Hunting a trophy klipspringer
Hunting a trophy klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus)
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Best recommended caliber to hunt |
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Klipspringer |
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17 cal, 223, 243, 270, 308, 30-06, 375 with a solid round |
Hunting notes when hunting klipspringer:
Hunting the klipspringer is no easy task. They inhabit areas and terrain that is usually quite inaccessible and they have very good eye-sight. Their symbiotic relationship with baboons also allow for an early-warning system second to none.
Much time is spent glassing the overhangs, rocky ledges and cliff faces trying to locate these shy antelopes. They mainly occur in family groups of up to three animals per group (male, female and sub-adult) roaming their territory. Sometimes the hunter is lucky enough to come across them at the foot of a hill, or on top of the mountain where it is easier to stalk them.
The best suggested caliber for hunting klipspringer is 243 and up.
The average shooting distance is 100 – 200 yards.
Description:
Klipspringer has no inter-digital hoof glands for territory marking. The rubber-like hooves are projected vertically enabling it to almost walk on its toes. The hooves have a harder exterior and a softer core, which allows the hooves to almost suck on to the hard surfaces, they frequent. The body hair is hard, prickly and hollow with air tubes on the inside. Color of the hide is a dull gray to bright light yellow with interchanging yellow and black tips to give it a spotted appearance.
Habitat:
The only suitable habitat includes rocky hills, mountains and rocky outcrops. Because they move relatively slow on softer surfaces they seldom move away from the foot of a hill/mountain.
Reproduction:
Births reach a peak during September to January. Females only reach sexual maturity after 12 months, but the first mating only takes place after 15 months.
General:
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Gestation period |
A single lamb is born after 215 days. |
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Average shoulder height |
Males / rams |
20” – 24” |
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Females / ewes |
23” – 26” |
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Average weight |
Males / rams |
18 lbs – 28 lbs |
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Females / ewes |
22 lbs – 40 lbs |
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Horns |
Only the males have horns. |
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