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Targeting Grant’s Zebra When Hunting In Africa

Targeting Grant’s Zebra When Hunting In Africa

Grant’s zebra (Equus quagga boehmi) is one of six recognized subspecies of the plains zebra (Equus quagga). It is known to inhabit the grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands of Central and Southern Africa and is found in Zambia, Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Zebras are non-territorial and stay in family units known as harems, with one single dominant stallion along with mares and their offspring. These harems usually comprise between 6-18 individuals. Zebras recognize each other through their stripes, scents, and vocalizations. Bachelor groups are also formed when young male zebras leave the herd at around 1-4 years and join a bachelor group. These groups do join and form massive herds during migration or when visiting water holes.

Although zebras mate throughout the year, with a gestation period of 360-396 days, there is a peak in births during the wet season. One foal is born to a mare and can stand, walk, and run within hours of being born. Foals are nursed for up to one year.

The Grant’s zebra is herbivorous, feeding on leaves, bark, shrubs, and coarse grasses.

Predators of this African plains game species include lions, leopards, African wild dogs, and hyenas. Zebras often use their speed to escape predation, along with herd coordination and continuous vigilance by all herd members. Predators tend to target the weak and sick individuals of the harem, while the zebras form a defensive circle around the vulnerable members with the stallion confronting the danger.

The IUCN lists its conservation status as that of “least concern.”

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Equus quagga boehmi

Male Weight:
660 pounds

Male Shoulder height:
3,9 to 4,6 ft

Range:
Central & Southern Africa

Mating:
Throughout the Year

Gestation Period:
360-396 days

Life span:
20-25 years

Hunting Grant’s Zebra

Size and Appearance

The Grant’s zebra adult males weigh approximately 660 pounds. This subspecies of zebra has vertical black and white or dark brown and white stripes in front, horizontal stripes on its back legs, and diagonal stripes on its rump and hind flanks. Their stripes are broad and distinctive, while shadow stripes are absent or indistinct. Each zebra’s striped pattern is unique, much like a fingerprint. Grant’s zebras have upright ears and short upright manes. They have short, stocky legs that are striped to the base of the hoof. Their tails are roughly 18-22 inches, with a tuft of fur on the end and fully striped.

Hunting Methods

Targeting Grant’s zebra on an African hunting safari is often conducted through walk-and-stalk or spot-and-stalk methods while ambushing this African plains game species at waterholes is another option.

Challenges & Rewards

Moving within close family units, there are always zebras on alert, looking for threats or danger and hunters need to be vigilant. This speedy African plains species can also reach speeds of up to 40mph, allowing for a quick escape once danger is spotted.

Zebras are often hunted for their beautiful hides that make perfect game hunting trophies.

The reward of harvesting one of Africa’s most iconic species speaks for itself, and the lovely hide as a reminder of the hunting adventure is the perfect addition to any trophy room.

Rifles & Requirements

Ensure that you are familiar and comfortable with your chosen rifle for zebra hunting in Africa, and most importantly, are also an accurate shot with it. Use a medium to large caliber rifle. Popular rifles for a zebra hunting safari are 30 caliber rifles with a minimum bullet weight of 150 grain, or higher velocity rifles like the 7mm or 300 win-mag. A .375 can also work well to bring down your prized game hunting trophy.

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