About Your Trip
The land between Balmorhea and Fort Davis, the heart of rugged West Texas, feels lost to time. The vertical stone escarpments and expansive mesas of the Davis Mountains tell the tale of a land steeped in western history and expansion.
Once dominated by the Comanche, then etched in the history of Texas Cattle farming, and now a stronghold between the oil fields of the Permian Basin and the increasingly popular destination of Marfa, the Davis
Mountains refuse to yield.
Similar are the Aoudad that now dominate the region. Bison, elk, and mule deer, the original fauna of the land, were driven out by the likes of the McCutchens and the growing cattle herds of the late 1800s. In their stead, Aoudad, known in their home ranges of North Africa as the Barbery Sheep and in West Texas simply as "sheep", have made a home and thrived in numbers and size.
Hunting these North African mountain climbers through the arid Davis Mountains is a mental and physical challenge, and a visual treat. Days begin in town in either Fort Davis or Balmorhea with a nice warm breakfast. Take your coffee to go and jump in the pickup with Bobby to cruise through some of the most scenic roads in the country.
Peel off into one of the many ranches contributing to Bobby's over 100,000 acres of private hunting property to start glassing ridges, peaks, gulches, and canyons for aoudad herds. Aoudad hunting is a mix of glassing vast mountainous terrain, spotting them with a hawks' eye from miles away, hiking up to their turf (easier said than done), and finally getting close enough for a shot at a mature ram, identified by their spread and mane.
Exhilarating is an understatement, and Bobby is a master at it all. Easy going with a sharp wit and a great eye for finding you the sheep of a lifetime, Bobby is a sheep hunter's sheep hunter.
Following your successful harvest, Bobby will clean and help pack out your West Texas trophy. Aoudad make incredible mounts with their imposing horns and impressive manes, and Bobby has guided many first-time and seasoned hunters to rams boasting over 30" horns. Aoudad meat has a tough reputation, but in the rights hands (and in the right crock pot) Aoudad backstraps can be done right.
Lodging in town and meals are included in this 5-night, 4-day hunt. Long-range rifles (shots can range from 200-600+ yards), binoculars, brush pants, and camo are not provided and are essential to a successful hunt.
While successful hunts can be conducted year-round, mid Sept. - mid Nov. is peak rut, and mid Jan - mid March as another prime time. May - August offer great hunting as well, although summer temps in the desert are something to seriously consider.
Amenities
Game Cleaning
This guide will clean your game for you.
Beer
Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.
Location
This guide can be flexible with the departure location.
Weather
You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.
Flexible Cancelation
This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 30 days before the trip.
Lunch
Lunch / light snacks are included.
Gear
You will need your own guns and gear.
Gun Rental
You will need your own guns.
Kid Friendly
This trip is best for adults.
Disability Friendly
This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.
