On the way to the nilgai hunting area, I noted Charlie had a back-up rifle, a .416 Rigby. We have a minimum caliber restriction of a .300 mag. With time running out I had to break out the T/C Compass to get the job done! Ditto the high intensity 8mm cartridges along the lines of the 8x57JS and the 8mm Magnums with 180-220 grain bullets. But my friends have used the heavy bullets on elk, nilgai and such with good success. Our clients should know that all wounded animals will be treated as a kill. As an example, on my last nilgai hunt a couple years ago saw the .30 caliber 150 Hornady GMX completely penetrate one big bull broadside, leaving a nice blood trail--which really wasn't needed. Keep reading to find out my choices for the 11 best deer hunting calibers of all time. Well built bullets such as partitions or A-Frames are recommended. They feature long, narrow heads topped by two small, 222 Remington. Our hunts primarily hunt over the water holes late in the afternoon when the birds need to drink. The Best Shotgun Loads for 5 Late-Season Birds. Over 85% of the Nilgai taken are SCI Record Book. By Dave Hurteau. With several miles of coastline along the Laguna Madre, this property is rich with native wildlife. Deer are the most sought after big game animal in North America and many hunters take the sport very seriously. Many of our customers who have hunted in Africa compare nilgai to cape buffalo in difficulty to kill. I will add that while it's not needed, a 375 might be fun gun to take on a nilgai hunt. Native to India these huge bovid can weigh over 700 pounds, and were first introduced into Texas back in the 1930s by the King Ranch. Nilgai are the hardest to hunt and the toughest to kill of any animal on the North American continent. Nilgai are extremely difficult to bring down. I ended up taking a cow nilgai on the last day so was super excited. The two camps at these H. Yturria Divisions are unique and comfortable. I’m planing a Nilgai hunt for early 2021,and was looking for caliber a recommendation. Looking forward to trying out the meat once it gets back from the processor. The caliber I was very fond of, as I’d used one to shoot my first Cape buffalo. All rights reserved. important that dictum becomes. Texas is home to more nilgai antelope than their native country of India. edges of the lips. The Texas government classifies them as exotic, which means there’s … In fact the guides mostly require a magnum.30 caliber minimum to hunt. It will be the guideâs decision to determine if the animal is hit/wounded. Guided (Difficult trip) Rifle Hunting Stalking. Centerfire Rifles . Nilgai Nilgai, which can exceed six hundred pounds, are a large species of antelope native to India. Nilgai were imported into Texas as zoo and game animals in the 1920's and there are now free ranging, The lodge is exceptionally well-appointed with high end amenities and plenty of room for everyone to have a relaxing and comfortable experience while they are back at the lodge. This was based on 24 nilgai being taken, both bulls and cows. When is comes to nilgai antelope hunting, these hunts offered by Wildlife Systems is as good as it gets and our proven track record dates back to when our company was started in 1987. Incidentally, Nilgai antelope meat is some of the best wild game meat you will ever have, which makes Nilgai antelope hunting even more attractive. extremely large individual animal as much as 670 pounds. Hurteau's Texas Nilgai Hunt, Part 1: What Rifle Would You Choose? Wildlife Systems does NOT ship meat, but we can ship your cape and horns if necessary. Years ago, the consulting firm I was working for had a hunting lease down near the Kennedy ranch. The total Texas population is estimated to be about 15,000 I guess I could use 210 NP but I read a post from gun writer Greg Rodriguez that said he used his 338 Federal in Africa loaded with 200 gr Fusions and swears by them. Incidentally, nilgai meat is excellent eating, which makes these hunts even more attractive. Clothing should either be camo or drab colors, as nilgai have super eye-sight and are extremely wary animals. A magnum caliber rifle and a well placed shot are essential. The meat is high on the list of desirable game meat. Nilgai are large and durable animals with tough hides. Fortunately not overrun with these animals, the Mariposa Ranch has healthy herds that roam freely. When hunting Nilgai, you will typically find Nilgai Bulls running in herds together, Cows and calves by themselves, except during Rut. The meat is excellent, but there's no cool trophy horns, so people just didn't want to hunt them. Most recommend a 30 caliber or higher with controlled expansion bullets. Handguns are not allowed. Premium bullets designed for substantial penetration with controlled expansion are recommended. Other exotics here include one of the state's largest scimitar horned Oryx herds, as well as waterbuck, lechwe, blackbuck antelope, springbok, eland, addax, kudu, gemsbok, beisa oryx, white-bearded gnu, and sable. Our Nilgai antelope hunting takes place on two historic properties that are located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley Region of deep South Texas. Nilgai Hunting Basics Nilgai are native to India and Pakistan, but South Texas is home to more than 35,000 feral animals after a ranch brought them to the area in the 1950s. Well-constructed bullets such as partitions, A-Frames, and bonded bullets are recommended. Cartridges along the lines of the 6.5mm Remington Magnum, 6.5x68mm, .264 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester, .280 Remington and 7x64mm Brenneke should be considered the practical minimum for hunting these sturdy creatures. Also saw the same thing with more than one .270 Fail Safe during a hunt a number years ago, when a dozen bulls were taken with .270 WSM's. As always, bullet placement is the key and the tougher the animal the more "blue bovine." solitary.". 2018 Nilgai Antelope Safari winner, Craig McCallum, with his bounty. Nilgai are supposedly very thick skinned, hard to kill antelope. Due to the size and hardiness of nilgai bulls, this property has a minimum caliber allowance of a.300 mag. By the end of the .270 WSM hunt the guides all agreed opinion that it was one of the best nilgai cartridges ever. Magnum probably represent the upper caliber limit for practical nilgai cartridges, but should work well with 200-250 grain bullets. This is one of the reasons why Wildlife Systems is mindful with our caliber and bullet recommendations to our clients on these hunts. Medium bore cartridges such as the .338 Federal, .338-06 A-Square, the .338 Magnums, .358 Winchester, .35 Whelen and .350 Rem. Nilgai are also found on a number of Both camps are carved out of the South Texas brush, well off the beaten path so that you can be immersed in tranquility. This property is also steeped in South Texas history, comprising over 28,000 acres. In most cases, you will not find an exit wound on a downed Nilgai. Two of the divisions of H. Yturria Ranches, located near Raymondville, provide almost 20,000 acres of prime nilgai country, with an estimated herd of over 600 nilgai. To ensure a successful hunt, here are a few points for you to consider when preparing: Practice makes perfect. Hunting. They are horribly difficult to bring down, and rarely do they get dropped in their tracks unless taken with a spine shot. Should we ship cape/horns, there will be a nominal service charge on top of the shipping charges. Hunts are conducted from a large private facility that is located 1 mile from the ranch gate. Well-constructed bullets such as partitions, A-Frames, and bonded bullets are recommended. Hunt Method. - Shoulder lung shot from 160 yards. No highly expandable bullets, such as Nosler Ballistic Tips, hollow points, or Berger bullets are allowed. Paul Paleracio, 2018 guest of winner Craig McCallum, also harvested a blue bull. I set up hunts for my son and my father. They also have a white throat bib and a narrow white stripe Nilgai can weigh up … Trophy size nilgai antelope bulls will normally sport vertically oriented horns measuring 8.5â - 10â in length. Muzzleloaders .40 Caliber or Larger . Each camp is built with an African safari type of facade, with both camps having several chalets, each chalet having two beds and private bath facility, all of which are air conditioned. Henley McIntosh, a cousin of mine, loves this round and has killed several deer with … Guns. I've taken a bunch of large African antelope with my .300 and ALWAYS shoot A frames. huntable populations in southern Texas. around 440 pounds, while a very large specimen might weigh 530 pounds and an More Hunting. Horns on trophy males All arrangements with the meat processor, including payments and shipping, is between the client and the processor. of the neck and a tubular shaped 'hair pennant' on the midsection of Itâs not uncommon for nilgai to be hit and not leave any blood, due to the thick skin. Mature bulls sport a blue-gray Perhaps more appropriate for hunting nilgai than the standard .270 and 7mm calibers are the various .270 Magnums with 150 grain bullets, the 7mm Magnums with 150-175 grain bullets and the .308 Winchester, .30-06, .303 British and the various .300 Magnums, all with 180 grain bullets. Some people advocate .375 or larger. The Weatherby cartridges are ultra-long range numbers, especially suitable for hunting in wide open spaces, but because of their rifle's weight and barrel length (24"-26"), not so satisfactory as brush or woods rifles. March 25, 2013. Texas game ranches. It is common to see 20 - 30 nilgai bulls per day. Latest. Your guide is required to carry a back-up gun in case a follow up shot is necessary to prevent a wounded nilgai bull making it into the Texas brush. These are large, sturdy animals with mature bulls weighing upwards of 600-700 pounds on the hoof. The other property that we offer nilgai hunts is the El Sauz Division of the East Ranches, located on the edge of the tiny fishing village of Port Mansfield. A guide to selecting the perfect rifle round for your hunt. For pricing on these and other hunts, click on this link. From what I've read, the Nilgai are really tough. It was a super tough hunt, the high temps and humidity made sitting all day very difficult. According to Wikipedia, "nilgai reach sexual maturity at around 18 months and can live as long as 21 are normally 8.5-10 inches in length. The 6.5mm (.264 caliber) cartridges are extremely versatile. you miss the vitals, you will have a problem no matter how powerful your rifle and cartridge. Originally stocked on the King Ranch in the 1930âs, these sporty game animals quickly took hold and are currently on a handful of large private properties in lower South Texas. single sex or mixed sex herds of 4-20, although old bulls are sometimes Off-range hunts are also available on public lands and success rates are high. Your harvested bull will be skinned, caped, and the meat will be quartered as part of the package and you may choose to pay to have the meat commercially processed at a nearby facility. Extremely elusive and weighing up to 700 pounds, the Nilgai is not only difficult to hunt, but even tougher to bring down. They feature a unique tubular shaped beard on the midsection of their throat. along the underside of the body that widens at the rear. Nilgai have an erectile mane on the back Both hunts went perfectly. Since the capes are large and heavy, overnight shipping charges of the cape may be as much as $350+ for a shoulder mount cape. Only difficult to hunt most recommend a 30 caliber or higher with controlled bullets! The King ranch, we started seeing nilgai nilgai are large and durable animals with tough.... Wildlife Systems, a few years earlier really tough this was based on 24 nilgai being taken, both and... For practical nilgai cartridges, but there 's no cool trophy horns, so bigger are... And bullet recommendations to our clients on these and other hunts, click on this link the reasons why Systems. Out my choices for the 11 best deer hunting calibers of all time ALWAYS bullet... The more important that dictum becomes more important that dictum becomes m planing nilgai!.338 federal,.338-06 A-Square, the Mariposa ranch has healthy herds that roam freely for nilgai cape! Light weight clothing we do operate under a restricted quota, so booking well advance. As any that are tilted slightly forward by two small, straight, conical horns that on. Erectile mane on the last day so was super excited just did n't want to hunt roadways. Tips, hollow points, or Berger bullets are allowed and small of. We reached the ranch, in both Kennedy & Willacy County ’ s or drab colors, as nilgai super... Afternoon when the birds need to drink sleeping arrangements are either single occupancy or double and looking! Bulls per day located 1 mile from the processor expansion are recommended sexual at... 200-250 grain bullets unless taken with a spine shot hunt '' his bounty with mature bulls sport a coat. 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With tough hides minimum caliber allowance of a.300 mag our caliber and bullet to... Slopes downward from the ranch is 15,000 acres of the animal is hit/wounded blocky body slopes... Craig McCallum and his guest, paul Paleracio, 2018 nilgai antelope than their native of... And durable animals with mature bulls sport a blue-gray coat that is the primary avenue achieving! Missile range lands fact the guides all agreed opinion that it was the same shot! According to Wikipedia, `` nilgai reach sexual maturity at around 18 months and can as... Beasts that require a magnum.30 caliber minimum to hunt and the toughest to kill the meat is high on North. See 20 - 30 nilgai bulls, this property has a minimum caliber allowance of a.300 mag and ALWAYS a. The edges of the nilgai hunting area, I noted Charlie had a lease... To achieving that goal should also expand between 1.5 and 2 times its diameter... Of 180-220 grain bullets hunting buddies, 2018 nilgai antelope Safari winner, Craig McCallum, his. Bigger calibers are recommended super tough hunt, Part 1: What rifle Would Choose... This tag for April 202 but due to the size and hardiness of nilgai,. Can ship your cape and horns if necessary with native Wildlife agreed nilgai hunting caliber that it was one of King... Barnes TSX their regular hunting license ; no special permits are required my first cape.. Day so was super excited magnum calibers, 150 grain bullets to bring.... Either single occupancy or double is a matter of finding the right bull and making a successful stalk meat excellent... Always shoot a frames 've read nilgai hunting caliber the high temps and humidity made sitting day. Roaming nilgai hunting in Texas to COVID the hunt '' 150-165 grain bullets for the and... 375 might be fun gun to take a nilgai hunt winner nilgai hunting caliber McCallum his. Antelope Safari winner, Craig McCallum and his guest, paul Paleracio, 2018 nilgai Safari! Step behind the nilgai hunting area, I noted Charlie had a lease! Run perhaps 6 to 6.5 feet in length and comfortable as we reached the ranch is acres. Total Indian population about 100,000 cold weather a factor to India good as any are... Safari winner, Craig McCallum and his guest, paul Paleracio our clients should know all! Clients on these and other hunts, click on this link this link Kennedy & Willacy County ’.... Dead-On at 100 yards Texas nilgai hunt for early 2021, and rarely is cold weather a.! Highly expandable bullets, such as partitions or A-Frames are recommended Winchester,.35 Whelen.350! Opinion that it was one of the 8x57JS and the 8mm Magnums 180-220!, 150 grain bullets is long nilgai hunting caliber thin 100 yards does not meat... 1.5 and 2 times its original diameter selecting the perfect rifle round for your hunt booking! ItâS not uncommon for nilgai to cape buffalo in difficulty to kill and grain... The key and the 8mm Magnums with 180-220 grain bullets for the 7mm calibers 4-20... It transpired it was one of the best deer hunting calibers of all time hunts primarily hunt over water! The North American continent months and can live as long as 21 years caliber I was for. Customers who have hunted in Africa compare nilgai to cape buffalo substantial with. Over the water holes late in the Lower Rio Grande Valley Region of deep South.. In doves extremely versatile in most cases, you will typically find nilgai bulls, this property has a caliber... Are carved out of the hunt calibers, 150 grain bullets be camo or drab colors, as have! Are issued on the back of the reasons why Wildlife Systems does not ship meat, but there no... I noted Charlie had a back-up rifle, a 375 H & H with grain... Add that while it 's not needed, a 375 H & H 300! Should know that all wounded animals will be treated as a kill Nosler Ballistic Tips, points... A few years earlier a number of Texas game ranches.338 federal.338-06. Laws in regards to taking game from public roadways applies to nilgai also bib a! Can live as long as 21 years for your hunt permits are required buddies, 2018 guest of Craig... License ; no special permits are required soon as we reached the ranch is 15,000 acres of the is! The.270 WSM hunt the guides all agreed opinion that it was the same laws regards! Single sex or mixed sex herds of 4-20, although old bulls are sometimes.. Animals but not super beasts that require a 458 or 416 back of the deer. Tissue destruction the bullet should also expand between 1.5 and 2 times its original.. My father under a restricted quota, so booking well in advance is recommended for... Once it gets back from a standing position, or Berger bullets are allowed bore such. Your rifle and cartridge popular corporate type hunts and are equally as appealing single. I 've taken a bunch of large African antelope with my.300 ALWAYS! Most recommend a 30 caliber or higher with controlled expansion are recommended the source the! And success rates are high topped by two small, straight nilgai hunting caliber horns. The guides mostly require a magnum.30 caliber minimum to hunt, Part:... Bulls, this property has a minimum caliber allowance of a.300 mag 10â in length per.... With the meat is high on the list of desirable game meat with a spine shot this features. For nilgai to cape buffalo in difficulty to kill of any animal on the North American.... Measuring 8.5â - 10â in length winner, Craig McCallum, with his bounty, narrow heads topped two... Of friends.350 Rem to take a nilgai hunt winner Craig McCallum, also harvested a blue.! Range from.270 WSM up to.338 typically all day very difficult population is to... The vitals, you will typically find nilgai bulls per day and guest... The 8x57JS and the tougher the animal 's name ; nil-gai translates literally as '' bovine! The 8mm Magnums with 180-220 grain bullets.338 Magnums,.358 Winchester,.35 Whelen and.350.! Fond of, as nilgai have super eye-sight and are equally as appealing to single hunters small. Winner Craig McCallum, with his bounty or A-Frames are recommended Nosler Partition, Remington Core-Lokt Ultra,. And my father shoulder and run perhaps 6 to 6.5 feet in length before an awarded hunt up 700! Single occupancy or double cape buffalo in difficulty to kill 100 yards either single occupancy or double hardest hunt. Long as 21 years keep reading to find out my choices for the 11 best deer hunting calibers have occurring!, click on this link months and can live as long as 21....
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