This blog article is dedicated to my long-time friend, Mr. Kay Naidoo, who sadly passed away a few years ago. May you rest in peace, we miss you terribly. One day, in another life, we will hunt trophy eland together again.
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A mature eland bull, with a spiral twist and length of thirty-five inches plus, weighing in at over 2,200 pounds, with a heavy dewlap, what an absolute “tank” of an antelope. A must-have in every game hunting trophy room, and available when eland hunting in South Africa!
If you going to travel the miles, spend the hard-earned dollars, and go Africa plains game hunting in South Africa, the hunting safari must make allowance to include a giant eland bull, one of the most difficult antelope to hunt. A mature eland bull will have a tuft of hair on its face, and is usually tawny colored, but will become darker as it ages. Do not be fooled by the eland’s size, these giant antelope are incredibly nimble. As many South African outfitters will tell you, an eland can jump and can clear a height of over eight feet!In South Africa, there are two types of Eland, the largest being the Cape, otherwise known as Common Eland, and then the Livingston Eland. Both species are available when game hunting in South Africa.
When hunting eland, we have often found that either the eland has an enormous body and shorter and thicker horns, or the opposite, a smaller body with longer horns.
Eland Hunting in South Africa, Limpopo Province
We (my son Keenan and I) hunted the below Cape eland years ago. It was my first eland bull which I took at about 150 yards with my faithful 30.06, loaded with 180 grain factory Hornady ammunition in the Waterberg mountains. I loved that Remington!
The bullet entered the chest from the frontal position, there was no way I was going to consider a frontal brain shot.
While the eland bull dropped on the spot, much to my relief, when arriving at the carcass, my very first thought was that I could probably have used more gun. In hindsight, I would have used my .458 (which would have been overkill). Walking for hours and days chasing a wounded eland bull is just not my idea of fun. Mountains in the Limpopo province of South Africa are famously known for “breaking” game hunting enthusiasts.
This eland bull weighed in at over 2,000 pounds. His face had a nice tuft of dark fur. You will notice the body color, almost grey and hairless.
The eland bull, after being field dressed went on to break the axle of a double axel trailer and then snapped one of the meat hooks that he was hanging on. Swinging and breaking the stone wall belonging to the ranch owners. The hunter just knows that the next hunting safari is going to be billed a few dollars higher…Recovering a mature eland bull is no easy task. If the South African outfitters do not possess a TLB (backhoe), or cannot reach the trophy with a tractor, the eland is going to be loaded the hard way, in pieces.
In other eland hunting areas such as the Kalahari Desert, it is far easier to load such a large antelope. With the terrain being mostly soft sand, a quick trench can be dug, and the truck (faithful Toyota Landcruiser) can just be backed up into the ditch, reducing the load distance. Hopefully, a 15,000-pound winch is available, or else it is going to be another labor-intensive job!
Some FAQs when considering a Hunting Safari for Trophy Eland in South Africa
What is the Best Rifle with which to hunt Eland?
When it comes to hunting eland in South Africa, use a good thirty caliber or higher that you are comfortable using. Accuracy is required as these large antelope are tough and, when wounded, can travel many miles.
What is an Eland’s Trophy Fee?
The trophy fee for a Cape eland bull will cost between US $ 2,500 and US $3,500. South African outfitters will charge separately for day fees, which can range between US $150 and US$300, depending on the facilities provided.
What is the Shot Placement on an Eland?
Shot placement on an eland is the same as any large antelope. A frontal shot into the brain will ensure instant death but will be sure to ruin the game hunting trophy. The recommended shot placement would be when the eland is standing broadside. Aim for a third of the way up the front shoulder. The bullet will enter the heart. If the shot misses the heart by a small margin, the vital organs, namely the lungs will hit.
Are there Lord Derby Eland in South Africa?
No, there are not any Lord Derby Eland in South Africa. Hunting Lord Derby Eland is only allowed in the Cameroon and Central African Republic.
Is Safari Hunting in South Africa safe?
Game Hunting Safaris.com would not be promoting eland hunting in South Africa if the safari hunting destination were not classified as a “safe zone for travel.” As South African outfitters continually promote family hunting packages, safety is always a concern and a top priority.
While international news platforms always tend to only report “only the bad,” South Africa remains the premium hunting destination and has over a million international tourists every year. For more information on safety concerning Africa hunts, check out this recently completed blog on the subject.
Considerations when Eland Hunting in South Africa
South African outfitters will freely share hours of solid advice when it comes to eland hunting, these antelope present the game hunting safari with a few challenges.
Eland have exceptionally good eyesight. Being permanently nervous and on high alert, they will take flight at the slightest sign of danger. Making matters even more difficult, eland are normally found in groups of antelopes, anything from eight to fifteen. More guards on patrol. They run with a “gait” that can cover many miles in a brief period, so when spooked, it may be quite a distance before you find the group again.A wounded eland can become exceptionally aggressive and highly dangerous. The professional hunter will carry a large caliber rifle for backup shots, should it be required. If you factually know that the shot was a direct hit on the eland, exercise caution and wait 20 or so minutes before taking up the tracks.
My wife Tamlyn hunted the below gorgeous eland cow years ago in the Northwest province of South Africa, using her favorite 300 win-mag loaded with 180 grain. This was indeed a special African hunting trip for Tamlyn, as she was pregnant at the time. Tamlyn must be the only woman I know of who makes a doctor’s appointment to check that she can still go Africa plains game hunting while pregnant! Now that’s commitment and dedication! Tamlyn hunted this eland cow from a temporary blind at sixty-odd yards. A perfect quartering towards shot into the heart.
Methods of Eland Hunting in South Africa
Plains game hunting in South Africa can be a “tricky” business and when it comes to these African hunts, proper planning and strategy is a necessity. Consideration will need to be given to the season of the year that the eland hunt is taking place, as this affects foliage growth, visibility, and watering points.
- Spot, Walk, and Stalk Eland Hunting Method: Hunters will glass the surroundings from various vantage points. Should a huntable bull be found, the hunting safari will carefully stalk the eland, by remaining concealed and quiet. Check the terrain and if possible, stalk in socks, always checking the wind direction and remaining downwind.
- Ambush Method of Eland hunting: Plains game hunting in South Africa often makes use of the “ambush technique,” especially when hunting eland, as they are water independent. Your African outfitter and professional hunter will identify areas of high traffic, construct a temporary area for concealment, and wait for the eland to traverse by. The hunter will need to be able to exercise patience and limit movement for extended periods. This “sitting and waiting” approach, while effective, can be frustrating.
Whether using either of the above methods, the professional hunter will have to have extensive knowledge of eland in the area’s behavior and activities, especially during the various seasons.
When is the Best Time of the Year for Eland Hunting in South Africa?
In South Africa, eland hunting is not regulated to a specific hunting season. The Africa plains game hunting safari can take place throughout the year. Bear in mind when planning the hunting safari that summer months in the bushveld can be exceptionally hot and insect activity is at its highest. A few “pepper tick” bites can quickly put a damper on any African hunts.
South African outfitters are on top of their game! Like any business, there are always a handful who do not make the grade, and that is why when researching your dream African hunting trip, it is advisable to use a hunt broker, such as Game Hunting Safaris.Com. It is our core function at Game Hunting Safaris to separate the good from the bad and to ensure that our clients only enjoy exceptional hunting experiences.
Many South African outfitters are second and third-generation families, being in a unique position to bring a wealth of safari hunting skills and knowledge to the table.
Are South African Outfitters up to Standard and Geared for an African Hunting Trip?
South African outfitters are on top of their game! Like any business, there are always a handful who do not make the grade, and that is why when researching your dream African hunting trip, it is advisable to use a hunt broker, such as Game Hunting Safaris.
It is our core function at Game Hunting Safaris to separate the good from the bad and to ensure that our clients only enjoy exceptional hunting experiences. Many South African outfitters are second and third-generation families, being in a unique position to bring a wealth of safari hunting skills and knowledge to the table.
Are Hunting Lodges in Africa up to Standard and Geared Towards International Hunters?
Hunting lodges in Africa rely on the proceeds generated by the members of the game hunting industry. The food is exceptional, and the lodgings are more than comfortable. The rooms are spacious and if possible, have exceptional views of the African landscape.
South African outfitters also have a variety of tented camps available, which are luxurious. With game hunters also having business responsibilities while safari hunting, hunting lodges in Africa will also supply wi-fi and data services. The local cuisine is of a high standard and more often than not I come back from a hunting safari, no matter how tough, weighing a few more pounds than at the commencement of the trip. Local beer is of high quality and South Africa is famous for producing world-class wines.
The below eland was hunted by Keenan back in 2013, at the age of 13 years. The eland was a tank of bull! Using the Rowald Ward measuring system at the time, a trophy bull was measured along the spiral to tip at 35 inches.
This Eland bull, while not that big in the body, measured a whopping 39 inches, a true monster!
Till today, I am not sure if Keenan is more chuffed by the fact that the bull measured 39 inches, or if the below article published in the Wild & Jag magazine released in South Africa confirmed that Keena took the 160-yard shot, at 13 years of age with a .458. Another rifle hijacked by the kids and sorely missed…
Field Judging a Potential Trophy Eland Bull
While eland hunting in South Africa and field judging a potential bull, I leave it up to my South African outfitter. While I certainly can throw some estimates into the pot, the final call I leave to my professional hunter, who is, after all, the professional in this situation. I always have the opinion that if the hunter likes what he sees, take the shot, the PH opinion is a guide.
Some judging tips while hunting eland:
- Females are nearly half the size of a mature eland bull.
- Males when mature will have distinctive and large dewlaps on their throats that sway when moving.
- Darker coats which are a bluish gray are a tell-tale sign of a mature eland bull.
- Mature eland bulls will often have signs of hair loss on their coats and will have the tuft of hair going dark on their face but note that is not a guaranteed sign.
- Game hunting for trophy eland bulls is all about the size of the horns. The horns should have prominent ridges, spirals, and of course, a good length, which can be tricky to judge.
Additional Hazards when Eland Hunting in South Africa: Be Aware of the Terrain!
The below image follows an image of my late friend, Kay who tripped and fell after taking the first shot at an eland bull. Rock 1, Kay 0.
The net result was 11 stitches to his head.
We managed to track down the wounded eland bull and finish the job at hand. I am not sure who bled more—Kay or the eland bull—but the .458 worked exceptionally well. Eland hunting in South Africa is not for the faint-hearted, but that smile of happiness and joy makes up for a little pain and suffering.
This eland was hunted at our ranch in Limpopo, South Africa. While still a young eland bull, he had a nice girth and thickness to his horns and was huge in the body.
Eland Hunting in South Africa and the Famous Spiral Slam
Plains game hunting in South Africa offers more than 90 species of huntable antelope. Successfully hunting all four spiral horn antelope on one safari hunting trip certainly is challenging and would need to be done over a suggested period of at least 10 days, especially if the hunter is targeting trophy animals.
The four antelope making up the spiral grand slam are:
Book that Eland Hunt!
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Hunting in South Africa, for Africa plains game or dangerous game is both rewarding and memorable. Trophy eland hunting is a hunting adventure all on its own. Live your dream Africa Safari and add to your game hunting memories, after all, we only live once.
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Author: P.C. van Wyk