Sheep hunting in South Africa

Although Sheep are not indigenous to South Africa, three species of sheep can be hunted in South Africa. These are namely, the Barbary Sheep also known as an Aoudad, the Four-horned or Jacob's Sheep and Mouflon. Barbary Sheep were originally introduced from the mountainous regions of North Africa where their populations are declining. They have developed a reputation as being destructive animals which competed with indigenous game species and with livestock for food. They once occurred on Table Mountain before being exterminated. Today they are mostly hunted in the highlands of the Eastern Cape and in the Northern Cape Province. The introduction of the Four-horned Sheep probably occurred many centuries ago when surviving and escaping Sheep from the many ships shipwrecked along the South African coastline. Remamnents of these domesticated Sheep can still be found interbreeding with rural sheep breeds along the Wild Coast. Mouflon sheep are less commonly found in the country with the majority being on the game ranches of the Nothern Cape. In general Sheep distribution and hunting in South Africa are limited to a few game ranches in various areas. No special licenses are required to hunt or export these trophies as these animals are classified as exotics.