Texas will allow the aerial gunning of aoudad sheep under a new law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Senate Bill 1245, approved by the Legislature and signed into law on May 27, authorizes state-issued permits for the practice beginning Sept. 1.
Aoudad, or Barbary sheep, were introduced to Texas from North Africa in the 1950s for hunting purposes. Some estimates shows as many as 100,000 free-ranging aoudad.
“This is about protecting our native species and our ecosystems,” said Sen. César Blanco, who authored the bill in the San Antonio-Express News.
“Aoudad are outcompeting native wildlife, damaging ranchland, and spreading diseases that impact our native bighorn sheep.”
The bill passed the Senate 31-0 and the House 140-1.
Under existing law, Texas allows permitted aerial hunting of feral hogs and coyotes. SB 1245 adds aoudad to that list but limits operations to areas west of the Pecos River, where the animals are most prevalent. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will develop rules to regulate permits, safety protocols, and oversight.
More On Aoudad
- Introduction to the Aoudad (Barbary Sheep_
- The Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), also known as Aoudad are native to rocky mountains and deserts of North Africa.
- Introduced to various regions around the world for hunting, they are known for their remarkable adaptations to arid environments and unique social behaviors.
- Physical Characteristics:
- Aoudad have a distinctive appearance, with long, thick coats ranging in color from sandy brown to reddish-brown.
- Both males and females possess impressive curved horns, though those of males are larger and more robust, often reaching lengths of up to 30 inches (76 cm).
- Their robust build and sturdy hooves allow them to traverse rocky terrain with ease, making them well-suited to their mountainous habitats.