Axis Deer – Axis deer were first brought to Texas in 1932, offering an exotic game meat option. But what started as a controlled introduction has become an invasive species problem: now over 6,000 axis deer roam free across the state plus an estimated 40,000 on high-fence ranches. They are the most numerous exotic game species in Texas allowing hunters year-round hunting opportunities.
Fallow Deer – Fallow deer, a majestic species from the Mediterranean region of Europe and Asia Minor, were introduced to Texas in the 1940s and now populate 93 counties. With their 3 different color phases: spotted, white, and chocolate, they are among the most beautiful deer species and are an attractive wildlife sight across large areas of this great state! Fallow deer sales are rising in popularity due to their resistance to CWD.
Sika Deer – Texas is home to a lot of exotic animals, and sika deer are no exception. Texas sika range in size from the smaller Japanese and Formosan varieties of 30 inches shoulder height and 100- 175 pounds to the larger Dybowski's variety standing up to 44 inches shoulder height and 250 pounds. Sika deer have been introduced in at least 77 counties of central and southern Texas, with free-ranging populations known from 12 of these counties. In the state of Texas, sika deer became established rapidly due to favorable environmental conditions with free range populations reaching over 11,000 by 1988.
Aoudads - Also known as Barbary sheep, they have been very successful in expanding their free range all over West and Central Texas, but they’re originally from North Africa. They are prized for their long set of horns that curl back into a crescent shape, and a distinctive strip of long, shaggy hair on their neck and chest. They were brought to Texas in the 1950s as an exotic game.
Nilgai Antelope - The very first release of exotics onto Texas ranches occurred in 1930, when a group of nilgai antelope was released on the King Ranch in South Texas. The population around the Texas-Mexico border is now estimated to be around 30,000 animals and includes a feral population in in Kenedy and Willacy Counties in South Texas.
Elk – Elk herds once roamed almost the entire State of Texas, but by the end of 19th century these iconic animals could only be found in the Guadalupe Mountains. Fast forward to today and they can now be found wandering across western parts of the state as far as Edwards County and inside high-fenced ranches statewide.
Red Deer or Red Stag – The Red Deer is one of the largest deer on the planet, averaging weighs around 750 pounds and standing about 5 feet at the shoulder. With one of the largest racks of antlers to their body size, they are an impressive animal to add to your exotic trophy collection. The first known Red Deer in Texas was released in 1930 in Kerr County .
Kudu – Weighing up to almost 800 pounds, the kudu is a large antelope from eastern and southern Africa. The first greater kudu arrived in Texas at the San Antonio Zoo on June 30, 1965 (Mungall and Sheffield 1994). They were kept in quarantine until a series of successful reproductions allowed release of part of the offspring to private ranchers (Mungall and Sheffield 1994).
Water Buffalo – Also known as Asian Buffalo, they are the largest and most powerful of the bovid family. Their horns can measure up to 10 feet tip to tip, making them a highly sought-after trophy!
Zebra – Zebras are an increasingly popular exotic animal to have on Texas ranches, and the primary reason is their dramatic markings and patterns. They have a unique appeal that draws people in, so they can be used as a showcase animal. Zebras also happen to be quite hardy and can live in climates ranging from humid tropical areas to semi-arid regions like those found across Texas. Plus, they require minimal care and maintenance compared to some other exotic animals, meaning ranchers don't need to put too much work into taking care of them. All these benefits make zebras an ideal choice for those who are looking for a memorable addition to their ranch.
Gemsbok – Texas has embraced the gemsbok as an exotic addition to many of its ranches, and it's easy to understand why. This majestic mammal is considered quite hardy and can survive on a variety of foods, from wild grasses to woody plants. Gemsbok also don't require water sources other than rainfall, making them ideal for drought-prone areas. Not only that, but -- unlike some other exotic species -- they are usually docile and non-aggressive with humans. For ranchers looking for an animal that adds beauty and character to the landscape without any special demands or dangers, gemsbok are an excellent choice!
Blackbuck – In 1932, the first Blackbucks were released in Texas in Kerr County. Blackbucks are now one of the most popular exotic animals for Texas ranches because of their elegant demeanor and adaptability to different habitats. Featuring stunning, spiral horns and a beautiful white patch around its eyes, the blackbuck's physical beauty is certainly impressive. Not only that, but these animals require much less food compared to other types of livestock, making them an ideal choice for ranch owners looking to cut costs. These majestic creatures have become an iconic part of Texas ranch life. They are also considered a low-fence exotic.
Oryx – Oryx, with their beautiful horns and striking black and white coats, are a stunningly impressive presence on range lands in Texas. Their popularity as an exotic animal for the state's ranches is largely due to their adaptability to dry conditions and resistance to disease. Oryx have also been shown to improve the grazing efficiency of the overall ranch herd, while increasing carrying capacity of the land they inhabit. Even better, these animals do not require supplemental feed like some other exotic animals and can be relatively easily managed in typical agricultural fencing systems. With all these advantages, it's not surprising that Texas ranchers are embracing oryx for their ranches. They are also considered a low-fence exotic.
Low-Fence Exotics Perfect For Texas Ranches
Have you ever longed to turn your ranch into a wildlife sanctuary, filled with exotic animals from all over the globe, but you don’t want to go to the expense and time of high-fencing your ranch? Blackbuck, bison, sheep, and a variety of other exotics that require little care are actually well suited for Texas ranches. These animals can be contained within 4 ½’ low fence of high tensile woven wire steel mesh.
Lone Star Exotics will consult with you to determine which animals and mix are perfect for your low fence ranch. We have exotic animals for sale in Texas that can be kept in a low-fence pasture.
- Addax
- Blackbuck
- Buffalo
- Père David’s Deer
- Rhea
- Scimitar Oryx
- Sheep (Barbados Blackbelly, Black Hawaiian, Corsican, Four Horned Sheep, Painted Desert Sheep, Mouflon, Texas Dall)
- Zebra
