Aoudad, or Barbary sheep, are one of the most controversial big game animals in the Southwest. Native to the mountains of North Africa, they were introduced to New Mexico on private ranches in the 1940s. Texas followed in the 1950s, releasing them as an exotic game species. From there, populations expanded rapidly across the rugged desert mountain ranges of both states.
Aoudad are built to survive. They tolerate extreme heat, require little water, and reproduce efficiently—traits that have allowed their numbers to grow quickly.
For hunters, they offer a unique challenge. In Texas, aoudad are hunted year-round on private land and are often called a “poor man’s sheep hunt,” though the steep terrain and sharp-eyed rams make them anything but easy. In New Mexico, they roam free on public land, with most opportunities managed through draw hunts, particularly in areas where populations are more controlled.
Their success comes with consequences. Aoudad compete directly with native desert bighorn sheep for limited food and water, and there are ongoing concerns about disease transmission that could impact carefully restored bighorn populations. Because of this, wildlife agencies—especially in New Mexico—actively work to reduce or contain aoudad numbers in critical bighorn habitat, often encouraging hunters to play a role in that effort.
Aoudad are a clear example of how an introduced species can exceed expectations—for better and worse. They offer a hard-earned, rewarding hunt, but they also serve as a reminder that wildlife management is rarely simple. Success in the field isn’t just about opportunity—it’s about understanding the balance we’re trying to protect.
- Kodi Ballard