South Texas Nilgai Hunting Trips
A Unique South Texas Opportunity
Mellon Creek Outfitters offers a rare chance to hunt the exotic Nilgai antelope—also known as the “Blue Bull.” Native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal, Nilgai were introduced to Texas in the 1930s. After being released on the legendary King Ranch, they slowly migrated south, eventually making Mellon Creek Ranch their home more than 70 years ago.
With over 110,000 acres of free-range land, Mellon Creek is one of the best places in the country to pursue these elusive animals. The ranch’s diverse terrain—stretching from bay front and prairieland to saltgrass flats, crop fields, and thick brush—provides ideal habitat for Nilgai to thrive.
Nilgai License Information
Texas residents only need a standard hunting license.
Non-residents need a 5-Day Special Hunting License
Nilgai are classified as exotic game in Texas, which means no tags are required.
What to expect on your Nilgai Hunt
Nilgai hunts are offered from October through mid-April. These are 3-day hunts, starting with an evening hunt on arrival day, followed by two full days of hunting and a final morning hunt before departure at noon.
Before the hunt begins, all hunters will have the opportunity to sight in rifles at our on-site range. Field dressing, skinning, quartering, and caping of your harvest are included, along with shipping to our preferred taxidermist. Capes and horns can also be shipped directly to you or your taxidermist for an additional fee. A trusted local processor is available if desired.
How we hunt Nilgai
Nilgai hunts are typically conducted safari-style or spot-and-stalk manner, with shooting positions from sticks or prone. Hunting hours focus on the first and last few hours of daylight, depending on the season. These animals are known for being alert, tough, and challenging to bring down, making them a rewarding target for any hunter looking for something different.
What is Included in the Price for Our Nilgai Hunting Trips in Texas
3 Days worth of fully guided hunting.
Field dress/skin/quarter/cape
Drop off at our taxidermist
3 meals daily, prepared by our onsite chef
Hotel style lodging with WiFi and laundry facilities
Transportation to/from Corpus Christi Airport
What is not included
Hunting license
Shipping to you or your taxidermist
Taxidermy cost
Gratuity
*Please see FAQ page for more information and details.
TEXAS GUIDED HUNT PRICES
Please refer to individual hunts above for details about what each hunt includes and what you can expect on your hunt with us in Refugio, TX, and beyond.
WHITETAIL OCTOBER – JANUARY
PER PERSON
| – Meat Hunt (3 bucks & 3 does *guides discretion) | $3,000 |
| – Management Hunt (1 doe & 1 buck up to 125” *guides choice) | $3,000 |
| – MCO Hunt (1 buck 130″- 140”) | $5,000 |
| – Trophy Buck Hunt (1 buck 150+”) | $10,000 |
Turkey MARCH
| – Turkey | $2,000 |
WATERFOWL NOVEMBER/DECEMBER & DECEMBER/JANUARY
| – Duck Variety | $650/day |
Dove
| – Dove | Contact for pricing |
Bobcat
| – Bobcat | $3,000 |
Hog
| – Hog | $2,500 |
PREDATOR
| – Coyote | $1,500 |
AOUDAD AUGUST-SEPTEMBER
| – Aoudad | Contact for pricing |
Elk AUGUST-SEPTEMBER
| – Elk | Contact for pricing |
EXOTIC
| – Nilgai | $4,500 |
*non hunters can be added for an additional charge of $250 per day.