Eland hunts are some of the most grueling hunts you’ll take, but also some of the most rewarding. They’re a tough hunt and require a lot of patience and top-notch bow hunting equipment, but they’re worth it when a good trophy bull is taken.
An eland hunt can be done all year round, but the best time is during the dry season when they are most abundant and aggressive. Similar to other plains game, eland are a tough, fast-moving animal that requires patience and top-notch hunting skills to successfully bring one down.
The eland (Taurotragus oryx) is a savanna and plains animal found in southern Africa. The male eland can weigh up to 2,100 pounds and stand 64 inches tall at the shoulder. The female eland is smaller at 980 pounds and 50 inches tall at the shoulder.
Eland Hunts: Pursuing Africa’s Largest Antelope
The ideal shot placement for eland is a broadside shot that will hit the heart/lung area for a quick, humane kill. Quartering away shots are also an option, but be sure to account for wind conditions when shooting at distance.
Scouting and tracking are crucial for a successful eland hunt, as is the use of quality optics. Your guide will acquaint you with the typical behaviors, feeding patterns, and habitats of eland prior to your hunt, helping you to identify potential hunting areas and strategize your approach. Be prepared for some long stalks on foot, as eland are able to run very quickly and hide well in dense cover.