Hunting copper springbuck
Hunting trophy copper Springbuck
|
Go to: |
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Best recommended caliber to hunt |
||
|
Copper Springbok |
|
243, 270, 30-06, 308, 7mm (all), 300 (all) |
Hunting notes when hunting copper springbuck:
The following applies to all of the common-, black-, and white springbuck.
These small antelopes are the National antelope of South Africa. They prefer wide open plains with grass tall enough for them hide in when threatened. They are mostly herd animals with solitary range bound territorial males staying in one area defending it from other males.
These solitary males are usually good trophies. A flat shooting caliber is advisable as the hunter can expect to have to take longer shots. Springbuck have exceptional eye sight and are easily spooked.
It is seldom that when spooked they will present a shot within range of the shooting ability of the average hunter. A shot that is presented should be taken as stalking through tall grass can be cumbersome.
Setting up am ambush site is also a possibility and the hunter must pay attention to animals in range and harvest them when available.
The only other time when the plume is opened is shortly after the animal expires. The plume will, in most cases, open completely; remain open for about a minute before closing itself. When out hunting springbuck, have a flat-shooting rifle, a steady rest and lots of patience. These tiny animals have excellent eye-sight and run at the drop of a hat. The beautiful arch-backed leaps are a treat to observe. When the males “pronk”, they open the plume on their backs, arch, and leap stiff-legged into the air while secreting a sweet smelling odor from a gland on the back that none of the ladies can refuse. After the animal expired, it usually opens the plume and the sweet smell, not uncommon to candy floss, can be observed.
The best suggested caliber for hunting springbuck is from the 243 and up.
The average shooting distance when hunting springbuck is between 150 – 200 yards, although longer shots can be experienced.
An interesting feature about the springbuck is the opening of the plume on its back shortly after it expired. Beautiful pictures are taken when the plume is open and a sweet aroma secreted from a gland on the back can be observed. The plume closes after about a minute or two. The only other time the plume is opened is when the animal is pronking or showing the world how good and beautiful it is.
Description:
The rear of the body of the springbuck presents higher than the shoulders. A dark reddish brown band on the flanks separates the top light copper/brown section from the copper bottom section.
The head is copper with a light brown line from the eyes to the corner of the mouth. The springbuck has a plume of long copper colored hair that stretches from the middle of the back to the base of the rump that, when opened or extended, exhibits a beautiful copper colored plume. It usually only opens the plume when “pronking”, a term associated with the springbuck when it exhibits its typical behavior when it arches its back and leaps into the air with stiffened legs. It has a very short tail with a tuft of hair on the tip.
Habitat:
Open, dry regions. Because of the habitat and region, there are no springbuck in the Kruger National Park.
Reproduction:
A single lamb is born during the wet summer months of November – January.
General:
|
Gestation period |
About 168 days |
|
|
Average shoulder height |
30” |
|
|
Average weight |
Males / rams |
50 lbs |
|
Females / ewes |
40 lbs |
|
|
Horns |
Both males and females have horns |
|
Notes
There are color variations to the Springbuck: common, white, and black. Genetically there are no differences between the color variations.
