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Hunting Eland in South Africa

Hunting Eland in South Africa

Experience the Thrill Of Eland Hunting in South Africa

Hunting Africa’s largest antelope, the eland is a challenging and exciting hunting adventure on many hunters’ bucket lists. Having the opportunity to hunt eland in South Africa, one of the prime game hunting destinations worldwide is a dream come true for many who wish to target this beautiful African plains game antelope. South Africa is home to two types of eland, namely the Common or Cape eland, as well as the Livingstone eland and both are available for African plains game hunting in South Africa. The mighty eland tips the scales at more than 2,200 pounds, a weighty game hunting trophy sporting large spiral horns, a lock of hair on its forehead, and a large dewlap. The difference between the Livingstone eland and the Cape eland is that the Livingstone eland has longer horns and a larger body than the Cape eland.

When it comes to eland hunting in South Africa, the best location to target the Cape eland is in the mountainous region of the Eastern Cape, where it can be hunted all year round. The Livingstone eland can be targeted on big game hunting safaris in the famous Limpopo province, as well as the Northern Cape and North West provinces. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the eland with a status of “least concern” and no special permits are required for this African plains game hunting adventure.

Available Common Eland Hunts

More About South Africa Eland Hunting

Shot Placement on a South African Hunting Safari

There are two main methods for hunting eland in South Africa, firstly the spot, walk, and stalk method and secondly, the ambush method. Spot, Walk, and Stalk Eland Hunting Method: Hunters will glass the surroundings looking for a trophy eland bull. Should a suitable bull be found, the hunting safari will carefully stalk the eland, which is quite a challenge as this big game hunting trophy is exceptionally observant with excellent eyesight. Combine this with a naturally nervous and skittish nature and you have a tricky stalk on your hands! Ambush Method of Eland hunting: African plains game hunting often makes use of the ambush technique, especially when hunting eland in South Africa, as they are water dependent. An area will be identified where the eland comes to drink and a temporary blind will be constructed nearby, where the hunting party will wait for the eland to appear.

Shot placement on an eland is the same as any large antelope that you target during an African plains game hunting safari. While a frontal shot into the brain will ensure instant death, it will also ruin your game hunting trophy. The recommended shot placement for this large and magnificent antelope would be when the eland is standing broadside. Aim for a third of the way up the front shoulder and the bullet will enter the heart. If the shot misses the heart by a small margin, the lungs will be hit, resulting in a quick and humane death.

What Caliber Rifle is used when Eland Hunting in South Africa?

When it comes to hunting eland in South Africa, use a good 30-caliber or higher that you are comfortable using and can enjoy accurate shot placement with. Accuracy is required as these large antelope are tough and, when wounded, can travel many miles. Eland can also be hunted using a bow in South Africa.

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