TEXAS IMPALA HUNTS

Wildlife Systems, Inc.

Ted Carda

2019 Impala - H. Yturria Ranch

Implala

Impala, (Aepyceros melampus), a swift-running antelope, is the most abundant ruminant in the savannas of eastern and southern Africa. It is often seen in large breeding herds closely shepherded by a territorial male. The impala can be described as perfection in an antelope; it is both beautiful and athletic—a world-class high jumper. Having no close relatives, it is placed in its own tribe, Aepycerotini, of the family Bovidae. Medium-sized with slender, evenly developed legs and a long neck, the mature males will weigh approximately 110-130 pounds on the hoof. Males are about 20 percent heavier than females and

have wide, deep spiraling horns. The sexes are colored alike with a sleek, two-toned coat that is tan with a red-brown saddle.

In Texas, impala have adapted relatively well to their non-native environs. Cold, wet temperatures can be difficult on impala and predators are often a limiter on reproductive success in some areas of Texas.

Hunt Packages

Wildlife Systems’ impala 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. Impala hunts are found on the Punta del Monte Division which encompasses approximately 12,000 acres and this property supports roughly 70-90 head of impala.

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. Impala are think skinned and lightly built animals, so caliber size is not as important on these animals as it is on larger species. As a rule, anything over a 100-grain bullet is sufficient on impala, so something along the lines of a .243, .25-06, or .270 are great choices. Please stay away from high expandable bullets such as Nosler Ballistic Tips, Berger bullets, and hollow points. We recommend a bullet that will expand but hold its mass, such as a partition, A-frame, or bonded bullet.

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.

Jim Garaghty

2018 Impala - H. Yturria Ranch