Posted By: Atlas
King Ranch Nilgai Hunt (pic heavy) - 01/26/14 03:29 AM
Had a chance to go to the King Ranch and hunt a bull Nilgai. 
If you have not hunted Nilgai before, they can be challenging, and this site has some good info (note: I did not use this outfit, I am only referencing their site because it had good information. I was on a guided hunt on the King Ranch)
http://allseasonsguideservice.com/nilgai_hunting.php
First had to work up a load using IMR 4064 & CCI primers. Ended up with 165 grain Sierra Gameking bullet in my Rem 700 in 30-06.
Lots of trips to the Range, working up the load and then practicing off the bench with it, this is photo the target is at 200 yards:
Final load performance off bench at 100 yards (there are 3 shots under the quarter)
And 3 shots at 200 yards:
Arriving in Kingsville checked out the museum and Hiblers taxidermy shop before going to the ranch.
After a full morning of searching and stalking, found this lone bull.
Final shot was 240 yards (ranged afterwards). Had to go for a neck shot because of tall grass. Nilgai have a very thick neck hide (up to an inch thick) where bulls fight and build up scar tissue. So bullet entered neck and did not exit. Bull did not even take one step but fell instantly dead to the ground.
Took all 3 of us to get the bull up in this position for the photo:
Closer up of the horns:
The guide estimated about 500lbs on the hoof and 350 pounds dressed out. I have ordered a Euro mount and the hide tanned (maybe to make something out of it later). Backstrap and tenders will be steaks, with the rest being various kinds of sausage (summer, smoked, with cheese, etc) and some ground up.
If you have not hunted Nilgai before, they can be challenging, and this site has some good info (note: I did not use this outfit, I am only referencing their site because it had good information. I was on a guided hunt on the King Ranch)
http://allseasonsguideservice.com/nilgai_hunting.php
First had to work up a load using IMR 4064 & CCI primers. Ended up with 165 grain Sierra Gameking bullet in my Rem 700 in 30-06.
Lots of trips to the Range, working up the load and then practicing off the bench with it, this is photo the target is at 200 yards:
Final load performance off bench at 100 yards (there are 3 shots under the quarter)
And 3 shots at 200 yards:
Arriving in Kingsville checked out the museum and Hiblers taxidermy shop before going to the ranch.
After a full morning of searching and stalking, found this lone bull.
Final shot was 240 yards (ranged afterwards). Had to go for a neck shot because of tall grass. Nilgai have a very thick neck hide (up to an inch thick) where bulls fight and build up scar tissue. So bullet entered neck and did not exit. Bull did not even take one step but fell instantly dead to the ground.
Took all 3 of us to get the bull up in this position for the photo:
Closer up of the horns:
The guide estimated about 500lbs on the hoof and 350 pounds dressed out. I have ordered a Euro mount and the hide tanned (maybe to make something out of it later). Backstrap and tenders will be steaks, with the rest being various kinds of sausage (summer, smoked, with cheese, etc) and some ground up.
Atlas, you better weigh your meat first. You've gotta' watch him like a hawk.