When it comes to game hunting in Africa, the Harnessed bushbuck is a sought-after species that is often included on African plains game hunting safaris. This subspecies of bushbuck is native to central and southern Africa and is found in various African countries, including Chad, the Central African Republic, Gabon, and Congo.
These small antelopes are renowned for their very distinctive harness-like stripes on their backs, which is how they got their name. The harnessed bushbuck is herbivorous, with their diet consisting of a variety of foods including leaves, fruit, grasses, and roots.
They are a shy, and solitary antelope that doesn’t readily mix with others, unless for mating. They are more active early in the day and then again at dusk, preferring to hide and rest during the heat of the day.
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.
The main predator of these antelope is the leopard, with jackals and hyenas also taking advantage of the antelope. The antelope’s agility and speed assist them in evading predators.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the status of the bushbuck as “least concern.”
Name:
Tragelaphus scriptus scriptus
Male Weight:
70-100 pounds
Male Shoulder Height:
26-30 inches
Range:
Central and Southern Africa
Life span:
8-9 years
The harnessed bushbuck is known for its solitary behavior and adaptability, thriving in a variety of environments ranging from forests to savannas.
The Harnessed bushbuck is the tiniest of the bushbuck species and also sports the smallest horns. Their coats are a chestnut color, with the harness stripes well distinguished. The females of the species are lighter in color, with their markings even more pronounced. Males of the species have dark, spiral-shaped horns that can reach 10-20 inches in length.
Hunting methods when harnessed bushbuck hunting in Africa include setting up a blind to ambush the antelope or hunting them using the walk-and-stalk method. Time your game hunting safari for first light and early evening is a good idea, as this is when they are known to be more active. But be prepared, as they can appear and disappear again in seconds, and the hunter should be ready to take his best shot.
Bushbucks are known to be quite aggressive when injured, so ensure that the shot placement on this antelope is spot on. Aim for the vitals to ensure a quick and humane death for the animal. These small antelopes are known for their agility and speed, making them a challenging target on an African hunt! The harnessed bushbuck is a pretty, striking antelope and the perfect game hunting trophy.
Any 30-caliber rifle can be used for hunting bushbuck with a suitable bullet tip of not less than 150 grain, while a .270 will suffice on this African hunt.
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