Anyone ever hunted Nilgai?

[cdparker]

My stepson wants to go shoot a Nilgai (Blue Bull). Being the good Dad, I said I'd go with him. Some of the exotic game ranches have them. Anybody have any experience participating in this kind of foolishness? I'd be interested in hearing where, with what and the cost of this boondoggle?
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Craig

 

[ShootDots]

I have checked into this hunt and pondered it. I ALMOST bought into one BUT did not. It is a TOUGH HUNT. These hunts are usually on large tracts of land and it is a "fair chase" hunt. The animals are very wary.. The reason I did not opt for the hunt is that their horns need to be at least 10" for a "Gold Book" Bull. The mount is not a very good looking piece, at least to me>>>that's why I did not get on a hunt. However, a friend of mine has hunted them on several occasions. He hunts them, NOT for the mount, although he has a Gold Book Bull mounted. He hunts them because they are a tough animal to hunt and bring down. It is HIS opinion that a 7mm Mag, with a good penetrating bullet is minimally necessary. He hunts them with a .300 Weatherby, with 180 Barnes TSX.. Many of these hunts are in South Texas where if the animal runs out of the sendero, he is in an impenetrable jungle. My friend believes that a .340WM, with a 250 grain penetrating bullet, would be ideal to blow thru them for a good chance at a blood trail in the brush, should they run off. I hope this helps..

Cost varies on the ranch hunted and IF you end up with a Bronze, Silver or Gold Book Bull...

 

[swd]

I have a very good friend who shot one. It hung on the wall of the shop I was at for 10 years. Everything ShootDots said is pretty much exactly what he said. From what I recall they have a cartilage shield like a big boar. He said a 375 wouldn't be too much gun and almost nothing ever has a complete pass through. He said the meat was quite tasty but a bit tough.

 

[cdparker]

Thanks guys. I am of the group of folks who uses a M70 .375 H&H to hunt the world. This time I am planning to use the 250gr. TTSX. It should be interesting. My step son has an English Rigby in .375 H&H. We just think that it works for almost everything. Since I am the Old Fart, We will have to use a more hunter friendly method to shoot mine. My days of crashing through the Chaparral are long over. However if we can get them to come out into the Sendaro-- There you go! Wish us luck.
Craig

 

[swd]

Sounds like your both perfectly armed. Have a great trip!