When it comes to invasive game species the list is significant and their impact to rangeland is widespread.  These animals can be hunted year-round with no season or bag limit.

Most everyone is aware of the impact free-range feral hogs have had on crops, riparian areas and native pastures.  Now there is a growing concern about the increasing numbers of aoudad or Barbary sheep that originally came from north Africa and introduced as another big game animal.  As most know even when released on a high fenced game ranch, animals can escape and establish free-range herds.

In west Texas where native desert big horn sheep are trying to recover from their population decline, aoudad can carry disease big horn sheep are susceptible.  The other challenge is similar to wild hogs and that is trying to control an expanding population.

Aoudad are impressive animals that will weight in the 300+ pound range.  A mature ram with horns exceeding 30-35 inches and sporting long chaps on their chest and forelegs makes an impressive trophy.

Popular Texas artist Chance Yarbrough provides this month’s cover art which was a personal commission for one of his clients.  The scene depicts a three aoudad including a mature ram along with the spectacularly rugged Texas terrain these animals call home.

As evident by the terrain hunting is not for the weak.  The hunt will test a hunter’s endurance and stamina.  Harvesting one of these sheep will provide a memorable trophy and hunt details that will be recalled time and again.

For more information on this personal aoudad commission, plus other fine works of art or commissions by, visit www.chance-yarbrough.com, email cyarbrough84@yahoo.com or call (254) 424-3171.  — Bill L. Olson

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