and if i put out a pile of corn. they found corn faster than the pigs or deer did.
but your question was about distance. all my sightings were under 200 yds. that is on a 2,000 acre ranch that is high fenced on the outside.
the only concern i would have with the larger round is the trajectory drop off if you do need a longer shot. i know my 30.06 shoots the 180's very well at 200, but starts to get some crazy drop after that.

good luck, they are a very cool animal. i am looking forward to killing my first one this next year too.

thanks guys for the replies

Packmule, .22 caliber rifles are the only guns allowed while hunting this ranch, thats why the hunt was so reasonably priced! Just messing with you, I did a google search "aoudad hunting texas" and there were several very good articles and reccomendations on rifles, boots, calibers, and even what to eat the night before to not "slow you down" on the mornings hike. Check it out if you like.

I thinkl I am pepaired for the hike and ect, just trying to see how far I need to be shooting and get ready ie. shooting at longer distances. Looking forward to it Mike and the Mule deer hunt.

if you are going with Mulie Mike, you have nothing to worry about. heck, i hear he is so quiet, he has been known to hunt them with a pocket knife :-)

Yes sir cant wait to tag a ram possibly this year with my new knife I just picked up at academy =). Maybe we will get some good video footage of it! lol.

Went last March and got one on a free range 200.000+ acre ranch. They have eyes that are unbelievable that's for sure. They'd see us from literally miles away and start to move. Never seen a animal that was focused on you when you found it in a 60x power spotting scope!!!
Best advice I can give you is if the sheep is near a cliff neck shoot it cause it will bail off the side, doesn't matter if it seems to be 1000 ft straight down. Most amazing thing I've ever seen in the wild when they jump off a cliff that you see no way out but death.
You'll have a blast good luck!

Oh Here's a few pics to get you pumped up. Mines not a big un but a FREE hunt and such a good time I had it mounted.

thanks again guys, I will video the hunt Mike of it if you want that would be some great footage,LOL

cuzins8
Thanks for sharing looks like you had a blast.

Good luck & tell us all about your experience. I'll be out there in March.

When I go I plan on using my .308 with either 165 or 168 grain bullets.