Our plains game hunts offer more than 30 South African plains animal species. Our hunting safaris are primarily free-range. Join us for an unforgettable trophy hunt for an African plains game.
Black Impala hunting is conducted in woodland and savanna areas—a trophy most hunters take on their first African hunt. When a hunter sets foot in Africa, the adventure begins with the pursuit of unique game like the black impala.
The smooth skin and two-tone red coloration make for a unique trophy hunt. Black impala frequents open woodlands and savanna, often found near watering holes and feeding areas, as they need to drink daily.
Black Impala ram with females
There are no seasonal restrictions on an impala hunt in Eastern Cape, South Africa. However, the autumn rut is an optimal time to hunt for the best rams, as trophy impala with excellent trophy quality are most active within breeding herds. The best time to hunt Black Impala is during the rut in May.
Nick Bowker Hunting offers Black Impala Hunting safari hunts year-round. These hunts take place on excellent concessions, known for their well-managed and prime hunting grounds.
Black impala hunts are conducted in savanna and woodland areas, where impalas are most active during the early morning and cooler times of the day. Ambushes near known feeding areas and watering holes can increase the chances of a successful hunt.
Black Impala ram with common Impala Ewes
Hunting black impala is more favorable when looking for bachelor herds of rams rather than breeding herds. Hunters often seek the best rams and trophies, making trophy quality a key consideration. The herd’s propensity to herd tightly requires hunters to exercise great caution, as this behavior can make hunting challenging and demands careful shot placement.
Black Impala are social animals and must be approached with caution during the hunt. Only an experienced hunter should attempt certain advanced hunting techniques.
Impala has terrific eyesight.
Safaris are conducted from Hopewell Lodge in the Eastern Cape, where hunters can also encounter kudu, zebra, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, mountain reedbuck, and dik dik among other notable game species.
Impala hunting stands out as one of the most thrilling and accessible adventures for hunters visiting Africa, especially in South Africa. The impala, a medium-sized antelope, is renowned for its sociable herd animal nature and the elegant, lyre-shaped horns that make it a sought-after trophy. The lyre-shaped horns are only carried by the rams. For the newly initiated African hunter, pursuing impala offers an ideal introduction to the continent’s diverse wildlife and hunting traditions.
Whether you prefer rifle hunting or bow hunting, tracking these fascinating animals through the bush is both challenging and rewarding. Impalas are known for their agility and alertness, making every hunt a true test of skill and patience. With expert guidance and the right equipment, hunters of all experience levels can enjoy the excitement of impala hunting and the satisfaction of bringing home a unique African trophy.
Whether you prefer rifle hunting or bow hunting, tracking these fascinating animals through the bush is both challenging and rewarding. Impalas are known for their agility and alertness, making every hunt a true test of skill and patience. With expert guidance and the right equipment, hunters of all experience levels can enjoy the excitement of impala hunting and the satisfaction of bringing home a unique African trophy.
Hunt Black Impala with Nick Bowker
Black Impala Habitat and Behavior
The black impala, a rare and striking color morph of the common impala, is found in select regions of South Africa and southern Africa. These unique animals thrive in open woodlands and areas of dense brush, where their dark coats provide a dramatic contrast to the landscape. Black impalas are typically seen as part of larger herds, often led by a dominant ram, and their herd’s propensity to stick together makes them both a challenging and rewarding quarry.
Impala are sociable herd animals that frequently bunch together in dense brush. With superb eyesight and a keen sense of smell, black impalas are quick to detect danger and will move swiftly through thick vegetation to evade hunters. For those looking to hunt black impala, understanding their preference for certain habitats and their cautious, tightly herded behavior is essential. Success often depends on calculated stalks, patience, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of the African bush.
Black Impala Hunting
Impala Hunting
The Black Impala is a color variant of the southern Impala. A must for collectors interested in collecting both Impala color variations. It’s a great trophy to hunt while on safari.
The black African Impala is not a subspecies but a color phase of the southern Impala. Black Impala was developed by selective breeding; the skin color is all black.
A white-flanked Impala is another color variant available to plains hunt in South Africa while on safari.
Hunting Black Impala
Impala Hunting
Black Impala has all the same traits as the southern Impala.
Hunting a black Impala trophy is no different from a Southern Impala hunt and usually involves spot and stalk.
The black-faced impala, as opposed to the black impala, is unique to Nambia and unavailable in the Eastern Cape.
The common impala is a different species from the black-faced impala.
Black Impala Hunts
Black Impala Hunting Safari
We offer competitive rifle-hunting packages. Impala hunts take place on our ranch in South Africa. Impalas are plentiful and free-ranging, and hunting prices are cheap. They are hunted and shot by walk and stalk methods.
When hunting impala, shot placement is crucial for ethical hunting and optimal meat recovery. A high lung shot is often the best bet for a clean kill, as it maximizes success and minimizes meat spoilage. Aim a bit higher or shoot directly up the fore leg to increase your chances of hitting vital organs. A single shot, if placed correctly, is usually sufficient to bring down an impala. The best shot placement for hunting impala is a high heart/lung shot.
The recommended calibers for hunting impala are between 6mm to 30 caliber. Choosing the right caliber is a far better choice for effective hunting, especially when tracking wounded animals. Always shoot with care to avoid hitting more than one animal, particularly when the herd includes female impala. Sustainable hunting practices, such as focusing on less meat consumption and making full use of the meat from your hunt, are encouraged.
Consider shooting a black impala as an add-on to one of our hunting packages on your Africa hunt.
Visit our contact pages to get detailed booking and hunting information.
The cost of a black impala hunt can vary based on several factors, including the location, hunting method, and the time of year. In South Africa’s Eastern Cape, trophy fees for black impala typically range from $2,500 to $3,000. When planning your impala hunt, it’s important to factor in daily rates, which cover accommodation, guiding, and other services, bringing the total for a 5-day hunt to around $3,500 or more. Hunters interested in rifle hunting or bow hunting should also consider additional expenses, such as permits, ammunition, and the potential costs associated with tracking wounded impala. If you’re looking to expand your safari, you may encounter extra trophy fees for other sought-after species like blue wildebeest or cape buffalo. By understanding the full scope of costs and planning accordingly, hunters can ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and successful black impala hunting experience in Africa.
White Blesbok hunting is the perfect trophy for the first-time hunter in Africa.
Shooting distances are longer on the open plains for blesbok game hunters. Blesbok hunts take place on the open plains in South Africa. Hunters may also encounter other game species such as black wildebeest and common blesbuck, highlighting the diversity of wildlife available during your hunt.
There are no seasonal restrictions on trophy hunting blesbok in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Nick Bowker Hunting offers white Blesbok trophy game hunts year-round.
Join us for a blesbok hunting safari at Hopewell Hunt Lodge. Blesbok hunting is included in many of our safaris packages—Hunt Africa with Nick Bowker. White blesbok are often found mixed within herds of the common variety, offering unique trophy opportunities for hunters seeking both color variations.
Free-range bow hunting for Blesbuck in South Africa is difficult.
Hunting in Africa is a wonderful adventure and a lifelong memory.
Hunt White Blesbok
Table of Contents
Hunting White Blesbok
With the guidance of experienced guides and professional hunters, both novice and seasoned hunters can enjoy a rewarding blesbok hunt.
The white blesbok is known for its striking appearance, with its pure white coat making it stand out on the plains. As a trophy blesbok, it is highly sought after by hunters and collectors alike. The trophy horns of male white blesbok can reach a length of up to 20 inches
Whether you are pursuing your first trophy or adding a unique variation to your collection, hunting white blesbok in South Africa promises an unforgettable experience. The wild and authentic nature of the safari ensures a true African adventure.
A white blesbok can net you a unique trophy to hang next to the common variety, making it a prized addition to any trophy room.
Hunting white blesbok in South Africa offers a truly memorable adventure for hunters seeking a unique trophy. The white blesbok stands out on the open plains with its striking white coat and distinctive straw-colored horns, making it a highly sought-after variation of the common blesbok. Unlike a subspecies, the white blesbok is a color mutation, adding to its rarity and appeal for collectors and enthusiasts of blesbok hunting.
The Eastern Cape is renowned for its excellent white blesbok hunting opportunities, with large herds roaming the open grasslands. Thanks to the lack of seasonal restrictions, hunters can plan their white blesbok hunt at any time of year, taking advantage of the region’s favorable conditions. The cooler morning and evening periods are ideal for hunting white blesbok, as the animals are most active during these times, increasing the chances of a successful hunt.
With the guidance of experienced professional hunters, both novice and seasoned hunters can enjoy a rewarding blesbok hunt. Whether you are pursuing your first trophy or adding a unique variation to your collection, hunting white blesbok in South Africa promises an unforgettable experience.
Hunting White Blesbok
Hunting White Blesbok
Hunt White Blesbuck
The white Blesbok game is a color variant of the common Blesbok, not a subspecies such as the common reedbuck.
It’s a great trophy to hunt while on safari. This is a must for any collector interested in the Blesbok color variations.
Although the white gene has proved recessive, significant numbers of white Blesbok have been bred throughout Africa.
Blesbok Hunts with Nick Bowker
White Blesbuck Hunting
The price difference between a common blesbok and a white blesbok is relatively small (around $300).
Many hunters shoot the white Blesbok rather than the common Blesbok as their first Blesbok trophy in South Africa.
The method of hunting Blesbok is similar to pursuing a common or brown Blesbok on safari in Africa.
Shot Placement and Technique
Achieving a successful white blesbok hunt requires careful attention to shot placement and hunting technique. White blesbok, like their common brothers, are best hunted on open grasslands where they rely on their keen eyesight and herd behavior for protection. Hunters should be prepared for longer shooting distances, often requiring precise marksmanship and a steady hand. Hunters should aim for the vital organs, such as the lungs and heart, for an ethical shot.
For rifle hunting, a favorite deer rifle in the .243 to .308 caliber range, loaded with soft point bullets, is ideal for clean, ethical kills. Aim directly at the shoulder, targeting the vital area just behind the front leg at about one-third of the way up the body. This shot placement ensures a quick and humane harvest, minimizing the risk of wounding the animal. Bow hunting is also possible, but requires careful stalking and patience, as white blesbok are alert and quick to detect movement on the open plains.
When hunting white blesbok, it’s important to consider the animal’s territorial tendencies and challenging displays, especially during the mating season. Take advantage of the newly sprouted grass in burnt out areas, where blesbok feed and gather in large herds. Whether hunting from a blind or on foot, always be mindful of wind direction and approach quietly to avoid spooking the herd.
With the right technique, proper shot placement, and guidance from experienced professionals, hunters can enjoy a rewarding and ethical white blesbok hunting experience in South Africa’s open grasslands.
White Blesbok Hunts
We offer competitive game hunt packages for rifle hunting in South Africa.
White blesbok shooting takes place on our ranch in South Africa, where these animals are typically found in open grassland and areas with short grass. Game hunting takes the form of walk and stalk methods, and the expertise of a professional hunter is essential for locating, approaching, and ensuring a successful hunt. White blesbok prefer to graze on short grass, especially newly sprouted grass from burnt areas.
Blesbok is plentiful and free-ranging, with herds consisting of both males and females. Females play a key role in the herd’s social structure, and they usually give birth to a single calf after an eight-month gestation period. The breeding season for white blesbok occurs from March to May. White blesbok tend to rest during the heat of the day, making early morning or late evening the best times to hunt.
Outfitters offer cheap hunting prices for the hunter, but it is important to note that inaccurate shots can result in a long day of tracking and recovery.
Consider shooting a white Blesbok as an add-on to one of our hunting packages on your Africa hunt.
A rifle is included free of charge, together with ammunition, as part of our hunting day fees for hunting white blesbok.
Hunters can visit our contact pages for detailed booking and game hunting information.
Nick Bowker Hunting offers Springbok game safari hunts year-round.
The Springbok is a medium-sized antelope, graceful and handsomely patterned, with a long fold of skin on its back, and the hunter should always consider a springbok trophy.
The springbok is the national emblem of South Africa.
Black Springbok forms part of the four springbok color variations, and the black Springbok usually ranks number two, behind the common Springbok, in the body and horns of the four color variations.
A medium-sized game gazelle. The black Springbok is not a subspecies but a color phase of the South African Springbok.
Hunting Black Springbok
Trophy Hunting Black Springbok
Springbok Hunting
Black Springbok was developed by selective breeding; the skin color is all black except for the white facial stripe running up the nose’s front, but it retains a blacker stripe across the body.
They have all the same traits as the common Springbok. Hunting the black Springbok is no different from pursuing a common springbok in South Africa.
Black Springbok Hunted with Nick Bowker
Rifle Hunting Black Springbok
We offer competitive hunt packages for rifle hunting in South Africa. Black springbok hunts take place on our ranch in South Africa. Hunting black springbok takes the form of walk and stalk methods.
Springbok are plentiful and free-ranging, and hunting prices are cheap for the hunter. Hunters may also consider completing the springbok slam.
Consider shooting a black springbok as an add-on to one of our hunting packages on your Africa hunt. A rifle is included free of charge, together with ammunition, as part of our hunting day fees.
Hunters can visit our contact pages to get detailed booking and hunting information.
Black Springbok Hunting Trophy Fees in South Africa
How much does it cost to hunt a Black Springbok?
The standalone Black Springbok hunt trophy fee is between $400 and $900. Daily rates vary between $250 and $500 per day
How to hunt Springbok?
Springbokare hunted on the open plains. They are wary and difficult to approach, so longer shots will be required. Springbok bunch together. Shooting the right one will need careful communication with your professional hunter.
Copper Springbuck forms part of the four springbok color variations.
This color game variant usually ranks number three, behind the black Springbok, in the four variations’ bodies and horns.
This springbok is not a subspecies but a color phase of the common Springbok.
Copper Springbok Hunts
Copper Springbok Hunting
Springbok Hunt
As with the other color game variants, this springbok was developed by selective breeding; the skin color is a dark copper with a darkened stripe running down the flanks and a very dark face.
The African copper has all the same traits as the common Springbok. Hunting the Copper is similar to pursuing a common springbok.
Trophy Hunting Copper Springbok
Trophy Hunted with Nick Bowker
Hunting
We offer competitive game hunt packages for rifle hunting in South Africa. Copper springbok hunts take place on our ranch in South Africa. Game hunting takes the form of walk and stalk methods.
Springbok are plentiful and free-ranging, and hunting prices are cheap for the hunter. Hunters may also consider completing the springbok slam.
Consider shooting a copper as an add-on to one of our hunting packages on your Africa hunt. A rifle is included free of charge, together with ammunition, as part of our hunting day fees.
Hunters can visit our contact pages for detailed booking and game hunting information.
Copper Springbok Hunting Trophy Fees in South Africa
How much does it cost to hunt a Copper Springbok?
The trophy fee for a standalone Copper Springbok hunt is between $400 and $700. Daily rates vary between $250 and $500 per day
How to hunt Springbok?
Springbokare hunted on the open plains. They are wary and difficult to approach, so longer shots will be required.
Included in the White Springbuck trophy hunt package is a licensed hunting guide. As well as a hunting license and all permits for springbok hunts. Bow hunting springbok can be difficult.
Springbok Hunting
Hunting White Springbok
Hunting Springbok
Springbok Hunting
The White Springbok forms part of the four Springbok color variations. This color variation usually has the smallest horns and body of the four variations and is often off-white, particularly on the sides.
The white Springbok game is not a subspecies but a color phase of the common Springbok.
Springbok Hunts with Nick Bowker
Hunting Springbok
White Springbok Hunt
White Springbok hunting has the same traits as the common Springbok, and hunting is no different from hunting a common springbok.
This color variation was developed by selective breeding and is albino looking; the skin color is all white except for the dark facial stripes and eyelashes.
Trophy Hunting Springbok
Hunting White Springbuck
We offer competitive game hunt packages for rifle hunting in South Africa. White springbok shooting takes place on our ranch in South Africa. Game hunting takes the form of walk and stalk methods.
Springbok are plentiful and free-ranging, and hunting prices are cheap for the hunter. Hunters may also consider shooting the springbok slam.
Consider shooting a white springbok as an add-on to one of our hunting packages on your Africa hunt. A rifle is included free of charge, along with ammunition, as part of our hunting day fees for white springbok hunting.
Hunters can visit our contact pages for detailed booking and game hunting information.
Your Common Reedbuck trophy should have an average shoulder height of around 37 inches, weigh about 140 pounds, and have a horn length of approximately 12 inches.
The minimum Safari Club International score for a Common Reedbuck is 21. Add the length of each horn and the circumference of the bases to get your SCI score.
Common Reedbuck hunting and the mountain reedbuck and Vaal rhebok make up the reedbuck family shot in South Africa.
The reedbuck hunt slam involves shooting all three reedbuck species. All three reedbucks are available in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
They have a distinctive “whistle” when alerted and use it significantly when indicating danger to others.
Common reedbuck are very alert and quick out of cover; reedbuck will never run too far before stopping, often giving the hunter an opportunity for a shot.
Like many African antelope, they lie up in the heat of the day and come out in the later afternoon to graze.
Besides, the habitat is different, for as his name implies, he is predominantly on the mountainsides.
Common reedbuck hunting is conducted near water as they are water-dependent and found where water is abundant.
Common reedbuck will usually be found in pairs but can also be found in larger herds, particularly during the winter months.
Reedbuck is best hunted in the early morning or late afternoon and often in tall grass.
Common Reedbuck Hunts with Nick Bowker
Shot placement for Common Reedbuck
Shot placement must be in the bottom third of the animal directly above the front shoulder. This will ensure a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots, which are high-risk.
Trophy Judgement and Rifle Caliber for Hunting Common Reedbcuk
Hunt Common Reedbuck
Your favorite deer rifle will be more than adequate to hunt common reedbuck.
For those hunters who wish to avoid going through the red tape of bringing a rifle into South Africa, Nick Bowker has 300 Winchester Magnums fitted with suppressors for your African hunt.
Mounted on the rifles are Swarovski Z8 tactical scopes. We have hand-loaded Hornady ELD-X ammunition for hunting reedbuck.
This setup, including ammunition, is free of charge for all hunting packages in South Africa.
The point of aim for hunters, along with all African animals, should be straight up the foreleg. This will result in a heart-lung shot, and you will have your trophy.
Always look for a dark black pulp on the base and horns with a good hook for overall length on your hunt.
The common reedbuck has a very well-set, thick neck and a fantastic hunt and mount, especially with the other reedbuck species. A reedbuck hunt is worthwhile on any hunting safari.
Africa reedbuck hunts are conducted in savanna areas or along river beds.
The Difference Between a Male and a Female for Reedbuck Hunts
The lifespan of the reedbuck is between 8 and 15 years.
All three reedbuck game species have typical features; however, some distinct features separate each. In some places of the body, the reedbuck’s general color is a reddish-brown color.
The coat color allows them to camouflage themselves in their habitat, which is almost the same color.
It has a distinctive dark line running down the front of each of its forelegs and lowers hind legs, and whitish rings around the eyes. It has a lifespan of 10 years.
The coat is silky and almost woolly. Its coat ranges between light and grayish-brown and may be lighter on the neck and chest.
They have a glandular patch at the base of each ear, white fur covering the underparts, and the areas near the lips and chin.
The tail is the white underside and appears short and bushy. Common reedbucks measure an average of 33 inches at the shoulder.
Females lack horns. Males bear forward-curving horns, about 14–18 inches long, with the base having a distinct band of pale, rubbery tissue.
Common reedbuck live in pairs or alone. Sometimes, they form herds consisting of about 20 members.
They live in grass or reed beds in the day’s heat and come out and feed during sunrise and sunset or sometimes even at night.
Information for Common Reedbuck hunting
Old reedbuck are permanently territorial, with territories around 35-60 hectares, and generally live with a single female, preventing contact with rival males.
Females and young males perform an ‘appeasement dance’ for older males.
The dance involves the younger males running around speedily and taking long jumps, with the tail curled up and scented air released from a pocket in the groin at every bounce, making a popping sound.
Predators include big cats, spotted hyenas, Cape hunting dogs, pythons, and crocodiles.
They can camouflage themselves in the grass and reeds due to their coats, which are of a similar color.
If startled, they stand still, then either hide or flee and cautiously look back to ensure the danger is generally gone.
They use vocalizations like a shrill whistle through their nostrils and a clicking noise to alert others about the danger.
Common reedbuck hunting differs from hunting the mountain reedbuck due to the habitat difference—Hunt mountain reedbuck in rocky outcrops.
The average price for bushpig hunting is around $1000. Bushpigs can be added to any of our package game hunts, and our African hunting prices provide value for money.
Our 2025 price is $1000
The Bushpig trophy hunting package includes a licensed hunting guide, a hunting license, and all permits in the East Cape of South Africa.
Shot placement for Bushpig
Shot placement must be in the bottom third of the animal directly above the front shoulder. This will ensure a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots, which are high-risk when hunting bushpig.
Your African Bushpig trophy should have an average shoulder height of around 32 inches, weigh about 180 pounds, and have a Tusk length of approximately 4 inches.
The Bush pig is one of the most challenging species of plains game hunting in South Africa.
Hunted over bait from a blind or using hounds to flush them from the areas they bed down during the day.
Either way, Bushpig are an incredibly tricky yet satisfying game species to hunt.
They are best hunted during the night when they are most active.
Things get a lot more interesting in the case of pig hunting using hounds.
We will get a pack of hounds and send them into an area where we think the Bushpig might be sleeping during the day.
The Bushpig hunters stand along likely routes of escape for the Bushpigs.
Trophy Judgement and Rifle Caliber for Rifle Hunting Bushpig
The 7mm is more than adequate for your pig hunt safari. For those hunters who wish to avoid going through the red tape of bringing a rifle into South Africa, Nick Bowker has 300 magnums fitted with suppressors.
Mounted on the rifles are Swarovski tactical scopes. We have hand-loaded Hornady ELD-X ammunition for safari hunting.
This setup, including ammunition, is available as part of all hunting packages free of charge.
Bushpigs should be treated with respect, especially when they have young, as they can show aggression.
Hunting bushpigs can make for an exciting evening, and use caution, as these bad-tempered game animals can be dangerous when wounded.
Trophy Bushpig hunting hunts can be added to one of our 7 animal safaris, for example, the sable package.
The difference between a male and female for Bushpig hunts
The color of the body of the bushpig varies widely between dark brown and reddish-brown in both males and females. The bony ridge and two warts on the snout distinguish between a male or boar and a female bushpig.
Bushpig male
Bushpig female
Interesting facts about trophy Bushpig for hunters
The Africa Bushpig is a mammal that belongs to the family of pigs. There are six subspecies of bushpig in the eastern and southern parts of Africa.
The upper tusks of bushpig are poorly visible. Lower tusks (elongated canine teeth) are large, curved, and sharp and used mainly as weapons against predators.
Bushpigs share several morphological features with warthogs. Compared to warthogs, bushpigs have less prominent warts on the muzzle (only adult males have warts), shorter tusks and they run with downward positioned tails (warthogs run with erect tails).
They are nocturnal creatures (active during the night).
Bushpig is an omnivore (it eats meat and plants), and its diet consists of roots, tubers, rhizomes, fruits, crops, earthworms, and insect larvae.
Also, they will occasionally follow monkeys and collects their leftovers.
An excellent swimmer who often wallows in the mud to prevent overheating and to protect himself against insect bites.
They live in groups (called sounders) composed of 4 to 10 animals, and the group consists of a dominant male, dominant female, and young animals of both sexes.
Bushpig uses grunts, squeals, and growls for communication.
Mating season for bushpigs takes place from April to June.
The Female uses grass and builds a nest shaped like a haystack. The nest can be 10 feet wide and 3 feet high.
Pregnancy lasts around four months and ends with 2 to 4 piglets. Babies spend the first days of their life in the nest.
Bushpig young are dark brown colored and covered with pale stripes that provide camouflage in thick vegetation, and both parents take care of their offspring.
Bushpig aggressively defends their young from predators.
Bushpigs reach sexual maturity at 18 months and can survive up to 13 or 14 years in the wild.
Bushpigs are mainly nocturnal. Adult bushpigs stand from 26 to 39 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 121 to 331 pounds.
Their color varies from reddish-brown to dark brown and becomes darker with age. However, both sexes have a lighter-colored mane, which bristles when the animal becomes agitated.
The upper parts of the face and ears are also lighter in color. Their sharp tusks are relatively short and inconspicuous.
Shot placement must be in the bottom third of the animal directly above the front shoulder. This will ensure a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots, which are high-risk when hunting Roan.
Your roan antelope trophy should have an average shoulder height of around 52 inches, weigh about 600 pounds, and have a Horn Length of approximately 25 inches.
The Safari Club International minimum score for a roan is 67. This is measured by adding the length of each horn as well as the circumference of the bases.
Roan form harem groups of 6 to 18 animals with a dominant male.
They fight among themselves to dominate their herd, brandishing their horns while both animals are on their knees.
The Difference Between a Male and Female for your Roan hunt
Both the roan antelope males and females have horns. The male’s horns are longer and heavier.
Roan Antelope females with young
Interesting Facts about Roan for African Game Hunting
Roan Antelope Trophy
A grazer and browser whose preferred habitat includes lightly wooded savanna, it also frequents floodplains and grasslands.
The roan is sociable and territorial; females live in herds of 15 – 25 with their offspring.
Males defend territories and accompany female herds that range widely, enjoying a monopoly while being the dominant bull.
The dominant bull forces the young males to leave. The bachelors associate together in small bachelor herds until they mature at six years of age.
Females breed at two years and thereafter produce young at roughly 10.5-month intervals (gestation 9 – 9.5 months).
After a 2 – 3 week hiding stage, calves join the maternal herd, associating with other juveniles in creches.
Resting juvenile subgroups are often left behind when the rest of the herd moves, making them vulnerable prey for leopards.
Roan can kill hunting lions that fail to overpower them immediately. With an aggressive temperament, their curved horns and a sideways stabbing technique make the roan antelope formidable.
Roan hunting is now much more affordable than in days gone by. Roan can now be added to our seven animal hunting packages, including trophies such as nyala, zebra, and black wildebeest.
Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) hunting is readily available in South Africa, with both sexes having long, sweeping, scimitar-like horns. The sable antelope is one of Africa’s flagship African antelope species, known for its striking black coats and impressive horns.
Sable bulls are known for their territorial behavior and are highly prized by hunters. Africa’s vast range supports extensive sable populations, making the species significant across Africa’s regions, from the bushveld of South Africa to the open plains of Botswana and Namibia. Sable antelope hunting is available only in Africa, making it a unique and sought-after experience for hunters worldwide.
A large game antelope with mature males, predominantly black, with a white underside. Sable antelopes are typically found in open woodlands and grasslands, often seen in the early morning sun, moving through the African bush. They can often be found near water sources, especially in the morning, as they depend on water for survival.
Most Sable hunts can be conducted year-round without seasonal restrictions, but winter is considered a prime season for sable antelope hunting due to favorable conditions.
Hunt Sable Antelope
Nick Bowker Hunting conducts safaris from Hopewell Lodge year-round. The ranch is a managed property dedicated to sable antelope hunting, with breeding programs in place to maintain healthy herds and ensure trophy quality. In South Africa, sable antelope are primarily found in the Eastern Cape, making it a prime location for hunters.
Except for the kudu, the horns are exceptional and the longest of any antelope in Africa. The rare giant sable, with its massive horns, is a highly prized trophy, and a sable bull with exceptionally long horns is considered the holy grail of sable antelope hunting. Sable bulls can weigh around 500 pounds and have long, curved horns, adding to their majestic appearance.
A pitch-black mature bull is one of the finest trophies. Big sable and mature bull specimens, with long, sweeping horns that can grow up to 60 inches long, are highly sought after by hunters. Only mature animals are harvested to ensure trophy quality and sustainability. The average price of a Sable trophy fee is around $5,000, reflecting the value placed on these magnificent animals.
All safari travelers should have a majestic Sable bull in their trophy room. Photos of sable antelope trophies and hunting experiences help showcase the quality of the hunt and the unforgettable moments in Africa’s wild landscapes.
The hunter visiting Nick Bowker Hunt Lodge will have no problems finding a trophy sable.
African hunting trips are relatively inexpensive compared to the USA.
Africa’s diverse and iconic wildlife habitats make it a premier destination for hunters seeking unique and memorable experiences. All traditional safari destinations in Africa offer Sable hunting opportunities, where hunters can encounter some of the most iconic African species on a hunting safari. Botswana and Namibia, along with South Africa, are key locations for sable antelope hunting, offering free-range and managed hunting experiences. Sable antelope populations were greatly reduced from the 1950s through the 1970s due to tsetse fly outbreaks, but conservation efforts have since helped them recover.
There are exclusive hunting opportunities for sable antelope and other sought-after species across Africa’s renowned regions. Sable antelope hunting packages are often combined with hunts for other species such as eland, kudu, impala, red lechwe, and buffalo, making for an unforgettable adventure. Hunters often prefer to combine Sable hunts with dangerous game like leopard or buffalo, raising costs significantly but offering a thrilling experience.
Nick Bowker Hunting can offer hunts tailored to different preferences and skill levels, ensuring a personalized and rewarding adventure. Both rifle hunting and bow hunters can pursue sable antelope, though bow hunting presents a more challenging hunt due to the need for close-range shots. Hunting from a blind is also an option for those seeking a strategic advantage. The 300 Winchester Magnum is recommended for sable hunting due to its flat shooting characteristics, making it a reliable choice for hunters.
Proper shot placement is crucial to ensure a clean harvest. Hunters are advised to shoot with accuracy and care for an ethical and successful hunt. Most sable antelope hunts are carried out using the spot-and-stalk method, which requires patience and skill to track and approach the animal.
The sable antelope stands out as one of Africa’s most magnificent species, captivating hunters with its regal presence and striking features. Renowned for its jet-black coat contrasted by a crisp white underbelly, the sable antelope is instantly recognizable and highly prized among trophy hunters. Its impressive, sweeping horns and muscular build make it a true icon of the African grasslands.
Found across various regions, including the open grasslands and woodlands of South Africa, the sable antelope offers a unique and challenging hunting experience. Many hunters dream of pursuing this elusive antelope, drawn by the promise of a world-class trophy and the thrill of tracking such a majestic animal in its natural habitat. Sable antelope are often found in small herds in the wild, but they can also live in herds of up to 30 individuals, with larger groups not being uncommon. For those seeking a memorable hunting adventure in Africa, the sable antelope represents the pinnacle of plains game hunting, combining beauty, challenge, and the allure of the wild.
Many hunters dream of pursuing this elusive antelope, drawn by the promise of a world-class trophy and the thrill of tracking such a majestic animal in its natural habitat. For those seeking a memorable hunting adventure in Africa, the sable antelope represents the pinnacle of plains game hunting, combining beauty, challenge, and the allure of the wild.
Harvesting a trophy bull is a rewarding aspect of sable antelope hunting, representing the culmination of skill, patience, and ethical hunting practices. Funds from Sable hunting contribute to local conservation efforts, including anti-poaching initiatives. Private landowners and parks have also played a significant role in the restoration of sable antelope populations, ensuring their continued survival and availability for future generations.
Hunting Locations for Sable Antelope
Sable antelope hunting is available in some of Africa’s most renowned hunting locations, with South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique leading the way. These countries offer vast open grasslands and woodlands where sable antelopes thrive, providing hunters with excellent opportunities to pursue this sought-after trophy. National parks and private game reserves are popular choices, as they often maintain healthy sable populations and offer a range of trophy quality animals.
Hunting Sable Antelope
The best hunting locations for sable antelope are typically characterized by open plains interspersed with wooded areas and reliable water sources, creating ideal conditions for spot-and-stalk antelope hunting. Sable antelopes are typically found in open plains, woodlands, and areas with reliable water sources, which makes these habitats prime spots for hunters. Experienced guides and outfitters play a crucial role in helping hunters navigate these diverse landscapes, increasing the chances of a successful hunt. Whether you’re tracking sable through the open grasslands or stalking them along the edges of woodlands, Africa’s premier hunting locations promise an unforgettable sable hunting adventure.
The common sable antelope is widespread in Southern and East Africa, known for its striking appearance and adaptability to open woodlands and grasslands, while the Roosevelt sable is found in dense forests and remote areas of Tanzania and Mozambique, distinguished by its elusive nature and unique characteristics. Sable antelopes are often found in matriarchal groups or bachelor herds and can exhibit territorial behaviors.
Sable Hunt Planning: What Every Hunter Should Know
Planning a sable antelope hunt is an exciting process that requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of what makes a successful hunt. The dry season, from May to October, is widely regarded as the best time for hunting sable, as the animals are more likely to gather around water sources and the vegetation is less dense, making tracking easier.
Sable antelopes inhabit open woodlands as a primary habitat, as well as open and sparse woodland areas near grasslands with some cover. This species depends on water, and hunters often set up near water holes to observe sable antelopes coming to drink.
Sable antelopes are most active and easier to approach during the early morning and late afternoon, making these times optimal for hunting.
Choosing the right hunting location is essential, with South Africa being a top destination for sable antelope hunts due to its well-managed populations and high trophy quality. When selecting a trophy, hunters should focus on mature bulls with dark brown or black coats and long, sweeping horns—hallmarks of a truly impressive sable.
Working with experienced guides and outfitters ensures a fair chase and increases the likelihood of a memorable and ethical hunting experience. It’s also important to be aware of any seasonal restrictions or local regulations to promote sustainable hunting practices. By carefully planning your sable hunt and relying on expert guidance, you can look forward to a rewarding adventure and the chance to secure a world-class trophy.
Sable Antelope Hunting in South Africa and Shot Placement
Vital organs for Sable antelope hunting
Shot placement must be in the bottom third of the animal, directly above the front shoulder, where the front leg joins the body. This will pierce a heart or lung. Avoid head and neck shots, which are high-risk while hunting.
Sable Antelope Hunts
Your Africa sable antelope should have an average shoulder height of around 50 inches, weigh about 550 pounds, and have a HornLength of approximately 38- 42 inches.
The Safari Club International minimum score for a sable antelope is 96. This is measured by adding the length of each horn as well as the circumference of the bases.
Trophy Judgement and Rifle Caliber for Hunting Sable
The side-on presentation calls for the high heart/lung entry point straight up the foreleg, about one-third into the body.
We recommend the 300 magnums as a caliber for sable hunts. Rifle hunting is the most common and effective method for pursuing sable antelope, allowing for accurate shots at varying distances.
For those who wish to avoid going through the red tape of bringing a gun, Nick Bowker has 300 Winchester Magnums fitted with suppressors for hunting.
The rifles are mounted with high-end Swarovski optics. We have hand-loaded Hornady ELD-X 200-grain ammunition.
The guns, including ammunition, are free of charge as part of all hunting packages.
The most dominant male will be the first to join a new group of females when the position is open.
When judging a bull when hunting, look at the bases for size and a thick neck. The horns should have a whitish tinge around two-thirds of the way up.
If a predator threatens, they will confront it using their scimitar-shaped horns. Many of these big cats, for example, lions, have died while hunting this animal.
Hunts will be conducted by spot and stalk and can be successful most of the day. Hunting the sable should be on every hunter’s bucket list.
The Difference Between a Male and Female for Sable Hunting
A male sable is jet black with a white underbelly, and the female is dark brown. The local Dutch dialect name can be translated as “the black antelope with white underpants.” Males have longer and heavier horns.
Sable Antelope male drinking water
Sable Antelope female
Interesting facts for Hunts
They congregate in herds of 15 to 20 individuals with a matriarchal social structure.
The group will have a dominant female who will be the leader.
The herd has only one bull and jealously guards his harem against intruders. The juvenile bulls are exiled from the herd at about three years old.
All the female calves remain. When the herd gets too large, it divides into smaller groups of cows and young.
These groups will form new herds and again with only one adult male.
The young males, separated from the herd, form bachelor groups.
The most dominant bachelor will be the first to join a new group of females when the position is open.
They are very aggressive and territorial and can fight to the death. A recent clash at Hopewell in 2023 resulted in the death of a bull.
If threatened by a predator, including lions, they will confront it using their scimitar-shaped horns. Many of these big cats, for example, lions, have died while trying to hunt these antelope.
In Ernest Hemingway’s book, The Green Hills of Africa, he describes the habits of sables he used to hunt.
The sable is sexually dimorphic, with the male heavier and about one-fifth taller than the female.
The length of the sable is typically between 75 and 100 inches.
Males reach about 46 – 55 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly shorter. Males will weigh around 550 pounds and females approximately 490 pounds.
A thick neck and tough skin, and a compact and robust build characterize the sable,
It has an upright mane on its neck and a short “beard” on the throat. The coloration is rich chestnut to black.
Females and young are chestnut to dark brown, while males begin darkening and turn black after three years.
However, in southern populations, Eastern Cape females have brown to black coats.
This results from the vegetation they eat, which causes skin pigmentation to be much darker.
The common sable species should be differentiated from the rare giant species, which is endemic to Angola.
General Information for a Sable Game Hunt
Calves under two months old are a light tan and show faint markings. The sable’s underparts, cheek, and chin are all white, contrasting with the dark back and flanks.
It has long, white hairs below the eyes and a wide, black stripe over the nose.
Both sexes have ringed horns that arch backward. In females, these can reach 24 – 34 inches, while they are 32 – 48 inches long in males.
The average lifespan is about 17 years in the wild and longer in captivity.
The trophy price as a standalone Sable hunt is between $ 3,000 – $ 5,000. Daily rates vary from $250 to $500 a day.
Included in the trophy fee is a licensed guide. As well as a hunting license and all permits.
How to hunt a Sable Antelope?
Sable hunting is in the early mornings and late evenings and spotted from an elevated vantage point in the thick brush and then stalked on foot. Bow hunters can also pursue sable antelope, but must get much closer to the animal and often face a more challenging hunt due to the dense terrain.
Where do you shoot a Sable Antelope?
Shot placement for hunting must be in the bottom third of the animal, directly above the front shoulder. This will ensure a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots, which are high-risk when hunting sable.
What is a trophy Sable Antelope?
Sable Antelope trophies have a Horn Length of approximately 38 – 42 inches. The minimum qualification score under Safari Club International for a Sable is 96. Add the length of each horn and the circumference of the bases to get your SCI score.
How do you judge a Sable Antelope trophy?
As with all African animals, a thick heavy, darkened neck is the first sign of maturity and often the most visible maturity characteristic when observing at a distance.
The skin color indicates trophy quality; always ensure the bull is of jet black color and not a tanned chocolate color, thus showing immaturity.
Look for the climb from the base, the hook backward, and lastly, the length of the tips while hunting.
Seasonal Restrictions on Sable Hunting
When can you hunt Sable in South Africa?
There are no seasonal restrictions on hunting Sable Antelopes in the Eastern Cape of South Africa for hunters
What Caliber is Recommended for Sable Antelope Hunts?
We recommend hunters use the flat shooting 300 Winchester or 7mm magnums with high-quality tactical scopes and a suppressor for Sable hunting.
Grey Duiker hunting or common Duiker is often opportunistic while glassing for other trophies. As one of the small antelope species, the grey duiker is also known as a little antelope, prized for its small size and making for a rewarding hunting experience. Hunting these little antelopes can be a great side activity, especially when guided by a professional.
Consequently, they can make for a bonus while looking for your bigger game animals.
A Duiker requires a stalk through thick terrain similar to a bushbuck.
Duiker hunting is a thrilling pursuit for hunters seeking a unique challenge in South Africa. The grey duiker, also known as the common duiker, is one of Africa’s most elusive antelopes and a prized addition to any trophy collection. As a small antelope species widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, the grey duiker presents a distinct set of challenges due to its solitary habits and secretive nature.
Duiker hunts are often combined with other trophy hunts, giving hunters the opportunity to encounter this remarkable species while in pursuit of bigger game. Grey Duiker hunting is often done in conjunction with a 7-10 day African Safari, providing a comprehensive and adventurous experience. Hunting grey duikers requires patience, sharp observation skills, and a deep understanding of their habits and habitats. For those passionate about hunting small antelope in Africa, the grey duiker offers an exciting and rewarding experience that tests both skill and perseverance.
Common Duiker Hunting
Habitat and Distribution of Grey Duikers
Grey duikers are highly adaptable and can be found in a range of habitats throughout southern Africa. These elusive antelopes thrive in areas with dense vegetation, such as thickets, woodlands, and bushveld, where they can easily hide from predators and hunters alike. In South Africa, their range extends from the Eastern Cape to the Limpopo Province, which is the premier destination in the world to hunt the Grey Duiker, making them accessible to hunters across various regions.
The common duiker’s preference for thick cover and its ability to blend into the underbrush make it a particularly challenging target during a duiker hunt. Understanding the specific habitat and distribution of grey duikers is essential for hunters, as these animals typically remain close to dense vegetation and are rarely seen in open areas. Knowledge of their favored habitats and daily habits can greatly increase a hunter’s chances of a successful hunt, as it allows for more effective tracking and strategic planning in the field.
The grey duiker is a small antelope species known for its distinctive grey-brown coat, subtle facial markings, and short, sharply pointed horns carried only by the male. These solitary animals are most active during the early mornings and late afternoons, often venturing out to browse on leaves, fruits, and seeds. A single calf is usually born to Grey Duikers, hidden by the mother in vegetation to protect it from predators. Their ability to obtain sufficient moisture from their diet allows them to thrive in areas where water is scarce.
When threatened, grey duikers are quick to disappear into thick brush, using their agility and knowledge of the terrain to evade predators and hunters. Their solitary nature and preference for dense cover make them a challenging quarry, requiring hunters to be both patient and observant. Understanding the behavior and characteristics of grey duikers—such as their feeding patterns, activity times, and escape tactics—can provide hunters with valuable insights for planning a successful hunt and appreciating the unique qualities of this remarkable African antelope.
Grey Duiker Trophy Fees in South Africa – 2025
The average price of a duiker is around $200. The Grey Duiker can be added to our hunt packages and is one of the cheapest hunts in South Africa.
Our 2025 Grey Duiker price is $200.
The Grey Duiker trophy hunting package includes a licensed hunting guide, a hunting license, and all permits.
Shot placement for duiker hunting must be in the bottom third of the animal, directly above the front shoulder. This ensures a heart or lung shot, which is crucial for a clean and humane kill. Avoid head and neck shots, which are high-risk.
Hunt Grey Duiker with Nick Bowker
Your Duiker trophy should have an average shoulder height of around 17 inches, weigh about 25 pounds, and have a Horn length of approximately 4 inches.
The minimum Safari Club International score for a Duiker is 11. They are measured by adding the length of each horn as well as the circumference of the bases.
Duikers are solitary animals and often shot opportunistically while glassing for big game trophies.
They can make for a bonus while looking for your bigger game animals.
Duiker hunts require a stalk through thick habitat and terrain. As a result, shots will often be quite close when hunting grey duikers.
Shooting Duikers is usually done in the early morning, late afternoon, or by spotlight at night.
Common Duiker Hunts with Nick Bowker
The Duiker forms part of the Tiny 10, a group of small antelope species highly sought after by hunters wishing to complete their selection of the small antelope species. The grey duiker, also known as the Common Duiker, is a notable member of this group, making it a prized addition to any trophy collection.
The duiker is primarily a browser and is most active during the late afternoon and early evening.
This member of the pygmy antelope clan can survive close to man.
He is independent of water as he can get sufficient moisture from browsing.
Common Duiker Hunting makes a cheap add-on to our seven animal hunting packages, including trophies as kudu and blesbok as standard.
A more expensive addition would, say, be a common reedbuck.
Trophy Judgement and Rifle Caliber for Hunting Duiker
Trophy Hunting Grey Duiker
Trophy Hunting Grey Duiker. Trophy hunting of grey duikers supports sustainable wildlife management and habitat conservation, ensuring the preservation of their natural environments while providing hunters with a rewarding experience.
Trophy Duiker evaluation can be difficult when hunting a duiker, as only fleeting glances will be offered. Grey duikers are characterized by their short horns, which is a key feature for hunters to recognize.
Horn tips that are level with the top of the ears are about 4 inches long; if the horns extend beyond the ear tips by an inch or more, you are looking at a high-scoring trophy.
Duiker hunting can be challenging; this mini-antelope has remarkably refined senses, small size, camouflaged coloring, and a habit of staying in or close to the long grass and thick brush.
Common Duiker Hunted with Nick Bowker
Most hunting calibers are used to take the duiker as it is often opportunistic. However, if targeting – hunt Duiker with a 243.
For those hunters who do not wish to go through the red tape of bringing a rifle into South Africa, Nick Bowker has a Sako carbon light 243 fitted with a Swarovski Z8 tactical scope.
Also, we use Sako factory ammunition for duiker hunting.
Shoot straight up for the leg, as with all African mammals, for the heart-lung shot.
The Duiker or bush Duiker makes for a very underrated plains game hunting. Duiker hunting is a favorite pastime amongst local South Africans during hunting season. Hunting methods amongst the locals mainly involve driven hunts.
Duiker is a small to medium-sized brown antelope native to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Found in heavily wooded areas.
Duikers are shy, elusive creatures and live in dense cover; those that tend to live in more open areas, for example, quickly disappear into thickets for protection. Grey duikers are solitary creatures, preferring to remain hidden in dense vegetation, which makes them difficult to spot in their natural habitat. However, they may occasionally form small family groups, adding to their unique behavioral patterns.
Duikers are shy, elusive creatures and live in dense cover; those that tend to live in more open areas, for example, quickly disappear into thickets for protection.
Duiker hunting is often underestimated mainly because of the size of the animal.
Since the common grey duiker lives in more open areas, like the savanna, it has longer legs and vertical horns, which allows it to run faster and for longer distances; only the males, who are more aggressive and territorial, exhibit horns.
Also, duikers have well-developed periorbital glands, which resemble slits under their eyes or, in the cases of blue duikers, pedal glands on their hooves.
Males use secretions from these glands to mark their territory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trophy Duiker Hunting
How much does it cost to hunt a Grey Duiker?
The trophy fee for a standalone Grey Duiker hunt is between $250 and $300. Daily rates vary between $250 and $500 per day.
Included in the Grey Duiker trophy fee is a licensed guide. As well as a hunting license and all permits.
How to hunt a Grey Duiker?
Grey Duikerhunting is in the early mornings and late evenings and spotted from an elevated vantage point in the thick brush and then stalked. Alternatively, hunters use ambush techniques at watering holes or as they move back to cover from feeding.
Grey Duiker are often hunted by sitting in a vantage point in the late evening and waiting for the Grey Duiker to step into small fields and begin grazing.
Where do you shoot a Grey Duiker?
Shot placement must be in the bottom third of the animal directly above the front shoulder. This will ensure a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots, which are high-risk.
What isa trophy, Grey Duiker?
Grey Duiker trophies have a Horn Length of approximately 4 inches. The minimum qualification score under Safari Club International for a Grey Duiker is 11. Add the length of each horn and the circumference of the bases to get your SCI score.
How do you judge a Grey Duiker trophy?
Horn tips that are level with the top of the ears are about 4 inches long; if the horns extend beyond the ear tips by an inch or more, you are looking at a high-scoring trophy.
Seasonal Restrictions for Duiker Hunting
When can you hunt Grey Duiker in South Africa?
There are no seasonal restrictions on Grey Duiker hunting in designated conservancies in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
What Caliber is Recommended for Grey Duiker hunts?
Most hunting calibers are used to take the duiker as it is often opportunistic. However, if targeting a Duiker, we would recommend a 243.
