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Hunting The Common Reedbuck In Africa

The reedbuck has an Talent of Camouflaging Themselves by Standing Still and Outwitting their Predators.

The southern reedbuck, rietbok, or common reedbuck is an Africa plains game antelope typically found in southern Africa and targeted on many African hunts throughout the region. They are found in southern Congo and southern Tanzania, throughout Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and the northern part of South Africa. They are listed as a species of “least concern” by the IUCN.

Common reedbucks are nocturnal herbivores, eating mainly grass. However, should there not be much grass available, they will feed on seeds and herbs. They are found in rich valleys where water is plentiful or near wetland regions but also occur in areas such as floodplains, savannas, and woodlands with less grass cover. Although they are not overly dependent on water, they prefer habitats with a good water supply. KwaZulu-Natal is renowned for its trophy quality reedbuck population.

Predators include cheetahs, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, pythons, and crocodiles. When they sense danger or feel threatened, they will hide in the long grass where their coloring assists in camouflaging them from predators.

These territorial animals form loose family groupings of 6-10 members. Mating occurs throughout the year but there is a peak in the wet season. Females gestate for 7-8 months, birthing one to two offspring.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Redunca Arundinum

Male Weight:
150 pounds

Male Shoulder Height:
31-35 inches

Horns:
Males only, 6-16 inches

Gestation Period:
7-8 months

Life span:
10 years

Hunting Reedbuck

These Territorial Animals Form Loose Family Groupings of 6-10 Members.

Size and Appearance

The common reedback stands 31-35 inches at the shoulder, with females weighing 106 pounds and males 150 pounds. Their fur is predominantly gray, with only the head and shoulders being a reddish-brown color. Their underbelly and tail are white. They have long, narrow ears, and males have forward-curving horns.

Hunting Methods

African hunts targeting the common reedbuck usually happen at dawn or dusk as that is when they are most active. They hide and rest in the tall grass during daylight hours but will exit their hideaway to graze and drink. Out of many African plains game antelopes, they are one of the easiest to approach and get within striking distance.

Challenges and Rewards

As with many of the Africa plains game antelopes, the challenge is spotting them! They manage to camouflage themselves extremely well from both predators and members of an African hunt! They have excellent hearing and when they hear something out of the ordinary, they stand dead still and use their coloring as camouflage. Even with that being said, they remain one of the easiest animals to approach on a game hunting safari.

Rifles and Requirements

Reedbucks are not very large or very tough antelope. Often the hunter needs accuracy on longer shots that may be presented. Any caliber from a .243, .308, and of course the 30.06 will get the job done. The rifle needs to be equipped with a good set of optics for potentially longer shots that may be needed when hunting reedbuck. Reedbuck will often be found in rugged terrain testing the hunter's shot placement and shooting skills.