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.

 

[Throwback]

My son and I both hunted on the King Ranch last year and got one each. Both killed with one shot. Hunt report is on here.

My son used a 300WM, Barnes TTSX 180 grain. His Nilgai was direct frontal shot as he was facing us, looking at us actually. He shot it directly in the white spot under the neck as the guide told him to do. It literally dropped, couldnt even take a step.

I used a 7mm PRC, Hornady CX 165 grain. I shot mine broadside. Bullet went through the heart and it was a total pass through. The guide was surprised as he had said only Barnes TTSX passed through normally. Those CX bullets are copper and hold together well. The animal did run a little but crumpled, all in sight.

I think your 300WM will work with the right bullet. I would not switch to another rifle/caliber unless you are confident in your ability with it. Again, that 300WM can do it. I second that it is close to hunting PG in Africa. Shooting off sticks in a hurry will be likely. Keep shooting until the guide says stop, you are paying for this.

Cheers

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Nice trophies.

 

[Ragman]

Nilgai is a hunt that interests me very much. Especially if I could add on a javelina or two. Some great bulls posted here.

 

[dchum]

Nilgai is a hunt that interests me very much. Especially if I could add on a javelina or two. Some great bulls posted here.

You definitely could add a javelina and wouldn’t be to hard to get your two tag limit.

Cool unique critter that us locals overlook. Boone and Crockett just opened a category for javalinas to is week so could go for a record haha.

 

[K-man]

I went on a nilgai hunt just 11 months ago on the Kennedy ranch. I took my .300 win mag as the guides there say they have lost more Nilgai to the .375H&H than any other caliber. I felt that was counterintuitive but listened. Mine dropped at the shot, the barnes 180 grain did not exit but was just under the off side skin. Yes, they are great eating, my children keep raiding my freezer for it every time they come over.