Hunting a trophy gemsbuck – oryx
Hunting Gemsbuck/Oryx (Oryx gazella)
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Best recommended caliber to hunt |
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Gemsbok / Oryx |
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30-06, 7mm (all), 300 (all), 308, 338, 375 |
Hunting notes when hunting gemsbuck:
The gemsbuck (also known as gemsbok or oryx) is a hardy animal that has been introduced successfully to many areas in South Africa. Hunting gemsbuck will be a challenging hunt from the open plains of the Free State, to the sandy semi-desert areas of the Northern Cape and the bushveld. Gemsbuck do well in the open plains and the bushveld. A true combatant when wounded; gemsbuck have charged approaching hunters and their two sabre-like horns are sharp to the extreme.
Gemsbuck are gregarious, but solitary bulls do have a territory that they will defend against intruding bulls from the same specie. It is not often that they stop to look back if alarmed, so if the hunter has an open shot at the quarry he should not hesitate to take it.
The best recommended caliber to hunt gemsbuck is 300 cal and up.
The average shooting distance when hunting gemsbuck is 60 – 180 yards, depending on the terrain.
Description:
Striking white and black facial markings with two straight horns are the most visible characteristics that set the gemsbuck (also known as the oryx) aside from other large African antelope species. The body is a gray color with a thick bushy tail, white and black markings on the flanks and legs and a white belly. Herd size can differ, but up to 15 animals can make it a challenging hunt indeed.
After the rut territorial bulls can become solitary. Female and juvenile herds are common during summer (October-February) and will be joined by territorial bulls during the rut.
Depending on population numbers on a property, some landowners can determine that only one of the sexes may be hunted. Usually the cows have longer horns than the bulls and make equally good trophies.
Habitat:
The gemsbuck prefers a drier climate but has adapted well to most environments in the country. Hunting the gemsbuck in any terrain can be a very challenging hunt due to its alertness.
Reproduction:
A single calf is born, usually during the summer months (October-February), and only joins the herd after 3-6 weeks.
General:
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Gestation period |
Approximately 264 days |
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Average shoulder height |
46”-50” |
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Average weight |
Bulls |
Up to 500 lbs |
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Cows |
Up to 420 lbs |
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Horns |
Both bulls and cows have horns |
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