A bud and I are wanting to hunt nilgai in texas in 2020. Can anyone suggest a decent ranch/outfitter. Thanks

Give Sam Ilse a call, he runs Lomas Chicas Outfitters 361-296-4571

LBguy,
It would help if you would elaborate on your requirements.
There are many hunting ranches with Nilgai and some Nilgai on public land.

Do you want a big trophy or a cow or young bull for meat? Do you need air conditioned accomodations or will a tent do? Are there budget issues? Bigger bulls are fewer and more costly in time and $$.
Need a hunt near an airport for fly in or driving to Texas.
How about the meat-taking it home with you or just the head and horns?
Want a weekend hunt or a week?
Are you physically able to walk and stalk or need to shoot from car or blind?

Such information will save us all a lot of time.

PS I am not an outfitter, but have shot some Nilgai and know some places to hunt them by do not want to play 20 questions.,

Sam Ilse at Loma Chica is an excellent choice. I have also had great luck with Lendell Laxton of L&L Hunts. Sam hunts the East Foundation property near Sarita. Lendell hunts the Yturria Ranch close to Raymondville. I shot excellent bulls on both low fence properties.

Public opportunities are draw only and a poor chance at getting drawn, almost worse chances at actually killing a nilgai.

I thought Nilgai were a non-indigenous species for Texas and therefore no permit required.
As I read the Texas OUTDOOR ANNUAL, it specifies that a person only needs a hunting license and permission for hunting non-indigenous animals
(Page 80)

Bob,
Correct, they are exotics and found on many exotic hunting ranches. No season, no limit except what your credit will bear.

I don't know of any game species (exotic or native) in Texas that requires a permit, but you do need a Texas hunting license for either.

Nilgai are exotic, like aoudad and axis, most populations are free-ranging along the coastal south Texas plains on some of the larger ranches. A few exotic ranches stock them but I personally would stick to low fence ranches.

There is one Texas State WMA that has populations you can hunt but it requires you to put in for a draw and success rates were rather low. But is an option.

I talked to the King Ranch guys at DSC. Stay in local hotel, 850 day rate and $400 per cow, Oscar said I could probably bag 2-3 in a day.

Are there better options if I am looking for cow hunt for my kid and me?

I went with the King ranch last year . Treated well, no.problem finding nilgai, fun spot and stalk hunt. Good taste.

Thanks for the responses. I'd appreciate additional one if you find the time. Thanks again.

how are they for eating??

Greg Simons with Wildlife Management Systems hunts the El Suaz Ranch which is part of the Robert East Foundation if IRC. And the King Ranch offers nilgai hunts as well as was mentioned in a conversation above.

Both bulls and cows are excellent table fare. Some of the finest wild game meat I have enjoyed.

My only time was on the King, but it was maybe 25+ years ago. The population back was great, and it has probably improved knowing the KR management. That being said, it still depends on your desire. A trophy was once 9” plus, but I don’t know now.

So if I take my girls to the King is it 850$ per person plus trophy fees per day?

or 850 for the truck, plus trophy fees?

That's obviously a question for the King Ranch. None of us can answer for them. If truly interested call and inquire...

here is your answer ...

https://kingranchhunting.com/types-and-rates/

Ouch, nope that logic doesn't work. I guess I'd have to call and see what they can do.

all season guide service (Mike Powell), great guy!

thanks men.

I believe the meat from a Nilgai is as good as any wild game meat, its one of my favorites..

I would contact the King Ranch in Kingsville, Tx. Ive hunted there many times in the past and it was $600 back then but that was in the 1970s and early 1980s, not sure what the cost is today..I Always killed out the first day..

They are a very tough animal to kill sometimes..Ive killed them or seen them killed with many different calibers, Ive shot them with a 7x57, 30-06, 45-90, and a 308, but my usual gun was the .338 win, and it would be my all time choice..A 458 or 470 would not be too much gun if one just wanted to use it, like I said they can be hard to kill sometimes.