When for Nyala?

Hello Gents,

I am planning a Nyala hunt in Kwa Zulu for next year with intentions for a full mount.
My question is , when are Nyala at thier best in regard to coat quality and finish?

I know this may be very subjective but,
is thier a particular time when their coats are at thier best in this region?
And further to this , does coat quality coincide with good hunting season?

thank you for any help.
Rob. H

My best guess, would be the winter when their hair should be the longest and thickest....May to August 2012 would be the time period to hunt.

Enysse has this one on the money...

Originally Posted by enysse

My best guess, would be the winter when their hair should be the longest and thickest....May to August 2012 would be the time period to hunt.

I asked the same question of many outfitters when planning my recent Nyala hunt in Natal. All said the same, any of the winter months are good. I was fortunate enough to bag 2 Nyala bulls this June and the mature bull in his prime had a great thick mane while the ancient over the hill bulls mane was nice and long but noticably thinning compared to the younger bull, just as had been stated by the outfitters I spoke with beforehand. Both capes were absolutely gorgeous and will make stunning mounts.

If you really want a spectacular hide I would say it is more important would be to find a good outfitter who can show you lots of bulls so you can find one with trophy horns and a great stripe pattern and thick mane.

Thanks guys, I was thinking very much along the same lines.
Cogratulations on the two nice bulls Diamondhitch .
Which outfitter did you hunt with?, if you dont mind me asking.
Ive got a lot of lead time on this hunt so I'm realy shopping around.
I figure if I get with the right guys and put a couple of weeks into it I
might just winkle a nice bull out of there. Can only try i guess.
Thanks again for your help.

Late winter the best. Less cover so you can look over more bulls. Very important! The white marks under chin of bulls are very prone to hair slip. Don’t muck about to long; get it to your taxidermist if you long for a really nice full mount! Good luck on your hunt.

Diamondhitch went with CT Safari....he had a incredible hunt! Neil at Leeukop Safaris in KZN Province is another guy that provides good service on nyala.

Older male animals of the bushbuck and nyala are going to more frail from a distance than a youngster. That's how you can tell to get the gun up and ready to shoot if he has good horns!

Thanks for the help fellas, very much appreciated.
I've been looking at Leeukop's and have already had two excellent references about thier hunts.
Might be time to dial in on this one I think.
cheers guys

Originally Posted by robah

Cogratulations on the two nice bulls Diamondhitch .
Which outfitter did you hunt with?, if you dont mind me asking.

Thanks, as Enysse said I was with CT-safaris. I posted a hunt review as well with some pics of the gorgeous country and excellent trophies we harvested. Those hills are full of Nyala.
CT Safaris - A classy outfit