Ep 2. South Texas Nilgai
- September 16, 2020
- 21 min
In the second episode of season 9 of MeatEater, host Steve Rinella travels to South Texas in search of nilgai, a large and elusive antelope that was imported from India in the early 1900s. Nilgai are known for their tough hide and wary nature, making them a challenging and rewarding quarry for hunters. Rinella is joined by his longtime friend and hunting companion Remi Warren, as well as local guides and ranchers who are familiar with the terrain and behavior of these animals.
The episode begins with Rinella and Warren scouting for nilgai on a sprawling ranch that spans over 20,000 acres. They use binoculars and spotting scopes to scan the landscape for any signs of movement, such as dust kicked up by a fleeing herd or the flicker of a tail in the brush. Nilgai are known for their ability to blend in with their surroundings and disappear into the shadows, so keen eyesight and patience are essential for any hunter hoping to get a shot at them.
After spotting a group of nilgai in the distance, Rinella and Warren set out on foot to close the gap and get within range. They move slowly and carefully, taking advantage of the cover provided by mesquite trees and cactus plants. Nilgai have a keen sense of smell and can detect human scent from hundreds of yards away, so the hunters must be mindful of wind direction and avoid any sudden movements. As they approach the herd, the tension and excitement builds, with Rinella and Warren whispering to each other and trying to anticipate the animals' behavior.
Once they are in range, Rinella takes a shot with his rifle and hits a bull nilgai in the vitals. The animal runs off, but the hunters are able to track it down with the help of the guides and their trained dogs. Rinella admires the beauty and strength of the animal, which has a rich brown coat and muscular build. He explains how nilgai were introduced to Texas as an exotic game animal, but have since become a pest for ranchers due to their voracious appetite for crops and habitat destruction. Hunting them is therefore seen as a form of conservation, as it helps to control the population and protect native species.
The episode also features segments on the history and culture of South Texas, including the Spanish and Mexican influences on the region's food and music. Rinella visits a local barbecue joint to sample traditional dishes like brisket and sausage, and chats with the owner about the importance of cooking with wood and knowing your meat. He also attends a dance party where tejano music and cowboy boots are on display, and marvels at the diversity and resilience of the people who call this place home.
Throughout the episode, Rinella reflects on the ethics and values of hunting, and the role it plays in his life as a conservationist and storyteller. He acknowledges the controversy surrounding the practice, but argues that responsible and respectful hunting can be a powerful tool for connecting people with nature and preserving the wild places that sustain us all. He concludes with a heartfelt tribute to the land and people of South Texas, and the lessons they have taught him about humility, courage, and gratitude.