Hunting a trophy bushbuck
Hunting Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus)
|
Go to: |
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Best recommended caliber to hunt |
||
|
Bushbuck |
|
270, 30-06, 308, 7mm (all), 300 (all) |
Hunting notes when hunting bushbuck:
Hunting the limpopo bushbuck can happen suddenly, so be at the ready. Both the Limpopo and Cape bushbuck are native to South Africa and occur from the far northern parts of the country right down to the Eastern Cape. They do very well along river fronts and appreciate dense bush as cover, hence the name. They are well-known for the fact that they do not hesitate to charge a hunter when wounded.
The best suggested caliber to hunt bushbuck is from the 270 and up. The average shooting distance for bushbuck is between 30 and 60 yards because of the terrain. They are part of the spiral horn family of antelope, the other South African members of this family are the kudu, eland and nyala.
Walking along a river front in the early mornings and late afternoons yield the best results. In the early winter mornings one will often find the bushbuck standing in an open spot trying to soak up the early rays to expell the cold of the previous night. These animals are very active during the evenings.
When alarmed, the warning call sounds like the bark of a small terrier dog.
Description:
The bushbuck is a medium to small animal ranging in color from a rusty brown to a deep dark brown. White markings occur on the legs and flanks aiding in its camouflage.
Long hair on the back of the males only comes erect when they are in contest with other males mainly during the rut. It has a bushy tail that is white underneath and brown on top.
Hunting bushbuck along riverine areas is highly recommended. A trait these animals display when in danger is to simply lay down and wait. When they deem the danger to be too close they will jump up and depart with speed. Their warning call sounds like a small dogs’ bark. It is a member of the spiral-horned family of antelope species.
Habitat:
As the name suggests, the bushbuck prefers thick vegetation normally along riverfronts.
Reproduction:
A single lamb is born usually between October and January. The mother hides the lamb for approximately the first four months after birth when it will join its mother.
General:
|
Gestation period |
About 180 days |
|
|
Average shoulder height |
32” – 36” |
|
|
Average weight |
Males / rams |
100 lbs – 130 lbs |
|
|
Females / ewes |
60 lbs – 80 lbs
|
|
Horns |
Only the males have horns |
|
Safari Club International (SCI) recognizes the Cape bushbuck as a sub-specie. Thus Limpopo bushbuck and Cape bushbuck both qualify for trophy hunting purposes.
