Ways to Help

1. Where does the Aoudad roam in Chihuahua?

It sticks to rocky mountain ranges, dry canyons, and high ridgelines. It loves rough country — the kind where the rocks crunch under your boots.

2. How do I know I’m looking at a good mature ram?

A true, full-grown ram carries heavy horns that sweep back nicely, with thick bases and a long chaps-like beard hanging from his chest. If that mane sways in the wind, you’re almost certainly looking at an old veteran.

3. What time of day are they most visible?

At dawn and dusk. Once the sun hits hard, they bed down on high ledges where nobody bothers them.

4. How skittish is the Aoudad?

It’s a smart, nervous, and very wary animal. The slightest scent of a human or the sound of a rolling rock, and it’s gone up the hill before you even get a chance.

Yes. The terrain is rough — you’ll be hiking canyons and climbing steep slopes. It’s a hunt that tests your legs, lungs, and patience.

6. What calibers are most commonly used for this animal?

Flat-shooting, fast calibers like .270, 7mm, .30-06, and .300 Win Mag. Shots are often long and windy, so you better be well zeroed in.

7. Can it be hunted with a bow?

Yes, but it’s a real challenge. You have to sneak in quietly and work the wind perfectly. With 60–70 lb bows and strong broadheads, they can be taken successfully.

8. What does the Aoudad eat in these mountains?

It feeds on dry grasses, tough herbs, and mountain shrubs. It’s a very resilient animal and doesn’t need much water.

9. Are they dangerous?

They won’t attack, but the terrain can be: cliffs, loose rocks, and deep canyons. What gets you is a bad step, not the ram.

10. How do you tell the age of a good trophy?

By the mass of the horns, the growth rings, the curvature, and the length of the mane. Old rams look “heavy” even from a distance.

11. Do they move alone or in groups?

They usually travel in groups, but older rams sometimes isolate themselves or stay on the highest ledges keeping watch.

12. Do they make noise when alerted?

Not much. They usually slip away in silence, climbing like ghosts among the rocks.

13. Is the meat good?

For young rams, yes. Meat from older ones is tougher and stronger, and many hunters use it for jerky, stews, or sausage.

14. Why is it considered such a sought-after trophy?

Because of its large horns, the tough terrain, the animal’s cunning, and because taking a good ram means outsmarting the mountain, not just the sheep.