Trophy Hunting Eland in South Africa

Name	Eland
Scientific Name	Taurotragus oryx
Average Weight Male	700 kg
Average Weight Female	460 kg
Shoulder Height Male	1.7 m
Shoulder Height Female	1.5 m
Mating Season	Throughout the year
Eland Hunting in Africa The Cape Eland is Africa's largest antelope.  He can weigh-in at over 2000 pounds.   The largest of the spiral horned antelope, this ox like bovid develops the thick neck, hump, and dewlap characteristic of the Brahma bull.  Color is grayish-brown with older males developing a bluish-grey around the neck.  Some specimens exhibit faint, vertical stripes down the flanks.   Both bulls & cows carry horns, the bull’s horn’s being noticeably shorter but heavier.  Hunting eland can be a challenge, as he tends to be a bit nervous, taking flight at the first sign of danger. The Eland tends to be found in herds of 8 to 12 animals however; very large herds are not uncommon.  He prefers the open woodlands and the scrubby flat veld where is grazes during the day.  For his size, he is a remarkable jumper; easily clearing obstacles in excess of 6 or 7 feet.  Hunting Eland with the right rifle is of paramount concern.  While many are taken with lesser rifles, the .375 would not be considered over-kill!  The well-placed shot is always of concern, but a few inches left or right with a lesser caliber may make for a long day of tracking or even the loss of a wounded animal.  Hunting Eland is best done with a quick pointing double rifle if you have one available.  The 9.3 X 74R is an excellent choice as is the afore-mentioned .375 H&H with 286 grain or 300 grain bullets; consider using solids for back-up shots, as this big guy will not go down easy.  Hunting eland, the easy way is by chance encounter while hunting other game; hunting Eland trophy bulls can be extremely challenging, as they are difficult to approach to within shooting range.   You will probably have to walk and stalk for some distance; most will be taken at relatively close range in heavy cover.