Blood Origins Launches Connecting the Dots: South Texas

January 18, 2024

Series to Explore Cultural and Economical Impacts of Hunting By Region

Collierville, TN/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Blood Origins, a US-based non-profit promoting global wildlife conservation and ethical hunting practices, announced the launch of their upcoming content series entitled Connecting the Dots: South Texas. An intimate look into the cultural and economic impacts of hunting in one of the sport’s most storied locales – the first installment of Connecting the Dots: South Texas takes a closer look at Nilgai hunting in Southern Texas and the impact these non-native animals are having on local communities..

“We are thrilled to release the first installment of Connecting the Dots: South Texas. Southern Texas has such a unique and vibrant hunting heritage at its core. To be able to play a small part in telling these amazing communities’ story and dive deeper into the animals, people, and landscape that paint this incredible environment is humbling.” said Robbie Kroger, Executive Director of Blood Origins.

Nilgai have cemented themselves as a mainstay in the South Texas ecosystem with a growing estimated population over 50,000. Originally brought over as a “beef replacement” in the 1920s, “they brought these species in and turned them out wild on the ranch—they didn’t have the concept of wildlife management back then—so they had no idea the animals were going to breed and proliferate and end up how we have them now.” Said Josh Hartwick, a local biologist and ranch manager in Kingsville, Texas.

Despite early concerns about their impact on local ecosystems, there is little to no data supporting the notion that Nilgai have disrupted native species. The allure of Nilgai hunting in Texas has led to significant economic growth across the southern region, as hunting outfitters, ranches and guides have tailored specialized packages to offer zealous outdoorsmen the trip of a lifetime. Because of the scarcity of Nilgai hunting opportunities around the world, these businesses have a global reach throughout the legal hunting season, which spans from late fall to early spring.

But the economic benefits don’t end at the gates of some private ranch. Hunting expeditions encompass a vast range of services, including transportation, lodging, hospitality, retail, food and more. Moreover, the sale of hunting licenses and permits, as well as associated fees and taxes, contributes to statewide conservation efforts and habitat preservation.

Added Kroger, “All you have to do is speak to the people we met to know that hunting is impacting their lives for the better.” From a battered women’s shelter in Victoria Texas, to a food desert in Corpus Christi Texas, hunted Nilgai meat is making a difference in the lives of people that are struggling the most. “To me thats the true story of hunting right there.”

Get Involved

Blood Origins is a US-based non-profit and global leader on the forefront of conservation. To Learn more about Blood Origins and their mission, please visit their website at https://bloodorigins.org/

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