Aoudad Barbary Sheep Hunting Gear List
by Kevin Wilkey
Aoudad or Barbary Sheep are hunted in various parts of the world. For the sake of this gear list, I’m specifically listing out what I would use for a hunt in the West Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico regions. There, you’ll encounter razor-sharp rocks, rugged terrain, and nearly every plant has a thorn—so don’t forget your tweezers. Most aoudad hunts in this region are vehicle supported, so going from glassing point to glassing point in a side-by-side UTV or pick-up truck is the best way to get around.
This list is focused on hunting in the late fall to early spring. Before sunrise, it can be quite cold, especially while rallying in an open UTV to your first glassing spot. While midday, it can get up into the nineties. The variable temperatures, coupled with stop-and-go activity levels create a merry-go-round of layering. One moment you’re layered up keeping warm while glassing, and the next you’re stripped down to a base layer with pant hip vents open to stay cool while in pursuit.
On a hunt like this, you need a versatile layering system that scales the temperature and your variable activity level, all while withstanding the abuse this region dishes out. KUIU has a lot of viable options that will work on this type of hunt, I’m only highlighting my top choices that feature rugged durability and ample breathability. Not only is the terrain and vegetation hard on your gear, so is the dust. It gets into everything. So, if you’re a seasoned aoudad hunter or guide, you already know the hunting gear you wear, including your packs, optics, weapons, and vehicles take a beating. On the business end, boots and gaiters will especially have a shorter lifespan.
On the topic of boots and gaiters, if they are waterproof before your hunt, they won’t be leakproof when you’re done. From cat claw to prickly pear to yucca, all it takes is contacting thorny vegetation. Even though a small thorn might not make a noticeable hole, once the waterproof membrane is punctured, they’ll leak. While hunting in thorny regions I’ll wear an older pair of boots and gaiters on the tail end of their utility. Or I’d recommend a puncture-resistant, full-leather boot.
As for what camo pattern works the best for hunting aoudad, without question it’s KUIU Valo. Often, you must sneak past closer animals to get to the ram you’re after. Head-to-toe camo won’t make me invisible, but I take every ethical edge I can get.
TOPS
BOTTOMS
- PRO Brush Pant
- StrongWool Hybrid Crew Sock
- Yukon HD Gaiters
- Scarpa Rebel
PACK
- PRO Divide 4500
- Platypus Hoser 3L
- PRO Hydration Rig
- Glassing Pad
- Roll-Top Dry Bag - S, M, L
- Large Deer/ Sheep Medium Game Bag Set
- Quarter Game Bag - L Cape
- Taku 9000 for back of truck or UTV
OPTICS
- PRO G3 Bino Harness
- PRO G3 Rangefinder Holder
- PRO G3 Phone Holder
- Revic Acura BLR10b Ballistic Rangefinding Binocular 10X42
- Swarovski ATX 95 Spotting Scope
- Ollin Digiscope Adapter
- Leofoto LX-254CT Tripod
- RRS Bino Adapter
- Glass cleaner & cloth
- Air puffer to clean lenses
GEAR
- Bergara MgLite 6.5 Creedmoor
- Leupold Mark4HD 6-24 PR3
- Kestrel 5700 Elite
- Hornady ELD-X 143
- MDT Triple Pull Bipod
- Headlamp
- Hogue Knife
PERSONAL
- Tweezers
- Wind checker
- First aid kit
- Leukotape
- Chapstick
- Medication
- Sunblock
- Paracord
- Extra batteries