TEXAS EXOTIC ELAND HUNTS

Wildlife Systems, Inc.

Eland

Noted as being the largest of all antelope species, the common eland is one of the most adaptable ruminants and are found in grassland, mountain, acacia savanna, and miombo woodland areas in their native homeland regions. They distance themselves from deserts, forests, and swamps. Both males and females have large horns, but the males are much heavier with thick spiraled bases. As the males become more mature and dominant, they develop a darkened patch of hair on their forehead. In Texas, common eland mature bulls will often weigh approximately 1,500 pounds on the hoof. As with many other African species,

Jim Garaghty

2018 H. Yturria Ranch Eland

eland tend to do relatively well the environs of Texas, but due to their shear size, they do require a bit larger area than some species.

Hunt Packages

Wildlife Systems’ eland hunts are generally set up as a 2-3 day package. We charge a daily fee which includes meals, lodging, and guide. In addition to the daily fee, our hunters pay a kill fee which is a set amount and is not dictated by the size but is simply a flat kill fee. For more details on our exotic game fees, click on this link.

Location of Hunt

Most of these hunts take place on the historic H. Yturria Ranches, located near Raymondville and McAllen, Texas. These properties are steeped deep in South Texas History. Francisco Yturria was the patriarch of the Yturria Family who was a successful businessman in both South Texas and Mexico. Along with other prominent business people from the mid-1800 era, such as Richard King and Mifflin Kennedy, Yturria amassed tremendous land-holding in the Rio Grande Valley Region of South Texas. Today, descendants of Francisco Yturria continue to operate 3 divisions of H. Yturria Ranches. The white-bearded gnu are found on the Punta del Monte Division which encompasses approximately 12,000 acres. The eland herd on this property is one of the largest herds in the state, containing almost 100 animals. This is a great hunt for an amazing animal.

Meat and Trophy Care

The meat from these animals is excellent eating. So, in addition to a great trophy, you’ll also end of with great table-fare. As part of the package, Wildlife Systems will quarter the meat. We have a walk-in cooler, as well as limited freezer space. On the trophies, our guide will fully cape the head and freeze the cape. You can either take the horns and cape back with you, or we can overnight ship the frozen cape, and you’ll be invoiced for the shipping charges along with a nominal service charge for our time on boxing and shipping. We do not ship meat.

Hunting License

For those hunters who are traveling in from out of state, Wildlife Systems can take care of processing your non-resident license. The cost is $48 and is “over the counter”. You’ll simply need to fill out the Hunter Profile that we will send to you and we’ll take care of the rest.

Gear and Guns

This is a warm part of the world, but it’s best to check the local weather forecast a few days prior to your departure and to pack accordingly. In addition to your regular hunting gear, you might want to bring some sunscreen and bug spray. Regarding size of gun, we recommend a minimum of a 200-grain bullet. Please stay away from high expandable bullets such as Nosler Ballistic Tips, Berger bullets, and hollow points. We recommend a bullet that that will expand but hold its mass, such as a partition, A-frame, or bonded bullet. Eland are exceptionally hard to bring down, so please do not be under-gunned on these hunts.

Travel

The nearest airport is Harlingen, if you are hunting the Yturria Ranch and that property is located about 7 miles north of Raymondville. We can provide CONDITIONAL airport shuttle from Harlingen for an additional fee. Most hunters rent a vehicle and drive to the ranch where the guide meets them at the gate. For hunters who are driving from their home, our Wildlife Systems office staff will provide directions, as well as a contact phone number for the guide.

Lyle Henage

H. Yturria Ranch Eland

Gene Bagwell

H. Yturria Ranch Eland