Texas Nilgai price. OUCH

[John Wasmuth]

There is a Facebook group that has a lot of outfitters on it. Texas Nilgai hunters I think it’s called. Lots of price ranges.

 

[wesheltonj]

Let me suggest that you try the TPWD lottery on those animals on federal land in the valley area.

National Refuge Exotic Hunt Category Details - Drawn Hunts - TPWD

tpwd.texas.gov

 

[Altitude sickness]

Nilgai have been on my radar for decades. And accounting for inflation they are still a bargain. And a lot of hunt for $4k.

I will get down there in the coming years. And happily pay the going rate.

It’s still cheaper than buying thousands or hundreds of thousands of acres. Then waiting 5 years or more for an animal to mature.

 

[Philip Glass]

I am sorry but in today's world $3800 is cheap. My friend Greg Simons with Wildlife Systems says he could sell hundreds of hunts a year if he had them. They stay booked up.

 

[deewayne2003]

I wanted to try a Nilgai hunt but recently the price drastically increased and that put me far away from that happening. If you have a better price, please let me know.
Africa seems the best option.

Wow.... $4,800 for 48hrs of hunting with no lodging and 2 field lunches

@Spearhead - You have single handedly killed my desire to hunt Nilgai in my home state; I mean that's 5 days worth of daily fees on a Zimbabwe dangerous game hunt with full accommodation.

 

[pilar]

Yeah I am so disappointed , called the different ranch’s and “ friend “ price was $3000 per person, zero frills
Plus everyone is in a frizzy over the poaching done by the thermal guides who just got arrested by TP&W and Home land security ( seems every thermal hunt is a illegal scam after doing research) don’t fall for the scam and do a thermal hunt off Facebook

Texas Game Wardens charge 3 for leading illegal hunts in Willacy County

A local hunting outfitter and two others have been arrested by the Texas Game Wardens after it was found that they would illegally hunt nilgai on private property, according to a press release from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

myrgv.com

 

[sgt_zim]

Yeah I am so disappointed , called the different ranch’s and “ friend “ price was $3000 per person, zero frills
Plus everyone is in a frizzy over the poaching done by the thermal guides who just got arrested by TP&W and Home land security ( seems every thermal hunt is a illegal scam after doing research) don’t fall for the scam and do a thermal hunt off Facebook

Texas Game Wardens charge 3 for leading illegal hunts in Willacy County

A local hunting outfitter and two others have been arrested by the Texas Game Wardens after it was found that they would illegally hunt nilgai on private property, according to a press release from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

myrgv.com

It isn't that they were hunting at night with thermals. That isn't illegal for any non-game specie in this state. They were in fact poaching.

 

[flatwater bill]

Looking at the total price may be misleading. A two day hunt is fine....if killing something is your main goal. Those who like to actually HUNT often have better uses for $2 grand a day.......These short duration hunts (and they may be done with you after day ONE if you make your kill) don't allow much time for soaking in the ambience. But that's JMO...........FWB

 

[pilar]

It isn't that they were hunting at night with thermals. That isn't illegal for any non-game specie in this state. They were in fact poaching.

Yeah it’s not illegal to thermal, it the fact that you don’t have any clue where you’re at night , maybe legal or maybe poaching or trespass with a firearm = a felony and losing hunting rights and possession of firearms
If it’s on a airboat ! You’re poaching and trespassing ( the ranch’s own to the center of the inter coastal canal/ ditch) and is now zero tolerance to hunt west side of ditch.
be suspicious of these facebook hunts for sure

 

[dchum]

Looking at the total price may be misleading. A two day hunt is fine....if killing something is your main goal. Those who like to actually HUNT often have better uses for $2 grand a day.......These short duration hunts (and they may be done with you after day ONE if you make your kill) don't allow much time for soaking in the ambience. But that's JMO...........FWB

I completely understand and agree, the value of Africa is unmatched in our shared opinion,

On the other hand it is a really great hunt that is close to home for a lot of people. Some people can only get away for a weekend certain years.

You get a chance to hunt on some of the largest and most private / historic ranches in the state. Learn the history of the ranches and enjoy some of the best Tex mex food that south Texas has to offer. The food cant can’t be beat! Not to mention you get hundred of pounds of delicious Nilgai meat to share with family and friends - some of the best table fare in terms of wild game

Spot and stalking a mature bull is very thrilling and rewarding.

 

[John Wasmuth]

Yeah it’s not illegal to thermal, it the fact that you don’t have any clue where you’re at night , maybe legal or maybe poaching or trespass with a firearm = a felony and losing hunting rights and possession of firearms
If it’s on a airboat ! You’re poaching and trespassing ( the ranch’s own to the center of the inter coastal canal/ ditch) and is now zero tolerance to hunt west side of ditch.
be suspicious of these facebook hunts for sure

Thermal hunting at night in Texas for non game species is perfectly legal as long as you are on property that you are lawfully on.

 

[CEO]

Free range nilgai and West Texas aoudad have been on my to-do list since I was a kid. Both seem to be pacing college education levels of inflation. I did hunt them on the Laguna Atascosa draw hunt a few years back.

In regards to the two day hunt, I have a friend that did some guiding when he went to Texas A&M Kingsville. He said most hunts were; meet at the gate, drive in, turn right or left, shoot. I do know plenty of guys who bowhunt them and come up skunked more often than not

 

[SETH RINGER]

$4K FOR A BUNCH OF FUN AND A BUNCH OF GOOD MEAT IS A DEAL.

 

[SETH RINGER]

AS FOR NO ACCOMODATIONS, WILDLIFE SYSTEMS WILL FEED YOU REAL GOOD AND GIVE YOU A NICE PLACE TO SLEEP.

 

[Doug3006]

That terrible freeze they had in Texas a couple of years ago killed a lot of exotics. I wonder if that hurt the Nilgai population and drove up the price.

 

[Tex .416]

Go with Wildlife Systems hunts on the Yturria Ranch, which abuts the southern boundary of the King Ranch. At least as of a few years ago, they stay in the main ranch house, which is beautiful. The cooking was incredible. The nilgai hunts start with driving and then spot and stalk. It is very challenging trying to sneak up on these critters.

 

[dchum]

That terrible freeze they had in Texas a couple of years ago killed a lot of exotics. I wonder if that hurt the Nilgai population and drove up the price.

Hard freeze and ice will take a few old Nilgai always,

But the price rise is because of demand, call any of these top outfitters. They are booked up.

Quotas are not down and in many areas they are up.

 

[K-man]

This is not much different in pricing and experience than a cow elk hunt on private land. Usually a one or two day hunt, you get a reasonable hunt and about 200 to 250 lbs of great meat. I recommend doing it at least once! The outfit I went with on the Kennedy ranch you could pick one trophy bull or two cows for the same price.

 

[shootist~]

But the price rise is because of demand, call any of these top outfitters. They are booked up.

Very true, unfortunately.

Price a guided elk hunt for serious sticker shock. I looked at a trophy whitetail hunt last year before booking my nilgai hunt. Nilgai was a bargain and is spot and stalk on a very tough animal.

When leaving the ranch last month (wow, seems longer), I was advised next season dates were already filling up. I booked early and this old guy can't wait. Less than my last business class ticket to South Africa, btw.

 

[Bush Buck]

The best hunting experience for Nilgai will be found on large ranches south of Kingsville.
A good spot and stalk hunt down there is very similar to hunting southern Africa. The bulls are large and tough and your heavy plains game cartridge is just right.

I do these hunts and enjoy them but most operators have a day hunt mentality - they want you to be successful and then be on your way.
Personally, I'd love a 3 night stay with 2.5 days of hunting at a pleasant all inclusive camp.
Additionally, I want something else to hunt if I tag out on the first day - hogs, coyote, quail, etc.

Unfortunately for us traveling hunters, Lomas Chicas (the OP's outfitter) doesn't have to do any of this because they hunt a very large low fence ranch and stay fully booked with "2 day" hunters who often hunt only one day - maybe only half a day.
Please note that I have hunted with Lomas Chicas multiple times. Sam is a great guy.
They are hard working professionals and know how to hunt Nilgai.

Bush Buck