baconrind and others, exotic question...

[Hammer]

I'm intrigued. I read from time to time about this exotic hunting. There seem to be a lot of animals in Texas. Are there no seasons on them? How did they come to be there? Aren't many of them free ranging?

I was reading today on another site about guys hunting for axis when a herd of Barasingha came in. This place also has blackbuck, sitka, fallow, and I'm not sure what else. It was on the "Miller Ranch". Is this place high fence? How many animals of each species are there?

I've also read about a herd of I think red stag in Maine that I think there is a set season for.

Thanks for any info. I've been wondering about this for some time now, and I know u guys will know the answer.

Baconrind, I think your exotics are free range, correct? Do you know their origins?

[The_Mountaineer]

There seems to be a lot of animals in Texas. Are there no seasons on them? How did they come to be there? Aren't many of them free ranging?

I was reading today on another site about guys hunting for axis when a herd of Barasingha came in. This place also has blackbuck, sitka, fallow, and I'm not sure what else. It was on the "Miller Ranch". Is this place high fence? How many animals of each species are there?


Baconrind, I think your exotics are free range, correct? Do you know their origins?

I'll see if I can help you.

Texas does have a lot of exotics because of the sheer number of large acreage private ranches. Most exotics do not fall under state game laws and do not have any set season. I believe there is a free-ranging herd of auodad in Texas that you have to draw for. Other than that I know of no other non-high fenced exotic hunting opportunities. Baconrind might be able to comment better however.

I don't know about the "Miller Ranch" but the variety and numbers of animals varies a LOT from one exotic operation to the next. For large acreage ranches they usually have reproducing herds on site. For smaller operations, their animals are caught, bought, transported and released.

"Exotics" do not fall under state game laws and seasons unless there is a reproducing herd in the "wild." Sika deer from Asia are free-ranging in Maryland. Buffalo are found on western ranches. There's an endless variety it seems.

Exotics, in the classical definition, are animals that are not originally from the area but are imported by man either knowingly or unknowingly. In the good old USA, we've got a lot of exotic species. European Starlings, grass carp, wild boar, and tons and tons of plants to boot as well as micro organisms.

"Free ranging" is a subjective term. Not to start any argument here but rather to educate those not familiar with these sort of operations. An animal born, living and dying on its home turf without personal contact from man is a pretty safe definition of "free-ranging." Whether it's 50 acres or 5000 acres isn't honestly that important in the eyes of the animal or in the eyes of mother nature. So long as all the needs are being met, (food, water, cover, reproduction) it doesn't really matter how big the area is. It all depends on the region in which these exotics are hunted. 5000 acres of North Dakota prairieland might be "easier" to hunt than 50 acres of Texas cactus country or a Louisiana swamp. It all depends on the setting.

Personally, unless it's one of the "free-ranging" operations I've described I don't consider it "hunting." Rather, I consider it shooting. It's fun and challenging but to me it's not hunting. Others have different opinions and that's fine.

One thing that's certain though. Exotics are unique animals that hunters find challenging enough to spend lots of money on and there's lots of ranchers wishing to extend the seasons and financial opportunities on their property.

If you find one at the right price, services and reputable through checked references I'd not hesitate to go.

I really like the looks of the rams (Texas Dall, barbarossa, corsican, black hawaiian, stumberg, mouflon, etc.) and the deer (axis, fallow, sika, etc.). But, there's an animal for each hunter's taste.

[Walker]

The Texas hill country, especialy around Kerrville, Bandera, Leakey area is full of free ranging exotics.

[BaconRind]

Hammer,

My ranch is free range, not a high fence on the place. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by the same ranch, which gets ever better, does not hunt. The can go wherever they please, I do not care.

As far as a season, none at all but there are times of the year when it is better to hunt them. Not because of a rut or anything, but because of look and coat. They get a better coat on them at certain times of the year, makes for a better mount.

All of my animals are brought in my a good friend. My dad traded him hunts for his exotics, I think we got the better deal. I do bring some breeder bucks here and there, keep the herd nice and big. I have some stray aoudad's, would like to see them go and soon.