For those of you who have hunted Nilgai Antelope, I have a question. On average what is the distance of the shot? Yes, I know it can be 350 yards but what's the average? 150? 250?

I'm going next February to the Yturria and was just curious. I've already started practicing with sticks at various ranges but I'd like to do a little extra at the average if I can figure out what it is.

I'm a big believer in trying to use maximum point blank range shooting when possible because it eliminates scope adjustments or holdover. My 300 Mag is good to 300 yards MPBR without any trouble. Thus if it's going to consistently be beyond 300 yards I've got some work to do.

Thanks.

When i use to go a good bit our shots were 100-150 on average with a couple closer and further.

My average has been 150 to 200. The guys at the Yturria are good; they will get you within a reasonable range. The best thing you can do is study Nikgai anatomy, they are not built like a WT. Vitals are low and forward. And use a tough bullet.

What they said and practice with your sticks and rifle from field setups. Know your limitations with your rifle and stay within those. Most guides appreciate that and will work to get you within those limitations.

At the Yturria you should be able to take shots from 75-150. Two friends of mine went just last week and both shots were under 100 yards.

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it.

I've shot four and all were between 175 to 250 yards. Bullet choice and placement are very important. I recommend shooting them in the front shoulder with a Nosler Partition/Accubond or Barnes TSX.

Guys, from your comments and those on other strings it seems to me that all the vitals are under the shoulder bones instead of behind them. Sounds like challenging shooting. I would shoot a WT or Axis right behind the shoulder to lung them. Sounds like these critters need one with the vertical post right through the front leg about 2/3 the way down the shoulders. That sound about right?

My rifle likes Barnes TSX in 180 grain and Trophy Bonded Bear Claws in 200 grain. Hopefully that will be good medicine if I can place the shot.

that will do the trick or a wuatering away shot to stick it in there will do also, I allways shot my 300 and tried to break them down, take out the front wheels and they cant go too far if they go anywhere.

Cool looking animals. I have never shot one but might in the future. .

BBD , have you shot a bunch?

You are about right. Yes, in line with the front leg if broadside, and low. A shot there will wreck his locomotion and damage the heart.

For a while the Yturria guides were teaching spine shots. Not sure if they still are, I was never a fan of that approach.

Best thing to do is immediately re-load and get back in the scope. The bulls have a habit of going down but getting back to their feet a few seconds later. Many deer hunters just sit their and stare as their trophy runs off into the brush. Put another one in him!!

For a while the Yturria guides were teaching spine shots. Not sure if they still are, I was never a fan of that approach.

Best thing to do is immediately re-load and get back in the scope. The bulls have a habit of going down but getting back to their feet a few seconds later. Many deer hunters just sit their and stare as their trophy runs off into the brush. Put another one in him!! [/quote]

Thanks for the information. I think I'll try a Nilgai hunt late this spring. Sounds like a ton of fun. Baker

WSI, on the Yturria, pretty much insist on spine shots. Find the highest point on the back( the withers), come down 10" and thats the sweet spot. If you hit that, they will not get up. I hunted there twice and got 2 nice bulls. Both my bulls were stalked to 80-85 yds. Its tough but its doable.

We like quartering away shots and in the low shoulder shots towards the front. Have seen these things run for miles when hit behind the shoulder. Our average shot is about 75-150 yards. Its a big target but shot placement is essential for these bruisers. I second what TXAG said, put another one in and if you get the chance another one after that! Good luck on your first one! They are addictive for sure!