Aoudad (Arrui) Hunting in Spain: Free-Range Barbary Sheep
A magnificent desert sheep, free-ranging in Spain's southeast — a favourite with Mexican and North American hunters.
The aoudad or Barbary sheep — arrui in Spanish, Ammotragus lervia — is one of the most charismatic mountain trophies you can take in Spain, and a great complement to an ibex hunt.
How the aoudad came to Spain
Native to North Africa, the aoudad was introduced to the Sierra Espuña in Murcia in 1970 and has since spread across Spain's southeast — Murcia, Almería, Alicante, Albacete, Granada and Jaén — where it thrives on free-range ground.
The hunt
Arid, rocky sierra and long glassing sessions; mature rams are wary and carry heavy, flowing horns and the distinctive chaps of long body hair. Physically honest but accessible spot-and-stalk.
Season and trophy
Best in autumn and winter. A good ram is a spectacular trophy and, for many visiting hunters, an unexpected highlight of a Spain trip. See the season calendar.
Trophy import
The aoudad taken in Spain is not a CITES-listed trophy, so it comes home cleanly — confirm specifics with us. See import to Mexico.
Plan it
Combine an aoudad with an ibex or a red-stag hunt — tell us in the trip designer and we confirm availability within 24 hours.