HunterJim,
I leave one week from today to hunt Aoudads in West Texas,I read were you are a SCI Master Measurer.
Could you tell me how to measure Aoudads.I assume it's horn length,base circumferences.Do you add both together? are there other measurerments like quarter circumferces,speads ect???
Your imput would be greatly appreciated,Thanks rws2

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Jim ... if I may,

I am an SCI measurer as well.

An Aoudad has its own distinct measuring It is not a straight line measurement like most sheep.

An Aoudad uses the "Three inch rule"

Start your measurement at the "tip" of the base (located on the forehead, you will know it when you see it) Find the point where the the frontal edge, or ridge of the horn is exactly three inches from the "tip". This is your "pivot point". Mark it with a pencil or put a piece of masking tape on the horn there and mark it.

Now measure from the base of the horn at the "tip" to the three inch pivot point then follow the natural ridge or edge of the horn to the tip.

Difficult to picture when reading this, but you will understand when you see the horn.

Good luck, I love the Aoudad.

Thanks Buffalobwana,
Are there any circumference measuements or spead measurement? or just the two length measurements and what is record book minumum?

The rest of the Aoudad is measured like any other sheep. 4 circumference measurements are made on each horn.

Measure the circumference at the base, at 1/4, at 1/2 and at 3/4 of the length.

A bit of masking tape comes in handy here. You can mark the horn at these points with tape and a pencil or fine tip magic marker (written on the tape, not on the horn).

Measure the length of the longest horn. Divide that lenght by 4. These are the points where you would measure a circumference.

So on a 30" ram you would measure at the base, at 7.5", at 15" and then at 22.5" from the base. This measurement will be made on both horns even if the other horn is only 23" long.

Add the length of each side and your 8 circumference measurements (4 on each side) and you will come up with a number.

The Minimum for a rifle is 115 I believe.

Now, after all that, do not get too hung up on the score. A West Texas Aoudad hunt is quite an experience. Do not ruin the experience by measuring your sheep.

Use the tape to confirm an outstanding trophy, not to dictate your enjoyment of the hunt.

Who are you hunting with?

Buffalobwana,
I'll be hunting with Gene Nixon.I booked this hunt thru Cabela's.Gene has a website www.desertmountainhunts.com
I really don't care if it makes the record book or not,if I get one it will make my book.Just curious of how they are scored.
This is my first hunt away I'm as excited as a kid at Christmas.Been wanting to hunt sheep since I was a kid and used to read Jack O'Conners storys in Outdoor Life.Just couldn't afford Dalls,Stones or Bighorns at this point but I've been warned this sheep hunting is an addiction/sickness Thank You for the info thats what I wanted to know.I plan to post a story of my hunt in Hunting Reports upon my return.

RWS2,

I just saw this post, but Wendell already described the measurement procedure for you. Thanks, Wendell!

Let us know how your hunt went.

Good hunting...jim dodd

HunterJim,
Thats ok,BuffaloBwana got me on the right track.
I plan to give a report and post some pics when I get back.I leave this thurs the 23rd,the hunt is not till the 27-30th,we are driving so we can do a little sight seeing along the way.It will be good to get away from home for awhile and se the country.Keep your fingers crossed and maybe I'll get that big ole ram that the guide said would/should go in the top 10.He said a client missed him last January at 337yds. but if I don't see him I'll be happy with a good repersentive of the species.

Darn, I am busy at that time.

Please post pictures and a story when you return.

I find the West Texas Aoudad to be one of the finest "introduced species" hunts in Texas.

It is a true hunt in a great hunting environment.

Good luck.

BuffaloBwana,
Thanks,it's been a long wait.I'm ready to get warm again it was 6 below yesterday morning here and only getting into the 20s the last few days.
3 days and a wake up till I start that way!