Blackbuck Antelope
The Best Blackbuck Antelope Hunts
Starting at $3,500
OVERVIEW
Blackbuck hunting is getting more and more popular in Texas.
If you are looking for a great trophy Blackbuck, you've come to the right place. My hunts consistently produce trophies that average 18 to 20 inches (straight tape), with the occasional 22 to 23 inch Blackbuck hitting the ground. Blackbucks are on their feet moving all day, so there are always lots of shot opportunities and a good chance at harvesting a great trophy.
With their V shaped ringed horns, these animals make beautiful mounts. They are amazing animals and a great hunt for the experienced as well as novice hunter. My Blackbuck Hunts fill up quickly, so don't wait too long to reserve your spot.
Everything you need to know
WHO, HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE
WHO THESE HUNTS ARE FOR
I can design your hunt to fit your experience level and your physical condition. Experienced, physically fit hunters can enjoy the thrill of shooting from sticks after tracking these agile creatures cross country.
For hunters with less experience (or hunters who are not comfortable walking distances across rocky terrain), we can post up in a blind, where we’ll wait for the Blackbucks to come to us. This lets us take our shots from a more controlled and comfortable environment.
With a variety of hunting methods, I can accommodate a wide range of hunters.
HOW WE HUNT BLACKBUCK ANTELOPE
Most of my Blackbuck hunting is done using a combination of safari-style hunting and spot and stalk. We’ll drive around to locate the Blackbuck we want, and then stalk into position for a shot. With the hunts that take place in the Fall and Winter (when natural food sources are more scarce), we’ll also hunt out of blinds overlooking feeders or natural food sources.
A typical hunting day starts before daylight with a quick breakfast, and then we’re off to start the hunt. Late morning we’ll break for brunch/lunch, after which we’ll hunt until late afternoon or early evening. After getting back to camp for the night, we’ll have a hearty, hot-off-the grill dinner and a relaxing evening before heading to bed.
It’s worth noting that I don’t have a big camp where you will be in a lodge with a bunch of people you don’t know. When you hunt with me, you or your group have exclusive rights to the ranch for lodging and hunting.
ABOUT BLACKBUCK ANTELOPES
Blackbuck antelope are originally from India, and were released in Kerr County Texas in 1932. Since being introduced, they have proliferated in Texas and are now the second most common exotic. Out of all the exotics in Texas, Axis deer are the only ones that outnumber Blackbuck antelope.
Blackbuck are a member of the antelope family. They are small -- males stand about 29 inches and weigh about 85 to 90 pounds. Females stand about 28 inches and weigh about 55 to 60 pounds.
Blackbuck have horns that spiral out from the head in a “V” shape. A trophy blackbuck is 18+ inches (straight line or straight tape), with a few exceptional blackbuck reaching 23 to 25 inches. Blackbucks typically have one to five curls, or rings, with most trophies having three or four.
Males have a black or dark brown upper body with a white belly. Females have a light-brown upper body with a white belly. It’s generally believed that males turn black when they reach maturity. Some say males turn brown on the back half of their body to help reflect heat and sun in the summer, and turn darker in the winter to absorb the heat and sun.
WHEN AND WHERE WE HUNT BLACKBUCK ANTELOPE
There is no closed season for Blackbuck hunting. I do most of my Blackbuck hunts, however, in November through February.
Blackbuck can be found in the Texas Hill Country, Edwards Plateau, and South Texas. The majority of my blackbuck hunts are in the Hill Country, around Kerrville.
If you are traveling by air, fly into the San Antonio International Airport. Rent a car there and drive to the ranch.
PACKING LIST
To prepare for your hunt, take a look at my packing lists. Some of the links on those lists are affiliate links — that means that I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Note, however, that I only recommend products that I use myself. In addition, take a look at my recommendations for hunting gear.
The weather in Texas can be unpredictable, and change quickly and abruptly. Make sure to check the weather forecast and pack appropriately.
Generally, summers are very hot, winters can get quite raw (especially in West Texas), and summer and fall days often have huge temperature swings with cold evenings, nights and mornings, and warm or hot afternoons.
For most hunts, prepare to dress in layers so you can add or take off clothing as temperatures shift throughout the day. For warm weather hunts, pack clothes that breathe, are well ventilated, and keep the sun off of you. For mountain hunts, avoid cotton — wool or synthetic works best.
For hunts in the late spring, summer and early fall, Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is invaluable. We do a lot of walking through tall grass, and chiggers and ticks can be a problem. With Sawyer Permethrin you don’t have to worry about them. It's sprayed on your clothing and once it dries it’s odorless and colorless. I LOVE this product, and literally never leave home without it!
And one last - but very important - note: Do NOT wear new boots! Make sure your boots are well broken in!
Comfortable boots/shoes
Snake boots (I typically wear snake boots to keep the cactus/thorns/brush off my legs)
Jeans/Pants/Insulated Overalls (Lighter weight pants for the Spring/Summer and heavier weight for the Fall/Winter)
Camo shirts: Long Sleeve Shirts & Insulated Long Sleeve Shirts
Uninsulated & Insulated underwear
Darn tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks are my favorite. They last close to forever!
Comfortable camp clothes
Backpack – a water bladder in your pack is helpful
Rifle & Ammo or Bow & Arrows
Personal Toiletries & Medicines
Valid TX hunting license
PACKING DETAILS
PRICING FOR TEXAS BLACKBUCK HUNTS
Rooms sleep two.
Trophy fees vary by ranch
$325 per room
Daily Rate
$3,500 to $5,000 per animal
Trophy Fee
Blackbuck Trophy Hunts
$2,500 per hunter
Deposit
Meals
Lodging
Transportation around the ranch
Field care of your trophy
Valid Texas Hunting License (Non-resident Special 5 Day Hunting License – Type 157 – $48)
Gratuities
Transportation to ranch
Skinning, caping, quartering of your trophy
Drinks besides water and coffee
Non-hunting guests – $100-$250/person/night depending on the ranch
Skinning & quartering of your trophy – $100/animal
Caping & freezing hide for transport home – $50/animal
Numerous other exotics species are typically available as well
