Nilgai year end review

[Russ]

Well Hunting season for me is over finally
Did pretty good in the Exotics Dept. this year .... 12 Nilgai in pics and about another 10 I didn't get pics of but wish I could.













And the best for last, my Hog dog guide for the hunts we do out at the lease Sam with the bull we got him couple weeks ago, 100 yard double lung and the last time he held a scope rifle was a LONG time ago!!! Stalk about 3/4 - 1 mile to a second tank after spotting him a nother tank and put the whack on him!



I was a busy dude let me tell ya

[Mike]

Nice pics Russ!

I'd like to try some of that meat one day... I hear they are excellant on the table.

[Sean]

great pics russ, very cool! those sure are some big animals

[NThoghunter]

Congrats, big and elusive animals from what I hear.

[GitDatHawg]

Dang that looked like a good time!!  Are you a guide or was that a guided hunt etc.??  That one nilgai had a bent back horn, that was pretty odd.  I never seen one like that.

[Russ]

I guided all those hunts over the course of this hunting season. Yes the meat is wonderful I'll take it over beef anyday. They are tough to hunt, they do have ESP, not "supposedly" they got it in spades and for a 500 lb animal they can disappear QUICK. The bent horn one was injured somehow and we think he broke his neck maybe 

[mley1]

Great looking pics and animals! Looks like your the MAN when it comes to Nilgai!!

[Russ]

NO NO NO Don't say that! On top of having ESP the old saying "never crow when your full of bull" applies to Nilgai also! I never say we're going to slay them when I take hunters out, I just tell them it's going to be hours of boredom broken by minutes of sheer terror and pandamonium

[catchdog7469]

Good lookin pic! So what does it cost to take an animail like that and where is the place located.

[Russ]

These were all harvested on King Ranch's Norias Division. It's $1500 a bull and $800 a cow, basically a $500 guide fee (doesn't include tip if you wish to tip them) and a harvest fee of $1000 a bull and $300 a cow.

I tell everyone if you just want meat and more bang for your buck go take three cows for $900 + guide fee and get a TON of meat and still have a fun hunt. If your just wanting meat there is no sense in shooting a bull unless your going to get him shoulder mounted.

If you process your own meat figure 1-2 120qt. ice chest for a cow and 2 120's for sure for a bull. .30-06 will kill a mature bull if you hit him right but .300 Win Mag ought to be your minimum, I'm looking into a .375 H&H just cuz it's lighter then a .50 Cal carrying thru the brush.

[catchdog7469]

Sounds good see if i can round up some folks. when is the best time to shoot a bull for a mount and why can you not mount them year around is it because they change colors in the summer? If someone does the three cow package does one person have to shot all 3 or can someone else shoot one of the three. 

[Russ]

when is the best time to shoot a bull for a mount and why can you not mount them year around is it because they change colors in the summer?

Best time is Winter, when the hair on the hide is thicker. Between March thru about May-June they're shedding the winter coat and the hair will slip when they tan it for a mount. Also Winter is a little bit cooler (Still can be high 70's down here but can drop to 20's in a afternoon) and they are rutting then so more are moving around.

If someone does the three cow package does one person have to shot all 3 or can someone else shoot one of the three.

No it's $500 per gun, so three guys in the truck and two are hunting and one is riding along for the show, it's $500 apiece for the hunters and $50 (last I checked) for the ride along.

[Dirtydog]

Do you do any bowhunts ? would love to whack one with a bow. My aunt lives in brownsville that has # 7 record...at least it was when she shot it a few yrs ago.

[Russ]

I don't do them but there are a couple of ranches down here that do, I'd say hunt one with a rifle first then bump up to bow. They're challenging even with a rifle

[Dirtydog]

I think i would rather do it with a bow ! any one can shoot them with a rifle. it takes a little more skill and desire to get within 20 or 30 yrds of those spooky SOB's . every time i get that close to one i dont have my bow with me. let me know if your up for the challenge or some one who would be. im poor so i cant pay the rediculous prices on the king ranch for a 1 in a 1000 chance of getting close enough.

[Russ]

I think i would rather do it with a bow ! any one can shoot them with a rifle. it takes a little more skill and desire to get within 20 or 30 yrds of those spooky SOB's . every time i get that close to one i dont have my bow with me. let me know if your up for the challenge or some one who would be. im poor so i cant pay the rediculous prices on the king ranch for a 1 in a 1000 chance of getting close enough.

If we were talking about Deer I would agree 100%, but when it comes to Nilgai they're the toughest damn animal to get within 200 yards and drop with one shot. As far as prices go King ranch is at the bottom for a one day hunt and they go up from there. Atacosita NWR in the valley does Nilgai bowhunt draws but it's for a week and walk in only

[Dirtydog]

I been hunting ther for the last 10 yrs they always kill a few each yr but i havnt been lucky enough yet never have my bow in hand when im within 30 yrs or so. my father whacked one last yr and my best freind whacked one 2 yrs ago but i just dont have the luck they do. thought maybe i could find somewhere they arent pressured so bad and it might be easier. anyhow good hunting maybe you shoud try with a bow its alot more challenging.

[Russ]

I Bowhunt, I just ain't got around to whacking a Nilgai yet with mine either. Good Luck to you too