Hunting & Fishing Which Texas Exotic

[bribri]

I am heading to Kerr County Texas this December to hunt some exotics. This is my third hunting trip to Texas, but my first trip hunting exotics, my two previous trips were for hogs only. I will be hunting with my AR-15 chambered in 6.8 and will be using the spot and stalk method.

There are too many species that the ranch offers and I am pretty indecisive the way it is. With that being said, what would you guys pursue and why?

 

[zink14]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

I can't even imagine hunting just for a mount, as for the meat, axis will make you forget about beef...can't advise what you should buy for home decor....

 

[el gordo2]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

A vote for an axis, the meat is pretty good and the hide makes a nice throw rug or pillow coverings. The antlers make a good European mount if they are hard horned.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

Never hunted any of these but if I had the opportunity, I'd hunt the blackbuck. I've always been fond of the racks they have. Very similar in shape to the kudu in Africa. I can imagine it now... A blackbuck on one wall and a kudu on the other.... staring at each other.

 

[NTK]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

I picked the aoudad, but I wouldn't try to drop one with the 6.8 they are tough SOB's.

 

[MikeeBooshay]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

I picked the blackbuck, they are very pretty and eat OK.

One thing you wouldn't know unless told - in the typical Hill Country deer season, there are not as many Axis bucks ready for harvest. Genetics have been altered over the last 50 years, most of the herds have had the bucks in hard horns removed by hunting during whitetail season. On our place, the mature axis are much more common during spring, summer and very early fall. Any large axis around during whitetail season gets shot quick. Fifty years of that eliminates a lot of axis opportunity during that time ( axis drop antlers year round, not related to seasons like whitetail, more related to birthdate. Does come in and out several times a year, hence the normally constant rotation of mature animals).

Axis are my favorite to eat and make great trophy though! Would more likely recommend a spring hunt than a December hunt for them however.

And yeah, you can kill an auodad with a 6.8, but use more rifle if you have a choice. Them are tough critters. Auodad probably require more real hunting than the others too - worthy opponent. PM me if you have questions, we are west of you an hour or so.

 

[bribri]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mikee Booshay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Auodad probably require more real hunting than the others too - worthy opponent.</div></div>

What exactly makes the Auodad more hard to hunt?

 

[TXChoctaw]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bribri</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mikee Booshay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Auodad probably require more real hunting than the others too - worthy opponent.</div></div>

What exactly makes the Auodad more hard to hunt? </div></div>

They go places no normal man is willing to venture and their eyesight is phenomenal.

 

[Shireman]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

And an Aoudad might just look at you and snicker when that little 6.8 hits him in the shoulder.
Tough SOB's may be and understatement.

Shoot an Axis and call it good.

 

[bribri]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shiredude</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And an Aoudad might just look at you and snicker when that little 6.8 hits him in the shoulder.
Tough SOB's may be and understatement.</div></div>

Well in that case I will bring the 308, or if thats still not enough, I would love to see it walk away from my 338 Lapua.

 

[SingleShot85]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

Jered J. of APA, dropped one out at our ranch at +/- 200 w/ a .284 and that sucker didn't move an inch. In fact it was critical that the sheep drop in his tracks other wise I would have been digging that thing out of the bottom of deep thick canyon!

In December, I'd pick the Blackbuck much nicer looking mount and they don't stink like shit!

kt

 

[Scott E White]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

All of these animals offer reasonably impressive head-gear, if you're collecting something to hang on the wall. Since I raise a few sheep (merino and border leicester) for their wool/meat, "sport hunting" for them never appealed to me. Grew up raising our own beef & pork, so they too are more livestock than "wild game" in my mind. That rules out the auodad and the sheep/hog options you've listed.
That leaves me to base my preference on meat yield. I prefer 150+ pounds of venison over half as much antelope (blackbuck), and axis over what I have heard of fallow. I've never eaten fallow deer, but I trust my dad's taste, and he preferred axis.

Guess that's why I chose Axis Deer.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SingleShot85</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... and they don't stink like shit!</div></div> Oh, by the way... when you use the adjective "stink", shit & sheep are pretty close to interchangeable.

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

Another vote for axis, meat is great and mount can be nice (though, as pointed out, probably not best to hunt during white tail season.)

And a 6.8 is a little light for some of your prey, I'd bring something bigger. No need for a 338.

In truth, as all are exotic, come before white tail season opens, animals won't be as skiddish, better chance at a nice axis buck, etc.

For a trophy, I'd do the blackbuck. But axis meat will indeed impress, and the rack looks nice on the wall too.

Another option is an oryx if your ranch has them, beautiful animals - soon to be banned altogether - so I am told. When they hit the endangered list, it'll be hard to hunt one, even on a private ranch as an exotic.

I've hunted that area, very pretty, can be rough. Might be hot as balls in December, might not.

Go in September instead. Will still be hot as balls.

 

[SingleShot85]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

As Booshay said you will be hard pressed to get an Axis in December, trophy that is. They are dropping or have dropped their antlers then, but you will see some in velvet, or a late bloomer, but that is new growth for the spring and summer.

I've got zero experience w/ fallow and I hate sheep in general.

Shoot an 18" or bigger Blackbuck and you'll be all smiles.

 

[jheat308]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

plus on for the aoudad. Great looking animal.

 

[bribri]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rancid Coolaid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And a 6.8 is a little light for some of your prey, I'd bring something bigger.</div></div>

I don't think you guys are giving the 6.8 the credit it deserves. I will be using the barnes 95ttsx or the new hornady 120sst. With these projectiles, I am still getting 1000 ft lbs of energy out to 250-300 yards.

Do any of you guys, that are saying the 6.8 isn't enough gun for these exotics actually have hands on experience with this caliber, or are you stating your opinions merely on a ballistics calculator.

Click the link

http://www.ssarmory.com/success.aspx

 

[Warpspeed]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

I voted for the Aoudad. I think if I were going to use a 6.8 I'd stick with the Hornady 120 gr bullets.

 

[rwest309]

Re: Which Texas Exotic



blackbuck.

 

[SingleShot85]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

+1 that's a nice animal.

 

[bribri]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

Those blackbuck always look big too me through the binoculars.

Talk about ground shrinkage, I had no idea a mature buck weighs under 100 lbs.

 

[TXChoctaw]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bribri</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Those blackbuck always look big too me through the binoculars.

Talk about ground shrinkage, I had no idea a mature buck weighs under 100 lbs. </div></div>

Don't take anything away from them based solely on their size, they're a damn tough animal.

 

[teamr2]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

Gotta vote for the Axis. Cubed and grilled it is one of the best things you will ever put in your mouth. If they are not available, I've eaten both fallow (does) and Blackbuk (antlered). The fallow was pretty darn good. The problem with Blackbuk is you want to shoot the biggest baddest one and they are usually the darkest in color. They are also the ones with the most testosterone coursing through their veins so you will taste it in the meat. Marinate it and you can hardly tell the difference. Having spent a bunch of time at the ranches around Hondo and Kerrville, I'm sure you will have a blast.

 

[MikeeBooshay]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

Bribri, I has too much experience with these auodad. They tear up feeders and keep the more desireable critters away from the feed. We are trying to whack all them out of our place.

Having said that, I HAVE shot a couple with the 6.8, pushing the 85 TSX. I prefer to shoot them with the 308 with 150 TTSX, or a 300 WM with 180 TSX.

 

[Jong]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

Another for Axis, they are sure tasty!!

 

[TXChoctaw]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mikee Booshay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bribri, I has too much experience with these auodad. They tear up feeders and keep the more desireable critters away from the feed. <span style="font-weight: bold">We are trying to whack all them out of our place.</span>

Having said that, I HAVE shot a couple with the 6.8, pushing the 85 TSX. I prefer to shoot them with the 308 with 150 TTSX, or a 300 WM with 180 TSX. </div></div>

You need any help? Looks like you might with that herd at the feeder.

I'd be interested in helping. Responsible and conservative hunter here!

 

[KP '14]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

I too would love to help you with your Auodad "problem"

 

[tmcginnis]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

What Ranch will you be hunting at in Kerr?
Go for the axis. Ive taken a few, they are beautiful. And they TASTE GREAT.

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bribri</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Do any of you guys, that are saying the 6.8 isn't enough gun for these exotics actually have hands on experience with this caliber, or are you stating your opinions merely on a ballistics calculator.

</div></div>

Yep, hogs and white tail. On a big boar, if it ain't a very well placed shot, you'll need a few more rounds to finish the job.

Where you are hunting, it isn't tough to lose an animal. A 308 will hit with more authority. I've seen the 85 and 95-gr bullets do great damage, but you need instant incapacitation - or close.

On most exotic ranches, you put a bullet in an animal, that's your hunt, whether you recover the animal or not. Why risk a great hunting opportunity with a caliber that might not be ideal for the prey?

When I hunt tough land, I prefer the "bang-flop". Most of my hunting is around Laredo, and there, if the animal moves more than a few yards into the scrub, it might be gone forever. Yea, a .223 will kill a white tail, but a 300WM or a very well placed 308 will drop it on the spot and it will never again move.

Losing game sucks, especially when it can so easily be avoided.

 

[bribri]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

Well said Rancid Coolaid ^^^^

Thanks for the advice.

 

[superde]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

I voted Aoudad, if you are looking for a great trophy. I shot a 300 pounder 2 years ago with a .260. 140gr Berger hunting VLD from about 80 yards behind the shoulder. He went about 10 yards and dropped. For future hunts (if I actually see another), 7 WSM will be the rifle of choice. I was actually hunting Mule deer, hoping I had the opportunity to see an Aoudad. They have exceptional eye sight, and I just happened to be at the right place at the right time to be so close.

 

[gman722]

Re: Which Texas Exotic

Spot and stalk is not very common in Texas, Maybe "drive and shoot". More likely that you will be hunting over a feeder. Stalking Aoudad is a trick, thier peepers are way too good, blackbuck also. Axis...best option, good for the wall, great to eat, the others, not so much for eating. Anyone that says blackbuck is good to eat is a liar, they suck. Pigs are usually included in any hunt. Shot a big one for the wall, then some small ones (50#) to eat.