Nyala hunting
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Where to hunt Nyala
Nyala is a spiral-horned, middle-sized antelope that fits between its close relatives the Bushbuck and the Kudu. There are two species of Nyala, the much larger Mountain Nyala (hunted in the Ethiopian Highlands) and the Lowland Nyala (simply referred to as the Nyala). Its historical distribution was in Southern East Africa. Currently this magnificent antelope may be hunted in Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, and has been introduced onto hunting ranches in Namibia and Botswana.
Price distribution
Normally hunted on a client’s second or third safari to Southern Africa, this sought after trophy price ranges from around $1,800 to over $3,000 for a monster. Nowadays the norm is to sell these animals by the inch once their horns grow over 28 inches. Generally these hunts are combined with a number of other plains game species or maybe a buffalo. The daily rates for a plains game hunt run from about $350 a day up to $600 a day on average, if you hunt a Nyala while primarily on a Buffalo hunt. A dedicated three-day Nyala hunt would cost around $3,000 to $3,500. At the other end of the scale a prized Mountain Nyala hunt in Ethiopia will cost you in the vicinity of $65,000. This includes the required 15 day daily rates and a $15,000 trophy fee. However, most hunters will take a combination of other species while on this safari.
Learn more from our blog story
Here is what BookYourHunt.com Director for North America James Reed shares about his Nyala hunting experience in Mozambique: “His coat was in prime condition with all the colours and markings that make the nyala one of the most visually striking animals in the world.”
13 Jun 2016 The Bulls of MarromeuWhen to hunt Nyala?
Nyala may be hunted all year round In South Africa and Zimbabwe. In Namibia, for instance, hunting is closed in January and February, and in Mozambique the season is open from April 1 to November 30. The best months for hunting Nyala are the dry autumn months of August to October, the reason being that these animals are very water dependent and when hot and dry seek water on a regular basis. This drinking behavioural pattern causes these animals to leave the safety of the thickets where they feed and seek shelter during the day.
Hunting methods All hunting methods (15)
Being a shy animal, these animals prefer thick bush near an abundance of fresh water. The first choice of hunting methods for Nyala hunting is spot-and-stalk. The best time to hunt Nyala is at first light when they return to the thick bush and when they emerge at last light to feed in the more open and burnt areas. Walk slowly along forest edges, on pathways through dense lowland woodlands, thickets and riverine areas in the late evening. Often the best trophies only come out at last light and often difficult to see in the fading light as they blend in with the undergrowth. Hunting from a blind over salt licks and water holes is also possible, and many hunters, especially bow hunters, find the opportunity to observe the African nature from concealment an exciting bonus to the hunt itself.
Why hunt Nyala?
Nyala must be one of the most majestic animals available for hunting in Africa. An English naturalist, by the name of George French Angas first described the Nyala in 1849, near Lake St Lucia in Zululand (South Africa), calling it the “Angas Bushbuck”. However, the modern day source of its name likely came from Zulu word “Inyala”. African folk law has it that the spots on its face were produced when the creator held this animal’s head in his hands while admiring his work and said. “What a beautiful animal I have created!” A full mounted trophy Nyala is often the centre of attraction in anyone‘s trophy room. It’s one of those animals that once spotted by a hunter, becomes a must have trophy, they are just so gorgeous.
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