Hunting the Bay Duiker

Size and Appearance

The Bay duiker is a medium-sized antelope, weighing between 40 and 51 pounds, with the females weighing slightly more than their male counterparts. Their coats are a bright reddish-brown, with dark legs. The most intriguing physical attribute of this duiker is the solid black stripe that runs down its back, from its head to its tail. The duiker’s chin, throat, and lips are white, their tail is black above and white below, with the tip of its tail also white. Both sexes have horns that can reach between 2 to 3,1 inches, with the female’s horns being slightly narrower. In terms of differentiating between the western and eastern subspecies, the eastern Bay duiker is slightly larger and heavier than the western bay duiker, with their stripe also being wider and lighter in color.

Hunting Methods

Due to their size and wary nature, duikers are difficult to approach. The best method is the spot-and-stalk technique, used for most duiker species.

Challenges and Rewards

Duikers in general, are quite difficult to target, as they are very nervous antelopes that are quite adept at hiding at a moment’s notice. The Bay duiker is nocturnal, which then means the best time to hunt them would be late in the afternoon or early in the morning when they are either heading out to forage for food or when they are returning to their hiding place. This striking antelope will make a good game hunting trophy, with the unusual stripe down its back standing it apart from other duiker trophies.

Rifles and Requirements

When duiker hunting in Africa, it’s very likely going to be at a close range, with a fast-moving target. A .308 or a 30.06 loaded with solids are options to use when targeting the bay duiker. While hunters can also use a shot gun, avoid using high calibers.