We have the best "free-ranging" aoudad hunting in West Texas.  Native to North Africa, the Barbary sheep or aoudad were introduced to Texas in the early 1950's.  According to rumor, two ewes and one ram were brought in from the Fort Worth Zoo by our neighbors, the Reynolds Family of the famous Long X Ranch.  According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the aoudad population in Texas far exceeds 20,000.  Aoudad are extremely hardy and are very much at home in the Davis Mountains of West Texas.  Trophy aoudad are found in abundance at Rancho del Cielo, with many over 30" inches.

What separates us from the pack is we never harvest more than six aoudad per year and we hunt the rams on a 40,000 acre low-fenced ranch that we live on, and have lived on, and managed (wildlife, habitat and cattle) for 20 years.  This large ranch, which we've only commercially hunted aoudad on for 6 years has always attracted, and still attracts large bachelor groups of aoudad rams.  Rancho del Cielo is surrounded by two larger low-fenced ranches that hunt few aoudad so a good supply of trophy rams are available because of little to no neighbor hunting pressure, the natural gathering of the bachelor groups, our management, and our mule deer supplementation program.  Our success rate for trophy rams to date is 100%.  Aoudad can be hunted year-round, however, the optimal harvest months are October through March.

Our hunts could require the hunter to be in top physical condition, but a hunter doesn't have to be an "Iron Man" to hunt our aoudad.  Therefore, anyone in any physical condition can harvest one of our rams.  We cater to low-mobility hunters and we have hunted young to old, and from athletes to those confined to a wheelchair.

Our hunters stay in our home and enjoy three of the best home-cooked meals in Texas, daily.  Couples are very welcome.  We like our hunters to arrive early enough in the afternoon of the first day of the hunt to site in their rifle, pistol, bow or muzzleloader at our range, and possibly make a round on the ranch before dark.  Then we will hunt for the next three days, and the hunter will depart on the morning of the fifth day.  If you harvest early, touring of the area and varmint hunting is available.  (There is a charge for varmint hunting.)  All trophies are skinned, frozen and shipped at hunter's expense by FedEx to your taxidermist.

We suggest flying into either Midland or El Paso International Airports and renting a car.  Both airports are almost an equal distance from Rancho del Cielo, so you be the judge of which airport to fly into.  A map to Rancho del Cielo will be furnished upon receipt of your booking deposit.

Hunters will be required to obtain a license which is available online through Texas Parks and Wildlife at www.tpwd.state.tx.us or at Wal Mart in Texas.  We can also assist you in purchasing a license that will be available to you upon arrival.  (In 2009, the cost of a 5-day, non-resident special hunting license is $45.00.)

Fees for taking your trophy aoudad is $4,000* plus tips and shipping charges.  A 50% deposit is required to book your hunt, with the balance due before arrival.  (*Prices and terms subject to change.)

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