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Hunting Bushbuck In Africa

Hunting Bushbuck In Africa

The Bushbuck is hunted in the wild using the walk-and-stalk technique

The two main categories of bushbuck are the kewel (Tragelaphus scriptus) and the imbabala (Tragelaphus sylvaticus). This African plains game species is native to sub-Saharan Africa and hunted in the wild throughout the region. Its conservation status is of “least concern” as listed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The bushbucks choose thick riverside bushes as their residence, as fresh water and good camouflage terrain are essential. This also provides them with food which is anything from grasses to leaves and even tubers or fallen fruit. Despite having a common habitat choice, they rarely mix with other buck unless for mating. Bushbuck are usually active during the early morning hours and again at night. If the threat limit is low, this African plains game antelope can also be nocturnal.

A female bushbuck gestates for six months and births a single calf that stays hidden for about four months.

Bushbuck are mainly solitary animals but occasionally live as a pair. The male bushbuck avoids confrontation with other males, and older bulls are considered the most dominant. If scuffles occur, they start with displays of intimidation, and when fighting does happen, it is often fatal to the loser. The main predator of these antelope is the leopard, although they do fall prey to other African big cats such as hyenas, and jackals. Pythons also prey on young calves

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Tragelaphus Scriptus and Tragelaphus Sylvaticus

Weight:
100–175 pounds

Shoulder Height:
36 inches

Range:
Central and Southern Africa

Mating Season:
Throughout the year, peaking in the rainy season

Life span:
12 years

Hunting Bushbuck

The Bushbucks Choose Thick Riverside Bushes as their Residence, as Fresh Water and Good Camouflage Terrain are Essential

Size and Appearance

When enjoying your game hunting safari, look for a medium-sized buck sporting a dark reddish–brown coat with white spots on the rump, legs, throat, and neck. Males are larger and darker in color, with only males grow horns that can reach up to 20 inches. Bushbuck can measure 36 inches at the shoulder and weigh 100 –175 pounds, depending on gender and age.

Hunting Methods

Given the solitary nature of these African hunting targets, your hunting methods should be adjusted accordingly. Its advised to set up a blind when track or spoor is spotted, or follow the stalk-and-walk approach, which will require a good set of binoculars. Hunting these antelope requires silence and being aware of wind direction. Timing your game hunting safari for first light and early evening is a good idea, as there is almost guaranteed bushbuck activity. But be prepared, as they can appear and disappear again in seconds, and the hunter should be ready to take his best shot.

Challenges and Rewards

Bushbucks are dangerous targets when hunting in the wild. If a target is wounded, they can become extremely aggressive and will charge. Remember that they have extremely sharp, pointed horns! You can see where the trouble lies… For this reason, some advice is to use a hunting dog that can distract the injured buck. The bushbuck is a cornerstone of African antelope species, and a rich coat combined with potentially killer horns ensures a good combination for your African safari hunting story.

Rifles and Requirements

.A 260 Remington is well known for its versatility and mild recoil. Any 30-caliber rifle can be used for hunting bushbuck with a suitable bullet tip of not less than 150 grain. A .270 will also certainly do the job.

MASTERING SHOT PLACEMENT FOR MEDIUM ANTELOPE

 

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