Free Range Hunts
Aoudad Hunting at Lajitas Mesa
There is no scheduled Aoudad Season in West Texas, but the state does require a permit. Hunting is available at Lajitas Resort from September – May. To preserve the herd, hunts are limited to smaller sized hunt parties and are limited to only 2 per month. A Texas state license is required to hunt. Hunts are first come – first serve.
Lajitas has the distinction of offering one of the only mounted Aoudad hunts in the United States. The journey starts at the Lajitas Equestrian Center located at the Lajitas Resort. Accompanied by a wrangler and licensed hunting guide, you and your party will set out on horseback for an exclusive three-day hunting adventure that will test your riding skills and hunting ability. Hunters will climb 5,000 feet on the rugged mountain trails of the Lajitas Mesa and return with an Aoudad and up to two Javelinas (annual quota) during the three-day hunt. We have had plenty of hunters that don't like to ride horses and prefer to hike in, please be aware that this is a difficult hike and should only be attempted by those in good physical condition. Your guide will follow you on horseback with all of the equipment.
Mature Aoudad males will have a live weight of up to 350 pounds, both Aoudad males and females grow horns, but male's horns grow considerably larger. A respectable free range aoudad trophy sheep will sport horns in excess of 27", and anything over 30" is considered exceptionally good. Additionally, they have a striking long beard which runs from their throat all the way down to their chest, and they also sport long hair as chaps on their front legs, thus they make impressive life-size or half-size mounts.
Lajitas' own O.K. Estes is proud to hold the World's Record from Safari Club International, for the largest Aoudad, Free-Range, brought down by a Pistol.
Aoudad 3 day hunt package:
This special package includes:
Deluxe accommodations each evening at Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day of your stay, (lunch served mountain top)
3 days of hunting including horse, gear and supplies, bring your own gun or we can supply one at additional charge.
$4,800.00 per person all inclusive. Only $1600.00 per day Book a party of 2 or more and receive a $500.00 discount. Rams over 34 inches will have an additional trophy fee of $800.00.
The following are add-ons for the aoudad hunt and not included in the above package pricing:
Night calling for Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Fox, Coyote and Badger $200.00
Javelina $450.00, wild boar $600.00
Javelina, Coyote and Bobcat Hunt – Varmint Night Calling Hunts
Enjoy hunting javelina, coyote or bobcat year round, or as an addition to one of our other hunts. This half-day hunt is great for beginners or young hunters. The incomparable amenities and services of Lajitas will provide you with an incredible hunting experience.
Lajitas proudly recommends and uses Robert Stockwell, Wildlife Artist, of Hip-O Taxidermy. Hip-O Taxidermy is an award winning studio (both state and national) and Robert Stockwell is a taxidermist with 21 years of experience in the taxidermy industry. Please visit their website at http://www.hip-o.net or call or email Robert at (432) 837-0660 (office) (432) 294-4404 (mobile) hipotaxidermy@gmail.com.
Mule Deer Hunt
This Desert Mule Deer Hunt is for the truly dedicated hunter. Due to the nature of this desert country each year brings on new challenges. Drought, wind, rain, dust storms, fog, cold and snow all make for the unknown but when it all comes together some of the best Mule Deer in the state.
Because mule deer season is relatively short, October 2-Novewmber 5, 2010 for Archery only and November 26-Deceber 12, 2010 General Season, Lajitas has gone the extra mile to provide the most extraordinary hunting experience. Hunt some of the finest trophy mule deer in West Texas; ranging in size from 150 to 200 pounds B & C.
Texas Bag Limit: 2 deer, no more than one buck, all seasons combined. Antlerless deer may be taken only by Antlerless Mule Deer or MLD permit. For those that are less inclined for a tough hunt, please see the Exotic Fence Section.
