Nyala
- Average weight male: 110 kg
- Average weight female: 62 kg
- Shoulder height male: 115 cm
- Shoulder height female: 98 cm
- Mating season: All year
The nyala is one of the spiral horned antelopes, and marks the dividing line between the large and smaller species. While the sexes are distinguished as bulls and cows for the larger species and the smaller varieties use the terms ram and ewe, the Nyala male is referred to as a bull, while the female is called a ewe. Closely related to the bushbuck, the nyala bull is significantly larger and has a characteristic white chevron between the eyes, a white mane, yellow socks and hanging body hair. The females is much smaller than the males, and has a very prominent orange-brown color with white strips on the flanks. Only the males carry the lyre-shaped spiral horns, which are often set off with ivory tips. The nyala frequents the thickets of the dense woodlands where cover is good, and ventures onto the plains only when the grass sprouts. Water dependent, the nyala drinks daily. This majestic antelope forms temporary herds of various structures, i.e. family herds, female herds, bachelor herds etc. They tend to graze during the cool hours and even at night, resting during the heat of the day. Hunting nyala associates closely with the techniques used for the kudu. Ambush him on the approaches to feeding areas and water holes. If tracked and pushed hard, like most, he will become curious and stop to look back at his pursuer – usually a fatal mistake.
Hunting nyala calls for quality expanding bullets. Rifles of less that .270 cannot be recommended. The .270 with a heavy for caliber bullet and good shot placement will certainly get the job done. The various 30 calibers, would be an even better choice to anchor your nyala. Shot placement, as always, is critical: Aim straight up the fore-leg about one third into the body – and never above the one half mark – This will secure the high heart/lung shot which has proved to be so effective. Because of the hanging body hair, that ‘one third’ can be hard to judge, so do not aim too low.
The nyala makes a most attractive trophy, and his elusive nature make him a real challenge to hunt
Recommended calibers: .270, .308 or bigger