Story by Bill L. Olson
Many Texas hunters clean and store their hunting rifle after the close of the general whitetail deer seasons each January. Then the wait begins until the next opportunity to pursue whitetails opens the start of November.
This practice is shortsighted, as there is an abundance of year-round hunting options for a variety of native and exotic species. In fact, the total number of either free-range or animals on game ranches rivals those back in the native homeland of many of Texas imported species.
Additionally, the primetime hunting period of different species is scattered throughout the 12 months of the year. Some game animals prime time begins just as Texas whitetail seasons closes.
Nilgai — As Texas’ original exotic game specie these Asian transplants have provided hunting challenges on the King Ranch since the late 1920s. Since then, other south Texas ranches like Kenedy, Yturria and others have benefited from natural population expansion or additional imports to supplement herd increases.
For some it takes a little time to truly appreciate what a mounted nilgai bull represents. While the horns are smaller when compared to antlered or other horned trophies, the shoulder mounted blue bull represents its own exciting and challenging hunt story.
These are tenacious animals and hunters need to “load heavy” to put one down. However, when it comes to table-fare the nilgai meat reigns as prime gourmet cuts.
Veteran hunting guide John Frankson reminds nilgai begin rutting in late December or early January. This breeding season last into April with hunting continuing until the heat of summer settles in.
Hunters should consider a .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 Weatherby Magnum, or .338 Winchester Magnum as excellent caliber choices for bulls weight upwards of 600 pounds. Shots can sometimes be close but will usually stretch out to 200 to 400 yards.
Hunts are conducted safari-style to cover lots of ground in search of a big bull. Once a bull is spotted all stalking skills and use of favorable wind will be used to get close. On game ranches hunters will usually hunt from spacious stands.
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