Texas Exotic Hunting: A Guide for Adventurous Hunters
Have you ever dreamed of hunting animals from different continents and regions of the world, such as Africa, Asia, Europe, or Australia? Do you want to experience the thrill of pursuing rare and exotic species that are not native to North America? If so, then Texas exotic hunting might be the perfect adventure for you.
The History of Texas Exotic Hunting
Texas exotic hunting has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. During this time, wealthy ranchers and businessmen began importing exotic animals from other countries to stock their private lands for hunting and recreation. Some of the earliest imports included Axis Deer, Blackbuck Antelope, Nilgai Antelope, Sika Deer, Fallow Deer, and Aoudad Sheep. These animals thrived in the Texas climate and habitat, and soon established free-ranging populations on many ranches.
As the popularity of exotic hunting grew, more species were introduced to Texas over the years. Some of the most notable imports included Scimitar-Horned Oryx, Addax Antelope, Gemsbok Antelope, Red Lechwe Antelope, Kudu Antelope, Zebra, Wildebeest, Eland Antelope, Waterbuck Antelope, Bongo Antelope, Red Stag Deer, Pere David’s Deer, Barasingha Deer, Elk, Ibex, Markhor, Mouflon Sheep, Corsican Sheep, Catalina Goat, Rhea Bird, and Emu Bird. Today, Texas has more exotic wildlife than any other state in the US.
Texas exotic hunting also has a significant economic and conservation impact on the state. According to a study by Texas A&M University in 2016, exotic hunting generates over $2 billion in annual revenue for the state and supports over 14,000 jobs. Exotic hunting also provides incentives for landowners to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat on their properties. Additionally, exotic hunting helps conserve some endangered or threatened species that are extinct or rare in their native ranges.
The Experience of Texas Exotic Hunting
Texas exotic hunting is an exciting and rewarding experience that can challenge any hunter’s skills and abilities. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose from a variety of exotic hunting packages that include lodging, meals, guides, transportation, trophy fees.
he Cost and Popularity of Texas Exotic Hunting
Texas exotic hunting can be an affordable or expensive hobby depending on your choices and preferences. The cost of exotic hunting mainly depends on two factors: the daily rate and the trophy fee. The daily rate covers the lodging, meals, guides, transportation, and field care of your trophy animal(s). The trophy fee is the price you pay for each animal you harvest based on its species and size.
The daily rate can vary from ranch to ranch, but typically ranges from $200 to $400 per hunter per day depending on the amenities and services included123. Some ranches may also charge extra fees for non-hunting guests, airport pickup, skinning and quartering, caping and freezing, and export permits.
The trophy fee can also vary greatly from ranch to ranch and from species to species. Some of the most common and affordable exotic animals to hunt are Axis Deer, Blackbuck Antelope, Fallow Deer, Sika Deer, Aoudad Sheep, Corsican Sheep, Texas Dall Sheep, Mouflon Sheep, Catalina Goat, and Rhea Bird. These animals usually have a trophy fee of $2,000 to $5,000 depending on their quality4123. Some of the most rare and expensive exotic animals to hunt are Kudu Antelope, Sable Antelope, Bongo Antelope, Markhor Goat, Nubian Ibex Goat, Transcaspian Urial Sheep, Arabian Oryx Antelope, Nile Lechwe Antelope, Pere David’s Deer, and Zebra. These animals can have a trophy fee of $10,000 to $40,000 or more depending on their availability413.
Texas exotic hunting is a very popular activity among hunters from all over the country and the world. According to a survey by Texas A&M University in 2016, there were over 300,000 exotic hunters in Texas who harvested over 200,000 exotic animals. The survey also estimated that there were over 1.3 million exotic animals in Texas across 137 counties. The most hunted exotic species were Axis Deer (34%), Blackbuck Antelope (18%), Fallow Deer (11%), Aoudad Sheep (9%), and Sika Deer (7%). The most abundant exotic species were Axis Deer (36%), Blackbuck Antelope (19%), Fallow Deer (12%), Aoudad Sheep (9%), and Sika Deer (7%).
Texas exotic hunting is a unique and exciting way to enjoy hunting in Texas. It offers hunters the opportunity to hunt animals from different continents and regions of the world without having to travel far or spend a fortune. It also provides benefits for the state’s economy and wildlife conservation. If you are looking for a new hunting adventure or a way to expand your trophy collection, Texas exotic hunting might be just what you need.
