Summary
Common reedbuck hunting is often near the water as they are water-dependent, much like the waterbuck. Their habitat also includes tall grass, fertile valleys, wetlands, floodplains, savannas, and woodlands, making these areas ideal for hunting.
Reedbuck will often not run too far before stopping, giving the hunter an opportunity for a shot. They often stop to check their surroundings after suddenly jumping up from tall grass, which can be a critical moment for hunters to act.
Common Reedbuck hunting has no seasonal restrictions in designated conservancies in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This year-round availability makes it a flexible option for hunters planning their trips.
Bowker Hunting offers Common Reedbuck game hunts in Africa year-round.
South Africa offers hunters the reedbuck slam.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Reedbuck Hunting
Reedbuck hunting is a time-honored pursuit for hunters venturing into Africa’s wild landscapes, especially in South Africa. The common reedbuck, a medium-sized antelope, stands out as a prized species thanks to its elegant, forward-curving horns and its striking coat, which can range from dark brown to light buff. These antelope are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly into the tall grass and dense reed beds that make up their preferred habitat.
For hunters, pursuing the common reedbuck is both challenging and rewarding, requiring patience, sharp observation, and a deep understanding of the animal’s habits. Male reedbucks are known for their territorial behavior, often defending their territories with determination.
Whether you’re stalking through the golden grass at dawn or waiting quietly near a reed bed, hunting common reedbuck offers a unique connection to Africa’s wild places and a true test of your hunting skills.
Reedbuck Hunting Trophy Fees in South Africa -2025
The cost of a common reedbuck hunt in South Africa is set at an average of $1600 for 2025, making it an accessible addition to any African hunting adventure. This fee typically covers the essentials: a licensed hunting guide, all necessary permits, and your hunting license.
For hunters seeking to add a common reedbuck to their trophy room, South Africa offers excellent value and world-class opportunities. It’s always wise to compare outfitters and packages, as prices and inclusions can vary. With its rich hunting heritage and abundant game, South Africa remains a top destination for reedbuck hunts and unforgettable African experiences.
The average price of Common Reedbuck is about $1600. Common Reedbuck hunting can be added to any package hunt.
Our Reedbuck price for 2025 is $1600.
The Common Reedbuck trophy hunting package includes a licensed hunting guide, a hunting license, and all South African permits.
Planning an African Reedbuck Hunt
When planning an African reedbuck hunt, several key factors will shape your experience. The eastern cape of South Africa is renowned for its thriving common reedbuck populations, thanks to its sweeping tall grass plains and lush reed beds. Timing is important—while reedbuck can be hunted year-round, the wet season can make tracking more challenging as the grass grows thick and the terrain becomes muddy.
Choosing a reputable outfitter with a proven track record in reedbuck hunting is essential for a safe and successful hunt. Many hunters also take advantage of the opportunity to pursue other plains game species in the same region, making for a diverse and action-packed safari. By considering the habitat, season, and available species, you can plan a reedbuck hunt that delivers both adventure and trophy success.
Reedbucks are usually found in pairs, small groups, or alone during the wet season, but they tend to group together in winter months due to scarce
Common Reedbuck Hunting in South Africa
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. Adult Common Reedbucks typically weigh between 98 and 198 lbs, depending on their age and condition.
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, along with the mountain reedbuck, southern 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. Common reedbuck are most active during early morning and late afternoon, making these the best times for hunting.
Like many African antelope, they lie up in the heat of the day and come out in the later afternoon to graze. This is when they typically rest in cover.
Sometimes confused with the impala or mountain reedbuck, the impala is much redder in color.
mountain reedbuck is much smaller and a bit grayer in color.
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. Hunting in small groups can increase the chances of a successful and less disruptive hunt.
Reedbuck is best hunted in the early morning or late afternoon and often in tall grass.
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.
Hunting Locations for Common Reedbuck
Common reedbuck are widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, with some of the best hunting found in South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. Within South Africa, the eastern cape, Limpopo province, and KwaZulu-Natal are standout regions for common reedbuck hunts.
These areas are characterized by rolling grasslands, dense reed beds, and abundant water sources—ideal conditions for reedbuck. When selecting a hunting location, it’s important to consider not only the density and quality of reedbuck but also the presence of other species, such as spotted hyenas, which add to the excitement and challenge of the hunt.
Whether you’re drawn to the open plains of the eastern cape or the varied terrain of Limpopo, Africa offers a range of habitats where hunters can pursue the elusive common reedbuck and enjoy a truly memorable hunting experience.
Trophy Judgement and Rifle Caliber for Hunting Common Reedbcuk
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
Males have horns, while females do not.
Pre-Hunt Preparation for Reedbuck Hunts
Preparation is key to a successful reedbuck hunt. Hunters should take time to study the common reedbuck’s behavior, learning about their feeding routines, preferred resting spots, and how they respond to threats in their environment. Practicing shot placement is crucial, as reedbuck are medium-sized antelope that often hide in tall grass and reed beds, making precise shooting essential.
Selecting the right rifle and ammunition for reedbuck hunting will also improve your chances of a clean, ethical harvest. Physical fitness shouldn’t be overlooked—navigating through thick grass and uneven terrain can be demanding.
Common Reedbucks primarily graze on grasses but may also eat leaves, herbs, shrubs, or reeds, which can influence their movement patterns. By arriving well-prepared and knowledgeable about the common reedbuck’s habitat and habits, hunters can maximize their chances for a successful and rewarding reedbuck hunt in Africa’s wild grasslands.
Interesting facts for Your Common Reedbuck for Hunt
- There are three known types of reedbuck in Africa.
- Southern or common reedbuck
- Bohor reedbuck.
- 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.
- The common reedbuck is the largest species of Africa reedbuck but is still a medium-sized antelope. The light-brown or greyish-brown animal has a silky coat and a lighter color on the neck and chest.
- Hunting common reedbuck can be added to our standard 7 animal packages, including trophies such as blesbok and springbok.
About the Common Reedbuck or Southern Reedbuck
Description
Common reedbuck are larger than mountain reedbuck. It stands 31 – 35 inches at the shoulder. Females weigh 106 pounds, while males weigh 150 pounds.
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. Hunters support eco-tourism and help fund local communities by participating in ethical hunting practices, ensuring that their activities contribute positively to conservation and local economies.
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.
How much does it cost to hunt a Common Reddbuck?
Trophy fees as a standalone Common Reedbuck hunt are around $ 1600. Daily rates vary between $250 and $500 per day for your hunt.