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Cape Grysbok Hunting In South Africa

The Cape Grysbok is a Member of Africa’s Tiny 10 antelopes

When considering African plains game hunting, a worthy trophy would be the diminutive Cape Grysbok. They are shy, small antelopes standing only 21 inches at the shoulder and weighing almost 20 pounds. They are prevalent in the Western and Eastern Cape regions of South Africa and inhabit the Southern mountain valleys and scrubland areas. They are endemic to the fynbos biome. In the Cape Peninsula area, the Cape Grysbok is known to live in urban areas close to human populations.

The Cape Grysbok is a member of the Tiny Ten, which is the ten smallest antelope targeted when hunting in Africa. This antelope species is primarily nocturnal but is seen during dusk and dawn of the colder winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. As they hunt at night, they rely a great deal on their sense of smell, hearing, and touch to navigate the thick bushy areas that they inhabit.

Breeding takes place all year round but with a peak in birth rates during the warmer spring and summer months of

September through to December. Gestation is about six months, with the lambs staying hidden for the first few weeks of their lives.

Predators for the Cape Grysbok include leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, and man. Cape grysbok are seen as pests in the local vineyards, as they damage and destroy crops and this sees them targeted by local game hunting safaris.

The Cape Grysbok is a browser and also not dependent on free water, as it receives all the moisture it requires from its food. It consumes grass but also enjoys fruits when available.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Raphicerus Melanotis

Weight:
20 pounds

Shoulder Height:
21 inches

Range:
Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa

Mating Season:
All year around, but with a peak in September-December

Life span:
8-10 years

Hunting Cape Grysbok

The Cape Grysbok is a Sought-After Trophy for African Plains Game Hunting

Size and Appearance

When hunting African plains game and targeting the Cape grysbok, look for a small antelope with a thick-set body and a coarse reddish-white mix coat. They stand about 21 in at the shoulder and have a 1.5-3 in tail that is almost invisible at times. The males have smooth, short, 3-inch sharp horns whereas the females have no horns at all. When feeling scared or threatened, the Cape Grysbok fluffs out the fur on its hips to look larger. It defends itself against predators by jumping towards them and then quickly running away.

Hunting Methods

They are solitary creatures that rest during the heat of the day and then graze and browse at night. The best time to hunt Cape Grysbok is at dusk or near dawn when they become active. There are two main methods of hunting them. Firstly, you can use spotlights at night or the walking and stalking method. Walking and stalking are undertaken in areas where spoor have been spotted and even then, due to their excellent camouflage skills, you may have difficulty spotting them. Don’t judge your target only on size, as females tend to be larger than males. Look for the male’s horns and choose the best specimen.

Challenges and Rewards

Targeting Cape Grysbok on a game hunting safari for Africa plains game can be quite challenging as it is hardly sighted during the day. Hunting plains game in Africa is something that many hunters strive towards. Add to this that you are hunting one of the Tiny Ten most sought-after antelope in Africa, and it makes it even more special…and the perfect trophy to add to your game hunting collection!