Hunting a trophy kudu
Hunting Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)
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Best recommended caliber to hunt |
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Kudu |
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308, 30-06, 7mm (all), 300 (all), 308, 338, 375 |
Hunting notes when hunting kudu:
Hunting kudu successfully, more commonly known as the Grey Ghost in the hunting society, is a triumph. Kudu have ears as large as mini radar stations, smelling abilities of a bloodhound and eyes as good as the Hubble telescope. A deep throated bark followed by crashing branches is what the unsuspecting hunter will hear when he stumbles across this majestic spiral horn animal. The kudu is the most sought after plains game trophy by foreign hunters.
The hunter needs to move ultra slow and careful when stalking the kudu and should take the shot as soon as he is comfortable with the distance. They love hillsides and will often be seen sunning themselves in early mornings. That is a good time to hunt them.
The best suggested caliber for hunting kudu is the 300 cal and up. The average shooting distance for hunting kudu is 80 – 180 yards.
Description:
Slightly smaller than an elk, the kudu uses its large ears to extremely good effect. A hunter needs to be quiet when hunting this magnificent beast and can congratulate him/herself upon the successful harvesting of a good specimen.
The bulls separate from the cows after the rut (May-June) and become solitary or will attach themselves to bachelor groups. During the rut the bulls will actively defend their harem of cows against other males. Only the bulls have horns. It is a member of the spiral-horned antelope species.
Habitat:
The kudu prefers a tree-rich savanna environment, as it is mainly a leaf-eater. It does feed on grass as a supplement but does not naturally occur in open grass plains. Kudu’s are most active during the early mornings and late afternoons and prefer to bed down during the heat of the day.
Reproduction:
Calves can be born at any time of the year, but most births occur during the southern hemisphere summer months (October-February), as the main rut is during mid-winter. Once a calf is born, the cow will hide it until such a stage when it is strong enough to rejoin the group.
General:
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Gestation period |
210 days |
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Average shoulder height |
56”-62” |
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Average weight |
Bulls |
Up to 550 lbs |
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Cows |
Up to 380 lbs |
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Horns |
Only the bulls have horns |
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