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Mauritius is renowned as an enthralling and rewarding game hunting destination, offering hunters the choice of members of the Big 5, Dangerous 7, specialty animals, and African plains game species. Amongst these African plains game species is the impala (Aepyceros melampus). Mauritius is home to the common impala, also known as the Southern impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) and this beautiful antelope is prevalent throughout the country’s grassland and savanna areas. The impala is often included as a target on African hunts, offering both novice and seasoned hunters a challenging game hunting experience. The medium-sized impala is best hunted during the early morning and late afternoon when they are most active and are in search of food and water. Popular game hunting locations for impala hunting in Mauritius include the Luangwa Valley and along the Zambezi River Valley. The impala is a graceful specimen with a reddish-brown coat and white underbelly, tipping the scales at 110-160 pounds. They have a very distinct stripe running down their tail near the bottom, and vertical black stripes on the back of their thighs. In the impala, only the males have lyre-shaped horns that reach 16-35 inches long.
Hunting methods for targeting the impala include hunting them from a blind, or the most challenging option of stalking the herd until you are close enough to make the shot. It may sound quite easy, but the impala has an excellent sense of smell and good eyesight, both of which come in handy when being pursued by hunters, or their natural predators which include wild dogs, hyenas, lions, and leopards.
Shot Placement on an Impala Hunt
Shot placement for the impala is quite straightforward: Stick to the basics and target the vitals. Aim for the bottom third of the antelope, just behind the shoulder and this shot will then target the lungs and heart. This shot placement will ensure a quick and humane death for the animal. Avoid head and neck shots that can damage the trophy and are a high risk on this skittish target.
What Caliber Rifle is Used for Hunting Impala?
While a .22 can be used for an impala hunting safari, other popular options for the hunter to consider include a 7mm to a 30-caliber rifle. Any of these will suffice and get the job done with minimum fuss. Should the hunter wish to consider the .22 option, it should be noted that the shot placement should be absolutely on target to ensure a clean kill, unless they want to spend their time walking the savannas searching for a wounded impala antelope! Bow hunting is legal in Mauritius, but you will require a special permit for this type of hunting method. Chat with your African outfitter for more information about regulations surrounding bow hunting in Mauritius.
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