What would you guys suggest for harvesting a nilgai? I normally deer hunt with a .270, and don't currently have a larger caliber than it.

I've seen them use .50 cal down near the King Ranch.

I bet more Nilgai are killed in South Texas using a .223 than any other round.....

As a rancher who has raised them and hunted them, I would suggest a .308 or .30-06, especially if you are getting into some big bulls (500 - 600 lbs +). They are some nasty beasties for sure. If you are a good shot, a .270 will do it, provided you hit the sweet spot, which in my mind if you aren't wall trophy hunting, is right in the head.

"Gentlemen, we have boat drinks."

RhinoVic
CO'89


[This message has been edited by RhinoVic (edited 7/27/2010 1:46p).]

RhinoVac...got any that need to be harvested or know where to get one at a reasonable rate?

Thanks

Col. A 1976

sorry about that ...meant Rhino Vic

(old Aggie fingers)

I know a guy that used a 40 S&W!

.30-06 worked for me on a 550 lb. bull

i've priced a couple north of the valley (home sweet home) and more than one place require something in .30 range

[This message has been edited by Walter Kovacs (edited 7/27/2010 3:37p).]

.300 WSM rolled mine

300 Ultra Mag.

DVM

You can borrow my 7 mag as long as you give me some of the meat.

I might have to take you up on that penn. If I get one it will feed The Rib and me for a while.

Of course I was hoping to use this as an excuse for a new rifle.

might be a good excuse for a trip to Cabelas to spend them points

Colonel, I have been out of the Nilgai business for some time. They are a pain in the a$$ to raise due to their bad temperament and willingness to kill other species in the same pasture. Typically, you have to dart them and saw their horns off at 16 months if you plan on keeping them in smaller pastures (100-200 acres) with other species. If you don't, sell em or harvest em. I know folks who raise them and can inquire about cropping fees. My ranch is 20 miles southwest of Austin in Driftwood. We raise super exotics (Scimitar, Gemsbok, etc) and some more common like Blackbuck, Mouflon, and occasionally Zebra. I love Zebras, but I hate their temperament too. They would just rather kill you than have to look at you. If I get a bite on the Nilgai, I'll post out on the board. Good Day Sir!

"Gentlemen, we have boat drinks."

RhinoVic
CO'89

I've seen one big bull Nilgai killed, and it shot 4 times with a 30'06 (right behind shoulder) before it finally gave up the ghost. My brother killed one with a .375 H&H and that seemd to work much better. If I had one readily available I would prefer to use at least a .300 win mag but I would feel confident using my trusty .308.

Just my 2 cents

Thanks Rhino...anyone hear of culling let me know ..thay are tasty!!!
I'll furnish the boat drinks,whatever that may be!

quote:

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"Gentlemen, we have boat drinks."

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This sounds like an excuse to go out and buy yourself a new rifle. Just pick a caliber that will work that you don't own.


win - win - win

What's the point of shooting a Nilgai? Not much in the way of horns. Is the meat pretty good?

Damn tasty. Plus, if you bag a good one, you will have enough in the freezer to last you awhile. A 600 LB antelope is loaded with good cuts. FYI, to be considered a trophy, the horns need to be at least 10 inches. Pretty weak eh? But I will say, those 10 inch horns can do you in.

"Gentlemen, we have boat drinks."

RhinoVic
CO'89

My dad got one 6ish years ago with his .270 on the King Ranch. He's not a trophy hunter, and I think he punched a hole right behind the ear, but damn that was some tasty meat.

Made the best sausage I've ever eaten with it and a little pork. Nearly start a fight every time.

Blast from the past. I'm hitting the King Ranch soon for a big blue and trying to decide which horse to bring out of the stable. My .338 Christensen MPR and 300 Wby Lazermark haven't ever drawn blood. I'd like to change that but I'm nervous to put a scratch on the Wby and think the .338 may be overkill (maybe not). I've got a Vanguard .300 Wby I used in Mexico that'll work, then there's the 7mm-08, .308, and 30-06. I'm even considering my 6.5-284 or 6.5-300.

What say the 2021 OB crowd?

300 Wby Mag for the win!

Just butchered 2 nilgai cows this weekend

Killed a cow and a big bull w 300 win mag DRT. I have also seen many wounded with various magnum calibers. Use tough bullets (a-frame, partition, etc) and break them down as OP said.

I was actually getting ready to post this e question. I'm going in February and I'm looking at some new calibers. The ruger .375 looks fun.

Wodanaz said:

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Blast from the past. I'm hitting the King Ranch soon for a big blue and trying to decide which horse to bring out of the stable. My .338 Christensen MPR and 300 Wby Lazermark haven't ever drawn blood. I'd like to change that but I'm nervous to put a scratch on the Wby and think the .338 may be overkill (maybe not). I've got a Vanguard .300 Wby I used in Mexico that'll work, then there's the 7mm-08, .308, and 30-06. I'm even considering my 6.5-284 or 6.5-300.

What say the 2021 OB crowd?

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The 6.5-300 is an interesting round to me. That thing has to be SCORCHIN

It's like a 22-250 that hit puberty. I've tried to sell it a few times to fund a .257 Wby but it's a niche market at $5k.

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3096711/replies/56063406#56063406

tandy miller said:

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Wodanaz said:

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Blast from the past. I'm hitting the King Ranch soon for a big blue and trying to decide which horse to bring out of the stable. My .338 Christensen MPR and 300 Wby Lazermark haven't ever drawn blood. I'd like to change that but I'm nervous to put a scratch on the Wby and think the .338 may be overkill (maybe not). I've got a Vanguard .300 Wby I used in Mexico that'll work, then there's the 7mm-08, .308, and 30-06. I'm even considering my 6.5-284 or 6.5-300.

What say the 2021 OB crowd?

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The 6.5-300 is an interesting round to me. That thing has to be SCORCHIN

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Does it come with spare barrels?

I'm using a .300 RUM and .416 Rigby on my hunts this year. Because I have them, and because I like big guns and I cannot lie.

7 mag just like for Elk.

I've found Nilgai to die with any reasonable sized well placed hunting bullet.

Somehow they have taken on this status of the ultimate beast. Stout creatures, no doubt, but by no means worthy of only 30 cal bullets to the shoulder blade.

Already working on mount ideas. I think some red eyes and a bear jaw on the actual nilgai cape would be quite the conversation starter in the lodge.

Log said:

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I'm using a .300 RUM and .416 Rigby on my hunts this year. Because I have them, and because I like big guns and I cannot lie.

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This is what we use when guiding Nilgai hunts down here