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. |
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