Gentleman, When I see a big Eland bull, it does something to me. It's certainly not my favorite animal, which I will probably give that honor to a Bushbuck ram, but there's just something when you see the aura of these magnificent bulls. Have a look at this one taken by one of our hunters, Preston Van Deusen from Illinois. Please feel free to post yours and pay tribute to some of these great beasts that have fallen by the rifles/bows of our members.
What did that bull weigh? Looks like a whopper. By far my favorite animal to hunt so far. I loved the tracking style of hunting we used. Walked down and passed on several bulls, before taking this tick ridden old timer. He had a nasty wound just below his right eye, that you can see in the photo. Awesome hunt, and glad to have put such a magnificent animal out of it's misery.
Jeff, If my memory serves me right, this bull went around 1700lbs. It took 3 shots from a .416 Rem. I'm really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your Eland hunt. I hear too many hunters say that they don't want to hunt one as they remind them too much of cattle, which is a real shame. They are just such an impressive animal, which will give you the same challenge as any other plains game animal. Thanks for sharing your bull. Hell of a trophy you got there! Congratulations.
I was very impressed with the athleticism of these huge animals the first time I was in their presence. They run and jump like you'd only expect to see a much smaller animal do. I personally found them quite challenging to hunt. I hunted for a big bull for well over a week with my bow in a very target rich environment without ever getting a shot. You cannot depend on waterholes as you can with many other animals.
This is my first bull but I hope it won't be my last.
..."I will not tip toe through life, to meet death safely."
The best one i ever came across was while hunting Cape Buffalo and Eland was not on my license. We came with 30 yards of the Bull before it knew we were there.
Some day i will return and put this at the top of my list...
Never really thought about hunting eland before.....saw some on my trip, and they way they ran was somewhat comical; don't know quite how to describe it, but it was almost as if they didn't have any knee joints....almost like a "fast shuffle", for lack of a better term. My P.H. and his wife seem to think that this is the BEST meat of all the wild game; after trying wildebeest, kudu, and gemsbok, I'm thinking I might have to go for one some day....just to try a taste! They other venision was out of this world! You said it took 3 shots from a 416 to bring it down....would it be possible to take one of these animals humanely with a .30-06 or .338 Win. mag and premium bullets? Would rather put any "extra" monies towards game animals, airfare, or whatever instead of a new rifle.
"If you dog thinks you're the greatest, don't go seeking a second opinion!"
Never really thought about hunting eland before.....saw some on my trip, and they way they ran was somewhat comical; don't know quite how to describe it, but it was almost as if they didn't have any knee joints....almost like a "fast shuffle", for lack of a better term. My P.H. and his wife seem to think that this is the BEST meat of all the wild game; after trying wildebeest, kudu, and gemsbok, I'm thinking I might have to go for one some day....just to try a taste! They other venision was out of this world! You said it took 3 shots from a 416 to bring it down....would it be possible to take one of these animals humanely with a .30-06 or .338 Win. mag and premium bullets? Would rather put any "extra" monies towards game animals, airfare, or whatever instead of a new rifle.
I sat down to Eland steaks just a couple of weeks ago during my most recent safari in South Africa, and they were as good as ever. It is my favorite wild game meat.
My Eland was taken with a 30.06 using 180 grain Norma Oryx factory ammo. I think I hit him 2 or 3 times, but my first well placed shot was enough to do the job. They are definitely big hardy beasts, but any projectile that enters the vitals will put them down given a bit of time. You certainly do not have to have a special rifle for them.
..."I will not tip toe through life, to meet death safely."
Nice bulls by all. I hope to add one to the skinning shed at some point. I've got the smallest duiker in a blue duiker, and i might as well add the largest antelope in an eland.
Goofy aka graybird on other forums
"Make no mistake, it's not revenge he's after ... it's the reckoning"
That is one heck on an eland trophy sir! Mine was an old bull with well-groomed horns. It was a great classic eland hunt though, we tracked a pair of them for over four hours, took him at 175 yards with my 375.
A good principle to guide me through life: “This is all I have come to expect, standard lackluster performance. Trust nothing, believe no one and realize it will only get worse…”
Jeff, If my memory serves me right, this bull went around 1700lbs. It took 3 shots from a .416 Rem. I'm really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your Eland hunt. I hear too many hunters say that they don't want to hunt one as they remind them too much of cattle, which is a real shame. They are just such an impressive animal, which will give you the same challenge as any other plains game animal. Thanks for sharing your bull. Hell of a trophy you got there! Congratulations.
Take Care, Marius
Some serious meat on the hoof there, Marius!
I really enjoyed hunting eland. Beautiful(and tasty!) animal. But it was how we hunted them, that I enjoyed the most. Cut a likely looking track, and walk them down. It was wonderful, and really glad that we got to do it several times before succeeding. Will do it again, for sure!
That is one heck on an eland trophy sir! Mine was an old bull with well-groomed horns. It was a great classic eland hunt though, we tracked a pair of them for over four hours, took him at 175 yards with my 375.
That is one heck on an eland trophy sir! Mine was an old bull with well-groomed horns. It was a great classic eland hunt though, we tracked a pair of them for over four hours, took him at 175 yards with my 375.
John Sharpe is looking older these days and you are much thinner! I still wouldn't cross John, don't let the grey in his hair fool you.
"The Democrat Party looks like Titanic survivors. Partying and celebrating one moment, and huddled in lifeboats freezing the next". Hatari 2017
"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." Han Solo
Eland steaks are very tasty. I've had Cape Eland and Lord Derby eland, and both are worthy of Ruth's Chris. Eland, like beef, has fat marbled in the meat that adds to the flavor. I'd love to have a T-bone dry aged from one.
A treat that might surprise you is liver from eland (or kudu). Cooked in butter with a little salt and pepper, it is a delightful delicacy that in no respect will remind you of calf's liver.
"The Democrat Party looks like Titanic survivors. Partying and celebrating one moment, and huddled in lifeboats freezing the next". Hatari 2017
"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." Han Solo