BARBARY SHEEP
The Barbary Sheep (or Aoudad Sheep) was introduced in Spain in the early 70s as a part of a plan to add new hunting species in the country. They were quickly spread over the Eastearn coast (Sierra Espuña mainly), thanks to the abundant vegetation and food, the lack of predators and the high birth rate. However, they can also be found in fenced areas inland. It is considered an intermediate between a sheep and a goat. It is a big and robust animal, whose weight is around 100 kg. (220 lb.). Males and females hold similar horns but they are thicker and longer in case of males. Its long mane is very characteristic going from the head to the chest.
THE HUNT
The largest free-range population in Spain is found in the Southeast, mostly from Sierra Espuña National Park to the North along the coast. The usual warm temperatures found here and the rocky mountains with low vegetation, recreate somehow the Aoudad original habitat found in the Northern mountains of Africa. Therefore, the tough conditions of these mountains can make this hunt quite demanding. In fact, it probably is one of the toughest hunts in Spain.
As any other mountain game, the hunt is conducted in spot and stalk, so the hunter must be ready to long walks in difficult conditions and eventual long shots over 200 m. (220 yd.).
THE HUNTING AREA
Our hunting area is a private land located to the North of the mentioned National Park. It is a huge area offering nice views over the sea but very rocky and steep at many corners, so an excellent shape is needed when going after this trophy.
Over the years, the Barbary Sheep has been very prolific in this region, contributing to the desertification of the mountains. In this way, a new management policy has been established, and the hunter is also allowed to shoot two females besides a proper male trophy. In this way, a reduction of the population is pretended.
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