South Texas Nilgai hunt

[dchum]

I've done that hunt. You will want to pay close attention to the shot placement request of the guides. Nilgai are built different and much tougher than our deer. They can go a LONG ways wounded. Many nilgai have been lost by hunters. They generally do not stand around and give you a long look. Get used to shooting on sticks and don't fiddle around with your scope...leave it in the middle power setting and be prepared to shoot quickly. If it's standing afterwards, hit it again without waiting to be told. I blew big chunks out of mine with a fast 7mm and heavy bullet and did not drop it. My friend lost his that day. They are interesting animals and do not give up easily.

View attachment 652639

Beautiful stacked bases on that nice bull! Love it

 

[rafter3]

My best bull taken on the Kennedy Foundation Ranch a few years ago. Very mature and dark with plenty of battle scars, shot him with a Weatherby 30-378 with a 165 Barnes triple shock he ran about 10 yards.

 

[Zinz]

Best bull so far

That’s a real whopper. Very nice.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I've done two nilgai hunts in south Texas. It is the closest thing to an African PG hunt as you can get. A 300 WM or 338 WM are perfect. I used Swift A-Frames.

Definitely look at the King Ranch or other ranches in the area.

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

 

[Bush Buck]

I enjoy southeast Texas nilgai hunting. Quite similar to hunting in southern Africa if you spot and stalk or hunt on foot.
The venison is almost like lean beef - very pleasant to eat.
Poor blood trails are the norm because of the very thick elastic hide and the sandy soil quickly hides small drops of blood.
Shot opportunities are most common between 150 and 250 but under 100 is possible if hunting on foot.
I had one step forward at the shot with a 300 WSM and 165 TSX (about 125 yards). Hit it broadside about 6" behind the shoulder and it went 150 yards. No bullet exit and almost no blood on the ground but we got LUCKY and found it. Thick mesquite and sandy soil make tracking tough.

After that I switched to a 375 and keep my shots to 200 yards. It works great.
I like the lighter Barnes bullets in 375 but anything you shoot well will work.
Shoot them in the shoulder and don't count on a bullet exit.

 

[Ku-winda]

@TaylorM456 , you are in for a real treat! I can't remember who coined it first, but one of the old time gun writers said something to the effect of "if Nilgai had horns like Kudu, they would be considered one of the greatest game animals on earth!" Don't get caught up on the headgear though, they are as wily as any whitetail and from a table fare perspective, have no comparables in my opinion . Any mature bull hunted properly is a true trophy! I have taken multiple bulls and cows over the years and I like any caliber .338 and up (35 Whelen is a great choice), but premium bullets (I like Swift) that are heavy for caliber are a must. I've seen plenty taken with calibers in the .270-.300 range, but I've also seen some trainwrecks along the way that did not end well. We all know shot placement is paramount though, so a larger caliber is not immune to mishaps. All that said, I like @RR 314 's advice on the .375 - you won't be disappointed with that choice. You will find it a bit like buff hunting - just keep the wind in your face and you will get some good opportunities. Good luck and let us know how it goes.