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Hunting The Common Nyala In Africa

Hunting The Common Nyala In Africa

The Common Nyala is an African Plains Game Antelope Renowned for its Cautious and Elusive Nature

The common nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) is a medium-sized antelope found to southern Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. One of the best destinations to enjoy a game hunting safari targeting the common nyala is in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. The nyala inhabits dense lowland woodlands and thickets. It is listed with a status of “least concern” by the IUCN and has a stable population.

The main regions for nyala hunting in Africa are Mozambique and South Africa, as well as some game farms in Namibia and Botswana. Common nyala are traditionally herbivorous browsers, feeding on leaves, fruits, twigs, and flowers of various different plants. During the rainy season they eat fresh grass. Nyala form groups of two to ten members. These groups can be mixed or same sex and stay together to feed and drink.

Breeding happens throughout the year. Cows first conceive between 14-18 months, with a gestation period of 7 months. A single calf is usually born, although twins are not uncommon for the common nyala. Predators of the nyala antelope include the lion, leopard, and spotted hyena, while baboons and raptors prey on juveniles.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Tragelaphus Angasii

Weight:
216-276 pounds

Shoulder Height:
43 inches

Range:
South eastern Africa

Gestation Period:
7 months

Horns:
Male only

Life span:
19 years

Hunting Nyala

The Nyala allows hunters an intense and exciting hunting adventure

Size and Appearance

The male common nyala is a spiral-horned, medium-sized antelope standing at 43 inches at the shoulder and weighs 216-276 pounds, while the female mountain nyala stands 35–39 inches at the shoulder and weighs 121-150 pounds. Their coat is grey to brown, with a bushy tail measuring 7-10 inches in length. It has two to five abstract stripes stretching from the back to the belly, and 6–10 white dots found alongside these markings. Similar patches and markings in white adorn the face, throat, and legs. Only the males have yellow-tipped horns that reach 24-33 inches in length, and ensures easy spotting by the hunter while on their game hunting safari! An interesting fact about the juvenile nyalas, is that they are often mistaken for females. It's thought that this adpation allows them to survive and have the protection of the herd, while remaining unchallenged by dominant bulls.

Hunting Methods

Hunters use various techniques to harvest the common nyala, including ambushing the animal at a blind, spotting them in the vehicle and then pursuing on foot, or lastly, the walk-and-stalk method in an area they are known to frequent.

Challenges and Rewards

The common nyala, like many African plains game species, is shy and even considered elusive. They move around their territory at night, carefully venturing out in the morning and late afternoons to feed. They are extremely wary, and this cautious behavior makes hunting and stalking them even more challenging.

Rifles and Requirements

When hunting this African plains game trophy, a .270 or any of the 30 calibers are an excellent choice to anchor your Nyala. Make sure high quality premium grade bullets are utilized. The rifle needs to have an excellent quality scope. The .375 H & H Magnum is also a favorite. It is often said that the best rifle for hunting Nyala is the one you have on you at the time!

MASTERING SHOT PLACEMENT FOR MEDIUM ANTELOPE

 

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