Midnight Urial Hunts

Midnight Urial Hunting in Texas

Few exotic sheep make an impression quite like a mature midnight urial. With their deep chocolate-to-black coats, massive sweeping horns, and alert nature, these remarkable animals offer one of the most distinctive trophy hunting experiences available in Texas.

At BarBell Ranch in Sweetwater, Texas, our carefully managed midnight urial herd has demonstrated extraordinary trophy potential. In 2026, hunter Chance Tidwell harvested a magnificent midnight urial at BarBell Ranch that set a new world record, an achievement confirmed by the ranch and a defining moment in our hunting history.

For hunters looking to add an exceptional dark-coated ram to their trophy collection, BarBell Ranch offers the opportunity to pursue these impressive sheep in the heart of West Texas.

Characteristics for an Exceptional Trophy

The midnight urial is a distinctive type of exotic sheep developed through selective breeding in the North American exotic-game industry. Prized for its dark coloration and impressive horn development, it stands apart from more traditional trophy rams.

Mature midnight urial can develop heavy, sweeping horns that curl outward and backward, creating an unmistakable silhouette. Their deep coloration ranges from rich chocolate brown to nearly black, making them especially striking against the rugged West Texas landscape.

Hunters evaluating trophy rams often consider horn length, mass, symmetry, and overall maturity.

At BarBell Ranch, our herd is managed with an emphasis on the characteristics that make midnight urial so desirable: beautiful dark coats, impressive horn genetics, and outstanding trophy quality.

Chance Tidwell's World-Record Midnight Urial

One of the proudest moments in BarBell Ranch history came in 2026, when Chance Tidwell harvested a world-record midnight urial right here at the ranch.

During a guided hunt in Sweetwater, Chance and his guide located an extraordinary ram whose horn development immediately distinguished it from the other sheep.

After carefully working into position, Chance made a successful shot with his Christensen Arms 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.

The ram's exceptional horn length, mass, and overall score established a new world record, as confirmed by BarBell Ranch.

This remarkable harvest represents an important milestone for the ranch and demonstrates the extraordinary trophy quality our midnight urial herd has produced.

Photographs of Chance and his world-record ram are featured in our gallery, giving prospective hunters a firsthand look at one of the most remarkable animals harvested at BarBell Ranch.

While no hunter can be promised a record-book animal, knowing that a herd has already produced a world-record ram makes pursuing midnight urial at BarBell Ranch an especially exciting opportunity.

Spot-and-Stalk or Blind Midnight Urial Hunts

At BarBell Ranch, hunters can choose between professionally guided spot-and-stalk hunting and hunting from a blind.

Spot-and-Stalk Midnight Urial Hunting

For hunters who enjoy an active pursuit, spot-and-stalk hunting offers an exciting way to experience these impressive trophy sheep.

The hunt begins with locating and evaluating rams, often using binoculars to scan the surrounding hillsides and open country.

Once a suitable animal is identified, you and your guide will assess the wind, terrain, and available cover to plan a careful approach.

Midnight urial are alert animals, and their natural awareness can make approaching a mature ram challenging. The process of locating a trophy, planning a stalk, and working into position for an ethical shot adds to the excitement and satisfaction of the hunt.

Hunting Midnight Urial From a Blind

Hunters who prefer a more stationary approach can pursue midnight urial from one of the ranch's hunting blinds.

Blind hunting allows you to observe animal movement and patiently wait for an appropriate shooting opportunity without the physical demands of an active stalk.

Both hunting methods are professionally guided, allowing hunters to choose the experience that best matches their hunting preferences and abilities.

Midnight Urial Hunts in Sweetwater, West Texas

Located in Sweetwater, Texas, BarBell Ranch offers hunters the opportunity to pursue remarkable exotic sheep while experiencing the landscape and hospitality of West Texas.

Our established midnight urial herd, experienced guides, and history of exceptional trophy production make the ranch an appealing destination for serious exotic sheep hunters.

Whether you're pursuing your first exotic ram, working toward a sheep slam, or searching for a particularly impressive trophy, BarBell Ranch offers an opportunity to hunt where a world-record midnight urial has already been harvested.

Midnight urial hunts range from $1,300 to $4,500, depending on the animal and current availability.

For hunters searching for midnight urial hunts in Texas, guided exotic ram hunts, or a ranch with demonstrated world-record trophy potential, BarBell Ranch offers a distinctive West Texas hunting experience.

Contact BarBell Ranch to discuss available midnight urial rams, current pricing, and your preferred hunting dates.