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Puku Game Hunting Safaris

The puku is a medium-sized antelope found in Zambia and some Central African regions

The puku (Kobus vardonii)is a medium-sized antelope found occasionally in southern Central Africa, but the main population of these antelopes is in southern Tanzania and Zambia. For those willing to travel for their African hunt, Zambia has the largest population of puku, found in the Luangwa Valley, and would be a great addition to an African plains game hunting safari. Something to keep in mind for your African hunt is that this antelope is more active in the early mornings and late afternoons, with grazing taking place during cooler periods.

African hunts featuring puku will head towards its habitat of flooded grasslands and tropical savannahs, always close to water. Herds are fluid, with between 5-30 animals as they move freely between groups. During the rainy season, the herds do increase, reaching up to 50 members.

These African plains game antelopes are grazers, with their diet consisting of a wide range of grasses. When alarmed, scared, or disturbed, they will emit a shrill whistle-like sound, to warn others of the danger.

Breeding occurs all year around, with a peak in the rainy season. Females will give birth to one calf and then hide it to protect it from predators. The calf will remain hidden for a substantial time, a couple of months, after which it joins the herd and its mother.

Predators of the puku include lions, leopards, and crocodiles, apart from man on his African hunts.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Kobus vardonii

Male Weight:
154-202 pounds

Male Shoulder Height:
31 inches

Range:
South Central Africa, southern Tanzania and Zambia

Gestation Period:
8 months

Life span:
17 years

Hunting The Puku

The Puki provides hunters with an exhilarating stalking game hunting experience.

Size and Appearance

When targeting the puku while hunting in Africa, look for a medium-sized antelope that varies in color from sandy brown to golden yellow. The forehead is browner than the rest of its body and it has white fur near the eyes and upper lip as well as under its belly. Males can reach up to about 202 pounds, with a shoulder height of 31 inches. Only males have horns that are lyre-shaped and can reach up to 19 inches. Females are smaller and do not have horns.

Hunting Methods

The best time to target the puku on a game hunting safari would be early morning or late afternoon when they are more active and out in their habitat grazing. Puku African hunts generally take the form of stalking once the animal is spotted.

Challenges and Rewards

Rifles and Requirements

The best caliber for a puku African hunt ranges from a .243 to any of the thirty calibers fitted with a high-quality scope. 130 to 150-grain bullets are perfect. Larger calibers like a .375 or even a .458 can be used if they are loaded with monolithic or solid tips. Some stalking will be required when puku hunting in Africa.