Nilgai hunt

[Mauser3000]

That will kill any nilgai that ever walked the planet. The trick will be getting close enough to use it effectively.

I agree. The load and bullet will do the trick but pick an outfitter that will put in the time to get you close. I shot my Nilgai offhand in an oak motte at 40 yards.

 

[Trogon]

I hunted the King Ranch this past mid-February with a family member for Nilgai. Both days ended up being in the high 80's temp wise (unfortunately), just how it worked out. The weather had been a bit cooler previously. My cousin got first stalk through an oak motte to an open grassy area and shot his at under 100 yards. A little behind the shoulder with a 300 grain Swift A-frame (.375 H&H Magnum) and it ended up running right at him and the guide. Another bullet straight on in the chest plus the guide's .35 Whelen with TTSX bullets dropped it within 10 feet of where they were standing.
I had multiple failed stalks over large, open areas and found that Nilgai have incredible eyesight-if you could see them, they could see you, and would run away immediately. Finally I had an opportunity as the sun was setting, after sneaking up on a group of 8 Nilgai, with 2 bulls. Shot mine broadside at 260 yards off Primos Truggersticks-would have liked an opportunity a bit closer. Calmed down and hit my bull broadside through the shoulder with a 300 grain TSX from my .375 H&H Mag, it reared up and ran with the rest and initially wasn't found until it was dark, using headlamps. It ran nearly 100 yards. I'd likely use my .375 H&H Mag again. Both of these nilgai field-dressed out to 307 lbs and 330 lbs.
An oddity was seeing waterbuck running around, I hadn't realized they were on ranches down there.

 

[flatwater bill]

@Trogon That was very useful info. Thanks for posting the field dressed weights. The places that I called are far south in Texas, and am hoping to find something a little further north. Maybe Feb is the right time, based on temps............FWB

 

[Trogon]

@Trogon That was very useful info. Thanks for posting the field dressed weights. The places that I called are far south in Texas, and am hoping to find something a little further north. Maybe Feb is the right time, based on temps............FWB

I believe highs were mid 60's prior to our arrival but also a bit of rain involved. The bulls we shot were about the average size bull we saw. A couple appeared larger but poor opportunities at a shot.

 

[Trogon]

I should have mentioned this in regards to where I hunted on the King Ranch. The large area west of the Norias Division (west side of Route 77) had large open fields where bulldozers were used with old anchor chain for mesquite removal. Cover seemed to be mostly mesquite of varying age. So longer shots expected (200 yards at least). Most concerning to me were US Border patrols in the same area, keeping animals on alert and skittish. Once an animal ran, everything ran out of sight.
I was told that Border Patrol were supposed to contact King Ranch before entry, not so sure that was occurring.

 

[shootist~]

All the talk about hunting in the South Texas heat...I booked my Nilgai hunt to start next Monday.

Lows are projected to be around 30* F or so and highs only in the mid 40s. Cloudy and breezy.

As my hunting buddy reminds me, "mid 40s is cold on the coast".

So how cold is too cold for Nilgai be moving?

 

[Green Chile]

That's a good question. I would talk to the guides or their biologist. I've seen nilgai killed in big freezes, etc. The guides will know.

 

[dchum]

I've taken two nilgai in extreme south Texas, on a private ranch. I think a nilgai hunt is the closest thing to an African PG hunt. The meat from a nilgai is also excellent. Bring a 300 WM or 338 WM.

A couple places I know about, where friends have hunted, are:

Texas Exotic and Deer Hunting Outfitter

Wildlife Systems takes hunting to the next level. We offer hunts for whitetail, mule deer, nilgai, pronghorn, and all types of exotics.

www.wildlifesystems.com

Types & Rates - King Ranch Hunting

King Ranch is the premier hunting destination for whitetail deer, nilgai, turkey, feral hog, javelina, and other game. King Ranch conducts its hunts in a free-range, low-fence, fair-chase environment, offering great opportunities for both experienced and novice hunters. As outlined below, we...

kingranchhunting.com

View attachment 603263

This is good advice here

 

[dchum]

All the talk about hunting in the South Texas heat...I booked my Nilgai hunt to start next Monday.

Lows are projected to be around 30* F or so and highs only in the mid 40s. Cloudy and breezy.

As my hunting buddy reminds me, "mid 40s is cold on the coast".

So how cold is too cold for Nilgai be moving?

It won’t be to bad. Cloudy with those temps is the main issue. If the sun comes out for even a little bit that would be awesome for you. But they have to come out and graze at some point

The rut has started too so you have that going for you.
Moon phase is also a big factor. They are very nocturnal animals so a full moon makes it slower. Looks like the moon will be good for you.

We stalked this nice middle age solo bull - temps where in the mid 40s and windy/cloudy last Tuesday. Notice my hunter in his Kuiu super down puffer.


Good luck

 

[Green Chile]

Nice bull. How far was the shot? They always seem skittish to me. They don't stand around gawking at you.

 

[dchum]

Nice bull. How far was the shot? They always seem skittish to me. They don't stand around gawking at you.

The shot was at just about 200 yards. 180gr ttsx 300 win. Brazilian Hunter used the camp loaner rifle. Perfect setup.
Saw the bull feeding with his butt to us walking down a sandy road. We were headed into a low spot so kept going to the bottom and killed the truck for 5 mins. Got out on foot and crested the hill on the road and he was at the bottom. He was crossing the road and I had to clap and yell to get his attention before going into brush. Hunter laughed after how I was hollering and clapping to get him to stop. They though it was crazy.

Entrance on point of left shoulder and exit right through the other. That exit gave us a rare blood trail for about 100 yards. We gave him 20 mins before starting on the trail. No drama and fun hunt. Good solid representative solo bull. Hard horns with no caps and decent weight

 

[Green Chile]

Nicely done. Rare blood trail indeed. They are tough critters. How many have you guided for and what would you say the average shot distance is? My only one was at about 180 yards and he looked like he wanted to come out of his skin for being so close to us. I would love to guide for them. Neat animals. Sadly they are wounded and lost too often.

 

[Doubleplay]

The shot was at just about 200 yards. 180gr ttsx 300 win. Brazilian Hunter used the camp loaner rifle. Perfect setup.
Saw the bull feeding with his butt to us walking down a sandy road. We were headed into a low spot so kept going to the bottom and killed the truck for 5 mins. Got out on foot and crested the hill on the road and he was at the bottom. He was crossing the road and I had to clap and yell to get his attention before going into brush. Hunter laughed after how I was hollering and clapping to get him to stop. They though it was crazy.

Entrance on point of left shoulder and exit right through the other. That exit gave us a rare blood trail for about 100 yards. We gave him 20 mins before starting on the trail. No drama and fun hunt. Good solid representative solo bull. Hard horns with no caps and decent weight

Is it possible to use a double rifle and get under 100 yards for Nilgai?

 

[shootist~]

Thanks for the info - and the hunt details @dchum

 

[dchum]

Nicely done. Rare blood trail indeed. They are tough critters. How many have you guided for and what would you say the average shot distance is? My only one was at about 180 yards and he looked like he wanted to come out of his skin for being so close to us. I would love to guide for them. Neat animals. Sadly they are wounded and lost too often.

Where I am guiding at the moment in Brooks county, Texas it’s pretty brushy. Longest shot this season was 320 yards from on a sand dune. But I have had a few at that 275-300yards. Once they see you… you are not getting closer (as I’m sure you know)

Yes they are notoriously tough. They seem to always have adrenaline running. But I think many are lost because of bad shot placement. Their vitals are very far forward, Even more so than say a Kudu….
Most who come to hunt Nilgai have only hunted deer. So it is hard for them to trust / just not used to aiming that far forward. Center punch a Nilgai and he’s gone to the next county.

East of here more on highway 77 (mostly Kennedy ranch). You get the true costal plains and dunes. This is very open country and can have very long shot opportunities

Here is a picture I took hunting a Kennedy ranch pasture.

 

[dchum]

Is it possible to use a double rifle and get under 100 yards for Nilgai?

Yes but you need to pick the right area and property to have the best odds. You might see one at 170 yards and there will be no way to get closer. But I suppose you like the challenge of a double and that’s part of it.

Might take a few trips but will be sweet victory if you do it

 

[Green Chile]

Bowhunters take them so I'm sure it could be done with the right setup. You might easily go home without one as stated.

 

[Doubleplay]

Bowhunters take them so I'm sure it could be done with the right setup. You might easily go home without one as stated.

I think bow hunters use blinds or stands for nilgai.

 

[dchum]

I think bow hunters use blinds or stands for nilgai.

Most sit at water holes for archery.

People do stalk them with bows but it is not very common and quite the task.

For your double rifle hunt you just need some luck and a good windy day to muffle the noise of the approach.

 

[Inline6]

Bowhunters take them so I'm sure it could be done with the right setup. You might easily go home without one as stated.

It took us 3 trips using a 300WM. They did not stop or we did not see what we considered a trophy.