Trophy Hunting the Common Eland - Taurotragus oryx - in South Africa

DESCRIPTION

The Common Eland is considered, the largest species of "antelope" in the world. Females weigh 300-600 kg (660-1,300 lb); measure 200-280 cm (79-110in) from the snout to the base of the tail and stand 125-153 cm (49-60 in) at the shoulder.
Bulls weigh 400-1,000 kg (880-2,200 lb), are 240-345 cm

(94-136 in) from the snout to the base of the tail, and stand 150-183 cm (59-72 in) at the shoulders. The tail adds a further
50-90 cm (20-35 in). Females have a tan coat, while males have a darker tan coat with a bluish-grey tinge; there may also be a series of white stripes vertically on the sides of bulls. Males have dense fur on their foreheads and a large dewlap.
Both sexes have horns, about 65 cm (26 in) long and with a steady spiral ridge (resembling that of the bushbuck).
The female's horns are wider set and thinner than the male's. They eat branches, leaves, berries and grass. Herds usually have 30 to 80 individuals, but are known to exceed 400. The common eland has an unusual social life, leaving or joining herds as necessary without forming close ties. 

The size and power of the bull Eland generally discourages predators, but females are thought to be more vulnerable to attack. Known Eland predators include lions, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs and, rarely, leopards. The eland is one of the most nervous or skittish animals and take flight at the slightest sign of danger, capable of running for miles without stopping. In southern Africa, three subspecies exist: Cape, Livingstone and East African Eland. Their senses are excellent and despite their size they are capable of jumping a considerable height. They are herding animals, although bulls frequently form bachelor herds of up to 15 animals.

WHERE TO HUNT

Eland are widespread with large herds in South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The Livingstone eland with its characteristic stripes (same as the greater kudu) and black patches behind the forelegs with some bulls showing white stripes under their eyes make for a sought after trophy. When Eland walk, their hooves make a clicking sound. As they lift their legs, their two hooves, being spread apart while treading, knock together. In this way you can easily identify an approaching Eland.

HUNTING TIPS 

Because of their size and power the hunter needs to place his shot well on the fore leg a third from the bottom hitting vitals and or breaking bone. Eland are not aggressive but are strong animals capable of travelling great distances if wounded. The best shot is the shoulder area, trying to break bone and hit the vitals.

RIFLE CALIBRE 

Eland are soft-skinned animals so, heavy grained soft-nosed bullets are adequate with a larger plains game caliber being the correct choice - 7mm & 300 Magnums and upwards.

TROPHY JUDGEMENT 

Younger mature bulls generally have longer horns yet their bases are not always as heavy as the older bulls. A trophy bull's horns are visibly long in proportion to his large body with apparent thick bases and the spiral ridge quite visible. Older bulls change in color and darken. Cows have extremely long horns but they are noticeably thinner with the spiral ridge being less apparent. Their necks are also much thinner.

CITES  

No restrictions apply  

SCI minimum scores  

Eland - 77"  

Rowland Ward  

Eland - 35"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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