What is your favorite plains game animal to hunt

[Bsto270]

So things are quickly coming to shape for my trip next year. Booked up with one of the sponsor outfitters here, booking airfare through Lori at Travel Express (hopefully today). My wife and I are shooting whenever we can, walking/hiking, and getting things lined up in general. We have a list of about 5 species we are pursuing between us, but are discussing and saving to hopefully be able to take a few more if we get the opportunity. Since this is my first trip over, I am curious which species the members who have been over before enjoyed pursuing the most? Also any particular reasons? Thanks.

 

[sheephunterab]

I'd rate Barbary sheep number one and Vaal Rhebuck a close second but they aren't really your typical plains game so I'd likely say zebra. They are incredibly challenging to hunt on foot and make a spectacular trophy.

 

[BWH]

Man... That is a hard one. I have harvested about 15+/- PG animals. I love them all. They were all hard fought/earned. I'll be thinking of favorite.... anxious to see what others say.

 

[Bsto270]

I'd rate Barbary sheep number one and Vaal Rhebuck a close second but they aren't really your typical plains game so I'd likely say zebra. They are incredibly challenging to hunt on foot and make a spectacular trophy.

I would love to someday go after Barbary, although there is a sense if I ever get to it, it will likely be in Texas.

 

[CAustin]

Bsto270,
On my first trip over I particularly enjoyed hunting the Blue Wildebeest also sometimes referred to as the poor mans buffalo! They are tough animals who refuse to give up easily! They make a fine trophy and form the basis for some very good memories for me!

 

[sheephunterab]

I would love to someday go after Barbary, although there is a sense if I ever get to it, it will likely be in Texas.

Likely the same price to do it in Africa plus you can add on a bunch more fun species!

 

[Bsto270]

View attachment 159516 Bsto270,
On my first trip over I particularly enjoyed hunting the Blue Wildebeest also sometimes referred to as the poor mans buffalo! They are tough animals who refuse to give up easily! They make a fine trophy and form the basis for some very good memories for me!

I have heard great things about hunting them. I like the blues over the blacks for looks for sure.

 

[CAustin]

The black is great to hunt also!

 

[sheephunterab]

I think my list for a first PG hunt would absolutely have to include include zebra, warthog, gemsbok, kudu, springbok, and impala.

 

[Bsto270]

I would also be curious to hear some of the PH's on here chime in. So far great stuff.

 

[Bsto270]

I think my list for a first PG hunt would absolutely have to include include zebra, warthog, gemsbok, kudu, springbok, and impala.

Right now the list that the wife and I are working with is Kudu (her), Warthog (her), Bushpig (myself), Mtn. Reedbuck (myself) and Bushbuck (myself). We will be in the Eastern Cape.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Vaalies, Kudu, Bushbuck

First trip and given your list and location I'd add a Springbok. Nothing says South Africa like a Springbok.
Zebra next. They also say Africa. You will never have to explain what it is.

If you are feeling adventurous I'd go for a Vaalie but you will need to do some saving.
The challenge is well worth it and they are running around up with your Mtn Reedbuck.

 

[billc]

to me the cape has different animals then some areas I would put as tops to chase. Bushbuck for sure with kudu also. Mtn reedbuck would be up there as well as springbuck,oryx,black wildebeest. I would say bushpig is a good pick in the cape to.

My list for a first timer that is just SA would be kudu,blue wildebeest,impala,zebra,warthog. That is for any area in SA but the cape I do think switching it around is the way to go. The cape has some animals you just cant get other places or just better quality on those few. Then you also have areas that have better quality then the cape.

The one animal I enjoyed hunting in the cape the most was a bushbuck.

 

[Bsto270]

Vaalies, Kudu, Bushbuck

First trip and given your list and location I'd add a Springbok. Nothing says South Africa like a Springbok.
Zebra next. They also say Africa. You will never have to explain what it is.

If you are feeling adventurous I'd go for a Vaalie but you will need to do some saving.
The challenge is well worth it and they are running around up with your Mtn Reedbuck.

I considered that Brickburn on the Vaalie. If one is gonna haul up and down hills while you're young and spry I guess it would be worth going the distance. I think they are awesome looking creatures as well. Springbok has definitely crossed my mind.

 

[Bsto270]

to me the cape has different animals then some areas I would put as tops to chase. Bushbuck for sure with kudu also. Mtn reedbuck would be up there as well as springbuck,oryx,black wildebeest. I would say bushpig is a good pick in the cape to.

My list for a first timer that is just SA would be kudu,blue wildebeest,impala,zebra,warthog. That is for any area in SA but the cape I do think switching it around is the way to go. The cape has some animals you just cant get other places or just better quality on those few. Then you also have areas that have better quality then the cape.

The one animal I enjoyed hunting in the cape the most was a bushbuck.

I agree 100% Bill, there are some critters in the cape that seem like they just are unique to the area. The only one everyone suggests that doesn't bother me is the Zebra. Not sure why.

 

[sheephunterab]

If the Eastern Cape is your destination then absolutely bushbuck. I'd look seriously at Nyala as well. It's one of the few places in South Africa where there are good populations of free-range nyala. I suspect like many people your mind will change about zebra once you actually see them running free.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Not many give me as much satisfaction as connecting on a Bushpig. The satisfaction after a successful hunt, pays off for the little over a month's worth of work.

 

[Bsto270]

I am definitely pumped to go after Bushbuck, and bushpig as well. The bushbuck down in the cape have coloration that is simply stunning, and coming from a whitetail hunting background, I understand it is like whitetail hunting on steroids.

 

[billc]

I would bet guys going over zebra is a 50/50 with most but that goes up to 80/20 once guys see them but I do know guys who will not hunt one. I love hunting zebras myself.

I think a mtn reed buck for your first time is a better value then a vallie. As for nyala not sure how much free range nyala they have compared to natal but not a value target for first time on a budget.

I did forget one of my favorites and they take some good ones down in the cape. Waterbucks are a fun hunt and they are just great animals.

 

[Divernhunter]

Waterbuck, Kudu, Gemsbuck, warthog, Impala, Springbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Blesbuck is what I took on my 1st trip.

The Waterbuck, Kudu and Gemsbuck were tops even though I got a monster Impala that went SCI Gold #48

Next trip it will be Black Wildebeest, Zebra, Red Hartebeest as top animals with a long list of others next.

One of my favorite ones is the Waterbuck