PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE

Planning a trip like this begins the moment your gut tells you it’s what you must do. Everything else is an arrangement that Cliff & Cactus will make as easy as possible, using transparent & all-inclusive pricing along with fluency in process you can only get from an experienced local.

THE HUNT:

We are happy to boast a 100% shot opportunity rate on our hunts, but we encourage all prospective clients to seek an experience that is greater than the physical souvenirs taken home. Hunting on these multi-generational and storied properties covering over 600,000 acres - with Cliff and Cactus as your guides, you will be in capable hands. The quality of each hunt benefits from the way our team keeps a thumb on the pulse of the properties and the herds. This leads to a more accurate harvest of the highest quality. While all clients are welcome to participate, trophy prep is included in excursion pricing. Shipping and taxidermy can be arranged at an additional cost.

We do our best to get you into sub 350 yard rang for shots. However please practice shooting to at least 600 yards if only to gain that perspective and become more familiar with your rifle. If possible practice shooting in the prone position and at different angles. A bipod on your rifle is highly recommended.

The terrain of Far West Texas is remote, rugged, beautiful, and vast with altitude of 4,000 to 6,500 feet. The landscape varies from high Desert and rolling grassland hills to steep and rocky terrain with craggy cliffs.

Similarly to desert bighorn and other mountain species Free range aoudad hunting in far west Texas can be an adventure and a challenge. Offering the most bang for your buck in the mountain hunting arena. Being in good shape will widen the world of opportunity available to you on your hunt. Don’t be intimidated, however. The understanding of experienced guides, a broad spectrum of terrain across our different ranches and the adaptability of the aoudad offers a unique hunt that can be tailored to all levels of ability.

LODGING:

Accommodations vary from hunting camps with bunk beds to historic ranch houses. Some are nicer than others, but you will be warm and well fed and have a chance to get a hot shower in the evenings. On rare occasion it may be more advantageous to stay in a hotel and eat at a local restaurant for dinner. If you have questions or requests please let us know as far in advance as possible. 
These lands are virtually untouched. On our private lands, you are not going to run into other hunters, disrupted nature, or unethically harvested herds.

MEALS:

Dining will be tailored to each and every guest. All meals are professionally prepared by those who take great care to reflect the region and ensure no meal is obligatory. Any dietary restrictions will be happily respected. If you desire anything special or additional, make sure to let us know ahead of time and we will do our best to accommodate.

TRAVEL + GUNS:

Private aviation can fly into Alpine-Casparis municipal airport or Marfa municipal airport where your guide will pick you up. Otherwise, you will fly into El Paso International airport (ELP) or Midland International Airport (MAF) where you will rent a car and drive to 3 hours to meet your guide in the either Alpine or Marfa depending on the ranch you’re hunting on. 

We understand that it’s not always possible to pack everything you’d like. If for any reason you wish to come on the trip without your own gear or gun, let us know. We have an inventory of rentable gear and are happy to discuss before you book.

AOUDAD Hunt PRO CheckList:

• Texas Hunting License/Permit - If you are a Texas resident, you only need the basic type 101 $25 Resident Hunting license. If you are from out of state, you’ll want a type 157 non-resident 5-Day Special Hunting license which is $48 and covers exotics, all legal game birds and non-game animals. Go to TX Parks & Wildlife for more info.

• Broken in Crispi Hiking Boots

• Mystery Ranch Hunting Backpack - We recommend the Mystery Ranch Metcalf or similar pack that is large enough to carry your lunch and allow the ability to layer up and down.

• Leica Geovid Binoculars (10 power and up)

• Rifle with Bipod (30 caliber and up) - We don’t have a huge preference on rifle make or model, but its critical that you trust your rifle, trust your optic and have had put the time into knowing your DOPE.

• Canis Alpine Pants - We recommend Canis pants as the best in the business - proven to provide maximum protection and insulation amidst the toughest Texas high desert terrain.

• Otte Gear Brush Gaiters

• Nalgene bottle or Big Zip EVO Camelback - Hydration is key in the desert!

• Trekking Poles

• Extra Ammo - Don’t forget to pack a few extra rounds to double check your zero and ensure you have ample shot opportunity.