Kudu in March?

[baldwin1968]

Hey all,
I've been reading quite a few posts, still on the fence though and could use some advice.
I want to go back to Africa to hunt greater kudu and gemsbok.
I found an outfitter I'm chatting with and since my dates are 2024, there are plenty of openings.
I've not had great luck in the states with faster shots at fleeing animals. I rather prefer longer range shots prone.
My understanding is that the kudu rut in April and may, but the bush is very thick and shots need to be very fast. I've also heard that September/October they're up higher in the mountains and you can take more time with shots. Everyone seems to say that the rut is the best time to hunt, the outfitter is recommending that I hunt in March for the kind of hunt I want. Would appreciate to hear the group's thoughts.

 

[dchum]

You really need to say where you will be hunting. With out even a country to go off of it will be hard to help.

 

[baldwin1968]

Sorry, looking at South Africa, a bit south of Limpopo (actually about half way between Limpopo and Johannesburg if I recall is where the outfitter is)

 

[Cam300]

If the bush is too thick in April/May, it will only be thicker in March. I would go during the rut and, in the meantime, practice shooting quickly off sticks. Depending on area, September/October can be uncomfortably hot. I have only taken one kudu but it was during the rut and I only had a split second shot opportunity through very thick brush. We did not see another mature kudu bull for 8 more days. I would learn to shoot quickly off sticks. It will help you in the US as well.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

It will probably rain then too, but storms are usually heavy and short lived. Take two pairs of boots and plenty of socks to keep your feet dry.

 

[375Fox]

What was the outfitter’s reasoning for March? Without knowing more about property, I’d generally say later would give you more opportunity to glass and plan a shot if in a mountainous area. March will be green and thick. The leaves will be down later in year. I hunted a kudu during rut in May in Limpopo. The property manager had photos of kudu higher on hills in open area prior to rut, but they had moved almost exclusively to the thick river valley for the rut making a difficult hunt on that property.

 

[meigsbucks]

First: Welcome to AH.
As others have stated, March will be thick and you may encounter rains. From what I understand, May and June is The rut for Kudu.
About five years ago, I was in Namibia in July. I saw a lot of Gemsbok and Kudu and I wasn’t hunting kudu. I took two gemsbok.

 

[MontanaPat]

Welcome to the forum. I shot my Kudu in April in Limpopo and the rut was just beginning. I saw lots of mature bulls but they would disappear quickly into the bush, hence their nickname. One thing to you might consider, condition of their cape is maybe better during the rut timeframe in May/June. The long mane on their neck which looks beautiful on a mount is best during the rut from what I was told. Later in the year as it get hotter they start rubbing and the mane hairs on the underside of the neck get chewed up and pretty scraggly looking sometimes. Just a thought to add. Good luck

 

[baldwin1968]

What was the outfitter’s reasoning for March? Without knowing more about property, I’d generally say later would give you more opportunity to glass and plan a shot if in a mountainous area. March will be green and thick. The leaves will be down later in year. I hunted a kudu during rut in May in Limpopo. The property manager had photos of kudu higher on hills in open area prior to rut, but they had moved almost exclusively to the thick river valley for the rut making a difficult hunt on that property.

Here was the outfitters message:
You're correct, the bush will be pretty thick February/March. Because of their behavioral pattern they'll be in the mountains which doesn't have to many thickets. So I personally would recommend this time because we'll see more bulls and get more opportunities to choose from.

 

[baldwin1968]

You really need to say where you will be hunting. With out even a country to go off of it will be hard to help.

Specifically bela bela now that I look it up

 

[Mekaniks]

 

[FlyGuy]

The rut is prime time as it’s one of the few times that really big bulls get stupid.
Ideally, you want to hunt terrain that offers elevation so you can glass all day if need be. If you spot a group of cows, you can be sure that there’s a mature bull nearby.
Late winter is another good time. Most of the leaves have dropped so food becomes scarce. This forces the bulls to move about more than they usually would. In hill country, kudu like to spend their nights in the valley thickets and move up the east facing slopes at sunrise to bake in the warm sun for a while.
Perfect for those cross valley shots and you usually have all the time in the world to make your shot.

 

[FlyGuy]

Late July and August are good times for kudu around Bella Bela.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

If you do decide to go in March, make sure that its over a new moon. Once you combine heat( early months, especially Bella Bella during March) and combine that with a full moon, a browser feeder such as Kudu will almost exclusively move during the night. You might catch a glimpse first light but their movement time during daylight hours will be very limited.

 

[IvW]

I would not be hunting for trophy kudu in March in that area....gonna be wet and thick...rut this year should start about may
Depending where you are hunting terrain could be completely flat with black cotton soil which makes driving never mind walking a challenge in rain or undulating terrain that could be better.
Get a google location of where you will hunt and we could advise better..

 

[FlyGuy]

If you do decide to go in March, make sure that its over a new moon. Once you combine heat( early months, especially Bella Bella during March) and combine that with a full moon, a browser feeder such as Kudu will almost exclusively move during the night. You might catch a glimpse first light but their movement time during daylight hours will be very limited.

A few years ago in the Umkomaas, I had my spotting scope focused on a big kudu bull on a hillside across the river for most of the day. It was only half moon and in all that time, that bull didn't move more than about 75m.

 

[baldwin1968]

The rut is prime time as it’s one of the few times that really big bulls get stupid.
Ideally, you want to hunt terrain that offers elevation so you can glass all day if need be. If you spot a group of cows, you can be sure that there’s a mature bull nearby.
Late winter is another good time. Most of the leaves have dropped so food becomes scarce. This forces the bulls to move about more than they usually would. In hill country, kudu like to spend their nights in the valley thickets and move up the east facing slopes at sunrise to bake in the warm sun for a while.
Perfect for those cross valley shots and you usually have all the time in the world to make your shot.

Now that's a great reply! Thank you!