I have been invited to hunt axis doe this next week in the Texas Hill Country and was wondering what a mature axis doe weighs. The plan is to spot/stalk and I am going to carry my 257 Roberts loaded up with 100gr TSXs. I also have a 7x57 but the 257 seems like enough. I hear their meet is better than whitetail, which I love, so I am very excited. Any tips? I am going to take neck shots to save the shoulders for their meet.

Your are correct on all accounts. Your 257 will do just fine with a well placed shot. The meat is better than whitetail. Most of the Axis does on our place will go between 125 and 175lbs. Save the hide. Most are quite unique. I have some easy chair pillows made from Axis hide.

That is about what I expected. Thanks for the info. The ranchers wife actually has already claimed executive rights on the hides for just that reason. Alls well though, I dont need to encourage my wife spending on pillows anymore than I need encouraging to buy more guns.

Perry

Best meat you will ever try.
The only problem with axis does is that they are pregnat or with a little one nearbye as they reproduce year round. When opening the animal if you don't see a little one inside doesn't mean isn't pregnat, the embryo can still be very little or maybe they have already drop it. We have to live with this...

Despite that, the meat is great and the hide as someone said is unique. You will not go wrong with any of both calibers.

One of the most wonderful, preattiest and sportive deers for us, hunters.

Good luck with your hunt
L

Your .257 Bob will work just fine. Spot and stalk Axis can be alot of fun, and challenging at times as they're alert.

The meat indeed is exceptional. IMHO it's a tie with Elk.

Whereabout in the Hill Country are you hunting? I live right outide S.A., so I frequently hunt the hill country near Kerrville.

My son took his Axis buck with a 243 with a 87 gr. Hornady bullet, one shot. The meat is second to none.

FOesteology,

We will be hunting outside of Bandera. It is a low fenced ranch that has never stocked exotics but due to their location has them from time to time. The axis tend to stay between this place and the ranch next door. In November they had a red stag buck hanging around but he disappeared, probably shot on another ranch because they never saw him again.
I'll post pics next week if we are successful.

Perry

I used to hunt that area and around Medina all the time. I think the land between Boerne and Medina holds more free ranging Axis than Whitetail.

Good luck on your upcomming hunt Perry. You'll no doubt have a good time and get on some does as that entire area has large herds of free-range Axis.

Some areas in that general area have large groups of blackbuck too! Seems Axis and Blackbuck are preganat throughout the year.

Hey Perry,

Grab your .257 and go!! Everyone is dead on about the meat. I have an Axis doe in the freezer right now. The best part is that you get to hunt them free-range!! I am going to be going on a free-range Axis doe hunt in a few weeks up near Barksdale on a friend's ranch.

Be sure to get the hide tanned. They are beautiful and make great throws, rugs, and pillows.

Good Hunting,

Bob

Perry,
Your 257 Roberts with 110gr TSXs should work just fine.
I have a 257 AI that I've taken better than 20 sheep, mule and whitetail deer, caribou, pronhorn antelope and my second best 6x6 elk, all with one shot, using 115-120 gr Hornadays, Sierras, and Noslers. They all work great.
I've also heard that Axis meat is some of the best.