Hunting a trophy duiker
Hunting Common (gray) duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia)
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Best recommended caliber to hunt |
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Duiker – common |
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375 with a solid round as it does the least damage to the trophy. 17 cal, 22-250, 222, 223, 243, 308 |
Hunting notes when hunting duiker:
Hunting duiker requires a good eye, a steady hand and a quick shot. The name duiker comes from the Afrikaans word meaning: to dive, to bob and specifically refers to the manner in which the duiker runs. One can expect to come across the duiker during any time of the day and is another member of the Tiny 10 antelope species.
Walking slowly and silently one can come to within close range of these solitary animals.
The best suggested caliber to hunt the duiker is a 243 and up (a 222 will suffice, and so will a 17 cal, but mostly farmers only allow a minimum caliber of 243). They are tough animals easily underestimated in their toughness and agility.
The average shooting distance for the duiker is 30 – 50 yards.
Description:
It has a gray brown body color with a tinge of reddish yellow on the upper body. Belly tends to be white to a dull white. A black facial stripe occurs from the tip of the nose towards the eyes, of which the length of the stripe can differ.
The front sides of the front legs have distinct black markings. On top of the head is a tuft of hair that protrudes upwards. This tuft of hair can easily be mistaken as horns when viewed from the side. Due to the small body size of the animal, hunting the Gray duiker is interesting in dense vegetation. It is highly alert and does not hesitate to run.
Habitat:
The duiker (“to dive/bob” when running) can adapt to a variety of habitats but prefers areas with short shrubs and bush.
Reproduction:
A single lamb can be born throughout the year. These are mostly solitary animals and team up when the female is ready to mate.
General:
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Gestation period |
About 180 days |
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Average shoulder height |
20” |
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Average weight |
Males / rams |
38 lbs – 45 lbs |
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Females / ewes |
45 lbs – 48 lbs |
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Horns |
Only the males have horns |
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