Proudly ranked as one of Texas’s Top 11 All-Inclusive Resorts | ~1 hr from Dallas | ~ 3 hrs from Houston, Texas
Trophy Gazelle Hunts in Texas
Three Gazelle, One Ranch — ~ 1 Hour from Dallas-Fort Worth - Cedar Cove Ranch
Gazelles have a reputation that has nothing to do with size and everything to do with nerve. They're among the quickest, most alert animals on the African plains, and closing distance on one—let alone choosing between three species—is a genuine test of fieldcraft. At Cedar Cove Ranch, you can pursue Dama, Thomson's, and Grant's Gazelle on the same property, each bringing its own build, habits, and unique challenge: get close before they know you're there.
Few ranches in North America offer the opportunity to pursue multiple gazelle species on a single property. At Cedar Cove Ranch, hunters can pursue Dama, Thomson's, and Grant's Gazelle while enjoying the comfort of an all-inclusive luxury hunting experience. Whether you're adding another species to your trophy room or pursuing your first African antelope, every hunt is customized by experienced guides who know these animals and the terrain they call home.
Dama Gazelle are the largest of the group—tall, elegant animals with distinctive reddish-brown and white coloration and gently curved horns. Thomson's Gazelle, often called "Tommies," is the classic small, lightning-fast gazelle most hunters picture first, recognized by their bold black side stripe and famous for the stiff-legged "stotting" leap they use to signal danger. Mature males carry beautifully ringed, lyre-shaped horns. Grant's Gazelle are larger than Thomson's Gazelle, with paler coloring and longer, more sweeping horns that make them an impressive trophy in their own right.
All three share the same defining trait: exceptional eyesight and a very low tolerance for anything that looks out of place.
In their native habitat, gazelles rely on open country where exceptional eyesight allows them to detect danger from long distances. Our East Texas terrain changes the hunt entirely. Roughly 85% of Cedar Cove Ranch consists of timber, draws, and natural cover that help break up your silhouette and soften your approach. Instead of making an exposed stalk across open plains, hunters use the terrain to close the distance quietly and naturally. When the hunt is over, the lodge is only minutes away, offering chef-prepared meals, luxury accommodations, and the hospitality Cedar Cove Ranch is known for.
Professionally Guided • All-Inclusive • Luxury Lodging • Just 1 Hour from Dallas-Fort Worth
Gazelle Hunting at a Glance
Species Dama Gazelle (Nanger dama), Thomson's Gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii), Grant's Gazelle (Nanger granti)
Also Known As "Tommie" (Thomson's Gazelle)
Native Range: Sahara & Sahel (Dama); East African plains and savanna (Thomson's & Grant's)
Season Year-round — no closed season on exotic game in Texas
Difficulty Moderate to High — exceptional eyesight, incredible speed, and little margin for error
Weapon: rifle or bow
Size Dama: 90–190 lbs • Thomson's: 35–55 lbs • Grant's: 100–165 lbs
Trophy Characteristics Dama: tall frame with gently curved horns • Thomson's: ringed lyre-shaped horns and bold black flank stripe • Grant's: long sweeping ringed horns
Table Fare Lean, mild, excellent game meat
Terrain: Approximately 85% heavily wooded timber and natural cover
Location Cedar Cove Ranch, Eustace, Texas
From DFW ~1 hour
Why Hunt Gazelle at Cedar Cove Ranch?
Three species on one property means three completely different hunts.
Dama Gazelle often uses the edges of cover where they can maintain visibility while staying close to security. Thomson's Gazelle are generally the wariest and quickest to flee, making every stalk a careful exercise in patience and precision. Grant's Gazelle often allows a hunter just a little more time before deciding to leave, but they're every bit as alert and capable of disappearing in seconds. Understanding how each species behaves—and how it uses the terrain—is often more important than the shot itself.
Our professional guides spend countless hours observing these animals and understand where they bed, the travel corridors they favor, and how changing wind and weather affect movement. Every hunt is customized to current conditions, giving hunters the best opportunity for an ethical, fair-chase experience.
Once the hunt wraps up, you'll return to luxury accommodations, chef-prepared meals, and the relaxed atmosphere that makes Cedar Cove Ranch one of Texas' premier all-inclusive hunting destinations.
Conservation Matters
Gazelles (especially Dama) are critically endangered throughout much of their native African range. Carefully managed ranches in Texas have helped establish healthy assurance populations through responsible wildlife management and conservation breeding programs. Cedar Cove Ranch is committed to ethical wildlife stewardship while providing authentic, fair-chase hunting experiences.
Highlights
✔ Hunt three distinct gazelle species on one property—Dama, Thomson's, and Grant's Gazelle
✔ One of the few Texas ranches offering multiple gazelle species
✔ A true test of stealth against some of Africa's sharpest-eyed game
✔ Experienced professional guides familiar with each species' behavior
✔ Private East Texas ranch with approximately 85% timber and natural cover
✔ All-inclusive hunting packages
✔ Luxury lodge accommodations and chef-prepared meals
✔ Approximately one hour from Dallas-Fort Worth
✔ Easily combine your hunt and do a combo Gazelle hunt, or pair the hunt with Nyala, Kudu, Gemsbok, Blue Wildebeest, Scimitar Oryx, and many other African exotics
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the three gazelle species?
Dama Gazelle is the tallest and largest of the three, known for their elegant red-and-white coloration. Thomson's Gazelle is the smallest and fastest, instantly recognizable by their bold black side stripe and remarkable speed. Grant's Gazelle is larger than Thomson's Gazelle, with longer, more sweeping horns and a lighter overall appearance.
Which gazelle is the hardest to hunt?
Thomson's Gazelle is generally considered the most challenging because of their incredible alertness, explosive speed, and tendency to flee at the slightest indication of danger. However, all three species reward careful stalking, patience, and excellent shot placement.
Are gazelles difficult to hunt?
Absolutely. Despite their relatively small size, gazelles are among the most challenging African plains game animals. Their outstanding eyesight, constant awareness, and explosive acceleration leave very little room for error. Success depends on careful stalking, favorable wind conditions, and patience.
Can I hunt multiple gazelle species during one trip?
Yes. Many hunters choose to pursue two or even all three gazelle species during the same visit, making Cedar Cove Ranch one of the few places where such a hunt is possible.
How does the heavy timber affect the hunt?
Unlike the open plains where gazelle naturally live, our wooded terrain helps conceal your movement, reduces your silhouette, and allows guides to create much closer stalking opportunities than would normally be possible.
How large do they get?
Dama Gazelle typically weigh 90–190 pounds, Thomson's Gazelle averages 35–55 pounds, and Grant's Gazelle generally range from 100–165 pounds.
Can I hunt with a bow?
Yes. Both rifle and bow hunting are excellent options. Your guide will recommend the best setup based on current conditions and shot opportunities.
Is the meat good?
Yes. Gazelle produce exceptionally lean, mild-flavored venison that many hunters consider excellent table fare.
Is everything included?
Yes. Your professionally guided hunt, luxury lodging, chef-prepared meals, and ranch hospitality are all included from arrival through departure.
Ready to Plan Your Trophy Gazelle Hunt?
Three remarkable species. One incredible property. If you're looking for a hunt that challenges your patience, stalking ability, and marksmanship while enjoying the comfort of a luxury all-inclusive hunting lodge, Cedar Cove Ranch delivers an experience unlike any other in Texas.