The word nilgai comes from the Hindu words “nil” blue and “gai” cow. They are members of the antelope family. Nilgai originated in the Pakistan/India area.

Male nilgai are generally born with a brown phase colouring and gradually change to a blue grey colour as they mature – hence the nickname “blue bull or blue ghost”. A fully mature male stands about 5 feet at the shoulders and weighs in at 500-600 pounds with an average horn length of 6-8”.

Bulls have a unique beard of hair which hangs from their neck that resembles the hair hanging from the neck of a turkey. Nilgai offer an extremely challenging hunt due to their extremely elusive personality along with their keen eyesight and hearing.

The best way to hunt nilgai is to quietly cover as much ground as possible early in the morning or later in the evening. Typical shots are a little longer than most of the animals we hunt here. 150-200 yard shooting ability will have an advantage. Nilgai are known to be tougher animals to bring down so an accurate flat shooting rifle like a 270 or 30-06 or bigger are suggested weapons of choice.

Nilgai table fare is some of the best tasting game meat available.