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Hunting The Patterson's Eland

The Patterson's eland characterized by its spiral horns and distinctive tawny coat with faint white stripes.

Hunting in Africa is always an exciting hunting safari, especially when targeting the world’s second-largest antelope, the common eland (Taurotragus oryx). Patterson’s eland (Taurotragus oryx pattersonni) is one of the three subspecies of the common eland and a worthy adversary during any big game hunting safari.

The Patterson eland, also known as the East African eland, is found in East Africa and is available for big game hunting safaris in Tanzania and Uganda. These antelopes don’t form rigid herds and can live in large herds that number up to 500 members.

Habitats for these spiral-horned antelopes include savannas, woodlands, and open grasslands but they tend to avoid areas with dense vegetation. Elands are herbivores and graze on grasses, but also consume fruits, seeds, leaves, shrubs, and tubers. Much of their water intake is obtained through the variety of foods they ingest.

Being so large, you would think that the Patterson’s eland would not have many predators, but they are actively hunted by lions, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs, and cheetahs. Many times, these predators come off worse for wear after facing off with this magnificent antelope!

After a nine-month gestation period, the eland female will give birth to one single calf, weighing 48-79 pounds. These calves are incredible, being up and running with the herd within hours of their birth.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Taurotragus oryx pattersonni

Male Weight:
800-2,000 pounds

Male Shoulder Height:
59-72 inches

Horns:
Both Male and Female

Gestation Period:
9 months

Life span:
15-20 years

Hunting Patterson's Eland

The Patterson’s eland is known for its impressive size and calm demeanor

Size and Appearance

The spiral-horned Patterson’s eland male weighs around 2,000 pounds, while females are known to weigh in the vicinity of 1,300 pounds. Females have a tan coat, with the male’s coat being slightly darker, with a blue-gray tinge to it. They have a slight hump at the shoulders and males have a prominent dewlap. Both sexes have dark spiral horns, with the female’s horns being longer and thinner at 20-27 inches compared to the males’ horns. The male’s horns have a slightly tighter spiral and are shorter and thicker, at 17-26 inches.

Hunting Methods

When targeting the Patterson eland while big game hunting in Africa, numerous methods are used, including walk-and-stalk, ambushing the animal from a blind, or even an opportunistic hunt should the hunter be so lucky!

Rifles and Requirements

When eland hunting in Africa, the minimum of a 30-caliber rifle with a 180-grain bullet is required to get the job done. The 9.3 x 62mm and .375 are also ideal cartridges for eland hunting in Africa. Should the hunter consider lighter calibers such as the .308, ensure that the shot placement is perfect for a spectacular African plains game trophy.

Challenges and Rewards

The Patteson’s eland is known for being adept at the art of camouflage, and it is very difficult to spot these majestic creatures in their natural environment. They are also known as being an attentive, wary species that is always looking out for danger. With large herds on the lookout, you may well be spotted quite quickly! Adding this big game antelope to any trophy room is well worth any challenges that were overcome in gaining an exceptional African plains game trophy!