Eland Hunting

Hunting the African Eland: The King of plains game

This comprehensive guide to the Eland combines its rich taxonomic history with the specialized knowledge required for an African hunting Safari. As a premier Safari Outfitter, Graham Sales Safaris provides this overview to help you prepare for the ultimate plains game hunting experience.

The Eland (Taurotragus) is the largest antelope on earth, representing the pinnacle of plains game hunting in Africa. At Graham Sales Safaris, our experienced African Professional Hunters consider the Eland one of the most challenging and rewarding species to hunt.

These incredible Eland bulls grow very dark as they age and often take on a bluish hue, which we have come to call “blue bulls.” When you hear the term blue bull, you know we are talking about a true tank of an Eland.

Taxonomy and historical origins

The name “Eland” was first bestowed by early Dutch settlers at the Cape of Good Hope. Encountering this massive, ox-like creature, they named it after the European Moose, known as Eland in Dutch.

The scientific genus name, Taurotragus, perfectly describes the animal:

Taurus: Latin for “Bull”

Tragos: Greek for “Goat”

This reflects the bull-like bulk of the animal combined with the goat-like tuft of hair found in its ears. When you join an Africa hunting trip, you are pursuing a species that has fascinated naturalists since Peter Simon Pallas first described it in 1766.

Species and subspecies for the trophy hunter

When booking with one of the best African hunting Outfitters, it is vital to understand the two distinct species and their various subspecies.

1. Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx)

The Common Eland is the backbone of plains game hunting Africa. We recognize three primary subspecies:

Cape Eland (T. o. oryx)

First encountered at the Cape of Good Hope. These are typically duller and greyer, with mature bulls losing hair around the neck to reveal a dark blue-grey skin tone.

Livingstone’s Eland (T. o. livingstonii)

Named after the famous explorer David Livingstone. These trophies are highly sought after for their striking white stripes and dark patches behind the knees.

Patterson’s or East African Eland (T. o. pattersonianus)

Named after Col. John Henry Patterson of Tsavo fame. These possess a richer, more rufous colour and distinct facial markings.

2. Lord Derby’s Eland (Taurotragus derbianus)

Often called the Giant Eland, this species is a dream for any trophy hunting enthusiast. While their bodies are similarly sized to the Common Eland, their horns are significantly larger and more massive.

Western Lord Derby’s Eland

Native to the savanna belt of West Africa.

Central African or Giant Eland

Found through Cameroon and the Central African Republic, noted for their sandy colour and magnificent spiraling horns.

The hunting experience with Graham Sales Safaris

Is it legal to hunt Eland? Absolutely. Through sustainable and ethical trophy hunting, populations of Eland have flourished on private and communal lands. We specialize in free-range hunting, ensuring a fair-chase environment that honours the spirit of the African wilderness.

Preferred caliber and ballistics

The Eland is a massive animal, with old bulls weighing up to 2,000–2,200 lbs. A Professional Hunter will tell you that this is not the time for light calibers.

Preferred caliber: The .30 calibers such as the .300 Winchester Magnum, .30-06 Springfield and .308 Winchester, loaded with heavy premium bullets, are all solid choices and are more than capable of taking an Eland cleanly.

If you have a .375 H&H along on your plains game hunt, we will opt for it. It packs more punch, offers superior penetration through the Eland’s thick skin and heavy bone structure, and provides added confidence for a clean, one-shot harvest.

Shot placement by Graham Sales

Correct shot placement is the most critical factor in a successful hunt. The Eland has a massive dewlap that hangs low, which often tricks the eye into shooting too low.

The Golden Rule: On a broadside shot, aim one-third of the way up the body, straight up with the front leg or tight behind the shoulder to ensure a double-lung or heart shot.

“No matter the angle, always make sure the bullet ends up between the two front legs.” – Jannie Stander, Graham Sales Safaris Professional Hunter