Exotic Wildlife Association Position paper
Texas SB 1245: The Helicopter Aoudad Bill
In its most recent session, the Texas legislature passed SB 1245 which allows hunting of aoudad sheep by helicopter in Texas, west of the Pecos River. The purpose of SB 1245 is to control the growing population of aoudad sheep in the region. Barbary sheep (audad) can carry the disease Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. Ovi), and while it does not seriously harm the aoudad, it causes pneumonia in Big Horn sheep which is often fatal. Texas Parks and Wildlife has documented an estimated 50% decline in the Desert Big Horn Sheep population in Texas since 2021 due to pneumonia.
EWA agrees with and supports efforts to control the aoudad population and protect Big Horn Sheep. While some organizations and associations believe that mass eradication is the gold standard for managing aoudad sheep in west Texas, EWA has always advocated for “conservation through commerce” building an economic value for exotic animals and using that value to improve conditions for both animals and people. We believe in supporting the abilities of west Texas landowners to manage their lands and the aoudad roaming those lands so that they can realize the economic value of these animals rather than them being shot from a helicopter and left to waste by the thousands.
While helicopter depredation can be a useful tool in a landowner or managers tool box, and it is clearly necessary in some cases, ultimately, the better answer is live capture and hunting of these species.
Live capture and hunting could provide a greater opportunity to study ways to combat the M. Ovi disease and potentially funding to help support the research. Through these capture efforts, we might learn more and create a better understanding of the bacteria, how to prevent it’s spread or find a treatment to help native game species in a very delicate region.
EWA promotes “conservation through commerce” with regard to all native and non-native wildlife since 1967. We believe that the Desert Big Horn sheep, aoudad sheep, and the Texas landowner can all benefit from the “conservation through commerce” approach of live capture and hunting.
EWA board member Calan Ahrens of Ahrens Ranch and Wildlife will be discussing the aoudad, Desert Big Horn Sheep and SB 1245 on an upcoming episode of Droptine Podcast with Droptine Studios founder and CEO, Austin Pradon. The podcast will be posted for your convenience on YouTube and Spotify within the next week.
(https://www.youtube.com/@droptinestudios4700) (https://open.spotify.com/show/7CyJHKuUKsHwFqTAOp1OCG?si=1d4911fe0d3849c4)
Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is provided solely for educational and advocacy purposes. It does not constitute legal, veterinary, or scientific advice. Individuals and organizations should consult qualified professionals before making decisions related to wildlife management, disease mitigation, or aerial depredation activities. Participation in aerial operations must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulations and FAA requirements.The Exotic Wildlife Association makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information contained herein, and expressly disclaims any liability arising from reliance on this document.