Which South African animals to target

[swashington]

I am leaving next week on my first African hunt in South Africa. Watching the news and seeing what is going on this may be my last trip to South Africa before I go to other more stable countries. That is based on conditions in SA continuing to deteriorate. That being said, what should be my target animals that are readily available in SA but not so common in other countries.

Thanks in advance.

 

[375Fox]

What region will you be hunting?

I also think you’ll be surprised how stable it appears to the visiting hunter or tourist. There isn’t anything to worry about.

 

[AZSkibo]

I’m not sure what news you’re taking in but having been there in November everything seemed as orderly as needed. Are there areas that are best not loitered in? Sure. In the main hunting areas though you’ll be fine.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I am leaving next week on my first African hunt in South Africa. Watching the news and seeing what is going on this may be my last trip to South Africa before I go to other more stable countries. That is based on conditions in SA continuing to deteriorate. That being said, what should be my target animals that are readily available in SA but not so common in other countries.

Thanks in advance.

Unless you're hunting in a major town or city, you'll be fine in South Africa. Like the states, 99% of the news out of RSA is inflammatory, divisive and doom and gloom. Have never felt unsafe traveling to or in any hunting or fishing venue and I suspect you'll have a different perspective after your trip.

 

[swashington]

We are going to East Cape but also spending 4 days in Cape Town after the hunt. My honeymoon so we are going to be tourist.

 

[swashington]

Unless you're hunting in a major town or city, you'll be fine in South Africa. Like the states, 99% of the news is inflammatory and doom and gloom

Hopefully that is the truth. I have been watching the news over there for about a year and it seems to get worse month by month. Seems the ANC is bound and determined to ruin the country economically.

 

[375Fox]

We are going to East Cape but also spending 4 days in Cape Town after the hunt. My honeymoon so we are going to be tourist.

For eastern cape on a first safari, my top species would be cape kudu, cape bushbuck, and black wildebeest. Then any other animals you’d like. Not necessarily native to eastern cape, but a nyala makes a beautiful trophy and mount on the wall.

 

[Field28]

Hopefully that is the truth. I have been watching the news over there for about a year and it seems to get worse month by month. Seems the ANC is bound and determined to ruin the country economically.

They already have ruined it economically!

That being said, you will be fine in Eastern Cape, Western Cape as well.

Of course I would say Kudu.
If your not hunting a package deal trust your PH and take what the bush offers!

 

[Fatback]

The area and outfitter you are hunting with, bushbuck would be at the top of my list if I were in your position. Cape kudu would also be a priority. Then I’d defer to the PH in terms of other animals to target. Some of the other animals that come to mind are warthog, eland and zebra in terms of iconic African animals. As previously mentioned, nyala make a great trophy and can be a real challange to hunt. Your in good hands so just enjoy the entire experience and “take what the bush gives you” and you’ll have a great safari.

 

[TnKen]

Kudu ,Gemsbok, nyala, and zebra. Most people in the US won’t know anything other than the zebra.

 

[Firebird]

Cape kudu, bushbuck, nyala, burchell zebra, warthog, and waterbuck. Bushpig if I saw one. . . Could add impala, red hartebeest, springbok, blesbok, both the common wildebeests and gemsbok. There are more and these are all available in good numbers. What you can afford in time and money is the true limiting factor!
The first four I listed would be my preference

 

[Firebird]

Look through the hunt reports section for titles in the east cape and you will have lots to read about and pictures to get you excited

 

[wesheltonj]

Kudu, Springbok, Impala.

 

[Houston Bill]

My friend and fellow AHer @Katy Darren went to the Eastern Cape last year and shot the spiral slam (kudu, eland, bushbuck and nyala) so that would be a cool goal to aspire to. A couple of years ago my son and I each completed our spinal slam by getting the bushbuck and Nyala in the Eastern Cape. Blue and Black Wildebeest are also great choices.

 

[ActionBob]

Depends a bit on which area within the East Cape but definitely black wildebeest, red hartebeest, vaal rheebok, mountain reedbuck and if at all workable go aftrr a Caracal! Maybe common reedbuck. Kudu if you see one you really like, zebra same thing. There are some great looking zebra available there and the kudu tend to be very attractive but tend to be smaller than farther North. Blesbuck and Bontebok but know what you are getting into with Bontebok.

Not at all indigenous but fun to hunt there... Aoudad in the mountains. Fallow deer tend to be small of horn compared to NZ but even smaller in price. Especially fun if rutting

What i would not hunt there would be Nyala and red lechwe. They stand around saying shoot me. Much better places to hunt them and probably get a much better trophy. Buffalo would probably not be on my list there but buyers choice...

Not sure ehy folks are suggesting nyala there instead of farther North. Best Nyala i have seen were in Zimbabwe and Crooks Corner.

Gemsbok and Springbok only if in the deserts of the Karoo.

 

[bakerb]

East cape is gorgeous. Went on my first trip there. Definitely the east cape specialties. Cape kudu. Cape bushbuck. And I’d add a Vaal rhebuck. I did NOT hunt the vaal rhebuck when I was there and I regret it. There are blesbok and impala and zebra in many other places.. There’s only Vaal rhebuck in the east cape

 

[Frederik]

Vaal Rhebuck, mountain reedbuck, bontebok, cape bushbuck and cape kudu that should keep you busy.

 

[Trogon]

@Frederik above has a solid list of indigenous animals for the Eastern Cape to hunt, I would add Black wildebeest vs Bontebock personally (for being able to bring trophy home to US).
I have hunted all of the above mentioned and would enjoy hunting these again.

 

[Frederik]

@Frederik above has a solid list of indigenous animals for the Eastern Cape to hunt, I would add Black wildebeest vs Bontebock personally (for being able to bring trophy home to US).

Are you still not allowed to import Bontebok????

 

[Trogon]

Are you still not allowed to import Bontebok????

Looks like I should do more research on this, it is an import/export case with proper permits, CITES?
Really attractive antelope