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Nyala Hunting

Nyala hunting may involve a quick shot at short range. Often referred to as the 'crafty one' the nyala is extremely alert and cautious.

Nyala Trophy Minimums

Tragelaphus angasii (Common Nyala)
RW Minimum	RW Record	RW Measurement Method	SCI Minimum	SCI Record	SCI Measurement Method
27⁷/₈"	32⁷/₈"	8	63"	71³/₈"	2

Tragelaphus buxtoni (Mountain Nyala)
RW Minimum	RW Record	RW Measurement Method	SCI Minimum	SCI Record	SCI Measurement Method
30⁷/₈"	39¹/₂"	8	75"	89⁷/₈"	2

Nyala Facts

Habitat and Requirements

Common nyala prefer dense lowland woodlands and thickets near water.
Mountain nyala pefer high-altitude woodland, bush, heath, moorland, and valley-bottom grassland

Social Structure

Common nyala are very shy, and are very cautious when approaching open spaces. Usually nyala are seen at water holes. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, resting in thick brush during the hottest times of the day. The alarm call is a sharp, dog-like bark. Single sex and mixed groups of 2-10 individuals. Old bulls are solitary.
Mountain nyala travels in small groups of 2-13 animals, with an average of 4 and 6 individuals in a herd. These groups are primarily composed of females and their young, but often a mature (but not old) bull will be present. Old males are usually solitary. Mountain nyala are most active from late afternoon, night, and early morning. Adult males appear to have shorter active periods, rising two hours before dark and seldom being seen after the early hours of the morning.

Gestation Period

After a gestation period of around 7 months, one offspring is born.

Nyala Gender Identification

Common nyala males are larger than the hornless females, and have a shaggy dark brown to charcoal grey coat, often with a bluish tinge.
Mountain nyala males are much larger than the hornless females. Males also have a white dorsal crest, which extends from neck to base of tail, and a mane of shaggy brown hair on the neck.

Nyala Hunting Methods

The most common way to hunt this species is to slowly stalk the likely habitat and look for movement, or occasionally the entire animal.

A Good Nyala Trophy

Horn length - long with thick bases and out-turning tips will make a good trophy. An old animal may also have bald spots on the neck.

Nyala Hunting Shot Placement

As nyala shot placement is similar to other antelope plains game species, go to Shot Placement On Plains Game.

Nyala Pictures

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Nyala Bull

Nyala Bull

Nyala Bull

Nyala Bull

Nyala Bull

Nyala Bull with female

Recommended Viewing

Zululand Safari DVD. Nyala are the most beautiful and highly prized of all the South African species of big game. Three hunters each stalk and shoot a magnificent nyala. In addition, you will experience the on-camera hunting of the red duiker plus blue wildebeest, bushpig, southern reedbuck, southern impala and warthog. 60 mins.