Texas Adds Aoudad to the List of Animals You Can Hunt from Helicopters
BY Herschel Smith
2 days, 10 hours ago
Lone Star lawmakers recently added aoudads to the list of animals hunters can shoot from helicopters in Texas as part of a management tool to aid in the ongoing fight against the invasive sheep.
Senate Bill 1245, which passed both state legislative chambers and was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in May, will go into effect Sept. 1. The bill expands Texas’ aerial wildlife management permit system, which previously only listed feral hogs and coyotes, to include aoudad. Aerial culling efforts have helped Texas with its burgeoning feral swine population. A 2019 USDA study found that helicopter hog hunting, also called “porkchopping,” has successfully reduced hog numbers by at least 31 percent.
Gross. Well, whatever. That’s just my reaction. Do as you wish – I see value in hunting hogs any way you can.
As for Aoudad, I think I’d rather stalk them.
On June 11, 2025 at 10:20 am, Matt said:
Hog hunting from a helicopter is a blast. At least according to several co-workers who have done it. My schedule hasn’t done me any favors. Lucky guys.
On June 11, 2025 at 10:52 am, Michael Gilson said:
I wonder if the law allows you to use a two person ultra light? You could do it Night Witch style, spot your target from a distance, shut off the engine and glide into firing range so they don’t hear you coming then restart the engine as soon as the shot is made.
On June 12, 2025 at 11:07 am, Ken said:
MG, no. Ultralights “generally” don’t/cannot fly at night per FAA regs. Including 30 minutes after sunup and 30 minutes before sundown. Former flight instructor.