By Judy Jurek
Aoudads are very unique and are members of the goat/antelope family. These animals are another interesting species that are increasing in Texas. North, Central, West, and South Texas have free ranging aoudad herds show up almost anywhere. The Edwards Plateau, South Texas, and the mountain ranges of West Texas have the most.
Water, food—grasses, forbs, weeds, and browse—along with cover are their basic requirements. Studies have shown aoudads will eat almost anything, including dirt. Rocky terrain is preferable but aoudads seem to adapt most anywhere. These are hardy, tough creatures. Depending on where they are a hunter may need to be the same.
Both aoudad sexes sport headgear. Naturally males have larger, longer swept back horns curving outward. A respectable trophy is anything 27 inches or more, and 30 inches is outstanding. Aoudads have long hair called “chaps” extending from shin to chest, with much hair around their front legs. They make interesting half or full body mounts. Males may reach 275 pounds and females reach 150.
Many opinions abound about eating aoudads. Old males are quite smelly live or freshly dead. Some say rams taste terrible while others state it’s a distinctive taste. However, young aoudad is excellent when cooked with venison recipes. I’ve had aoudad sausage mixed with pork that was quite tasty. Most hunters kill old rams for trophies, but young aoudads taste good. Try it – you might like it.
