Bushbuck Hunting
The elusive forest phantom - a challenging spiral-horned antelope that tests the skills of even experienced hunters in dense cover.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Tragelaphus scriptus
- Native Range
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Subspecies
- 8+ recognized
- Difficulty
- Challenging
Identification
Dark brown to chestnut coat with white spots and up to 7 stripes. White cheek spots and muzzle. Only males have spiral horns up to 20" long.
Habitat
Dense vegetation near water. Forest edges, riverine bush, montane forests. Found wherever adequate cover exists across sub-Saharan Africa.
Trophy Standards
SCI Min: 31" (rifle) / 28" (bow). Rowland Ward Min: 15". World Record: 21⅞". Good trophy: 16"+ horn length.
Did You Know?
Bushbuck are the least social of all African antelopes. Despite often being called "solitary," they're not truly territorial - in good habitat, several animals may occupy overlapping ranges. Males sport horns that begin spiraling at 10 months and form a complete loop at maturity. The species name "scriptus" means "written" - referring to the distinctive white markings that look like script on their coats.
About Bushbuck Hunting
The bushbuck is one of Africa's most challenging trophies due to its secretive nature and preference for dense cover. This spiral-horned antelope is a member of the Tragelaphus genus, related to kudu, nyala, and sitatunga.
Male bushbuck range from 40-80 kg (88-175 lbs) with shoulder heights of 70-100 cm (28-40 inches). Females are smaller at 25-60 kg (55-130 lbs). Only males carry the distinctive spiral horns, which grow fairly straight and parallel, spiraling once.
Primarily nocturnal, bushbuck emerge from thick cover to feed during dusk and dawn. They are browsers, feeding on leaves, herbs, fallen fruit, and flowers. Their ability to subsist on dew means they're independent of permanent water sources.
Bushbuck Subspecies
Multiple subspecies are recognized, varying in size and markings:
- South African/Cape Bushbuck - Limpopo region, darkest coloring (SCI: 31", RW: 15")
- Chobe Bushbuck - Botswana, Zimbabwe (RW: 14")
- East African Bushbuck - Kenya, Tanzania (RW: 14")
- Harnessed Bushbuck - West/Central Africa, smallest subspecies (RW: 11")
- Menelik's Bushbuck - Ethiopian highlands
- Nile Bushbuck - Sudan, Uganda
- Abyssinian Bushbuck - Ethiopia
Behavior Patterns
Bushbuck are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal. They bed down in dense cover during the day and venture to more open areas at night to feed. When alarmed, they typically freeze before bounding away with a distinctive barking alarm call. Males can be aggressive when cornered and have been known to injure hunters and dogs with their sharp horns.
Hunting Seasons & Regions
South Africa
Bushbuck can be hunted year-round on private game ranches. The Limpopo Province in the northeast is the premier destination for trophy South African bushbuck, producing specimens in the 16-19 inch range.
Prime South African Regions
- Limpopo Province: Best trophy quality, mountain and marsh habitat
- Eastern Cape: Good populations in coastal thickets
- KwaZulu-Natal: Forest and riverine habitat
- Mpumalanga: Escarpment forests
Other Countries
- Zimbabwe: Excellent populations in riverine areas
- Mozambique: Good hunting along river systems
- Tanzania: East African subspecies available
- Ethiopia: Menelik's bushbuck in highlands
- Cameroon/CAR: Harnessed bushbuck
Best Times to Hunt
- Dawn: Prime time as they return to cover
- Dusk: Second-best as they emerge to feed
- Dry Season: Easier when vegetation is less dense
- Cooler Months: More active during daylight hours
Hunting Techniques
Safari Style / Spot and Stalk
The most common method. Walk slowly through likely habitat during dawn and dusk, glassing clearings, forest edges, and riverine areas. Patience is essential - bushbuck hunting requires long hours of careful observation.
- Focus on forest edges where bush meets open areas
- Glass clearings systematically at first and last light
- Move quietly - bushbuck have excellent hearing
- Watch for movement rather than looking for whole animals
Ambush/Sitting
Set up overlooking known feeding areas, water sources, or trails between bedding and feeding areas. This patient approach often yields the best opportunities for a mature ram.
Still Hunting
Move extremely slowly through dense cover, stopping frequently to glass. This technique requires excellent woodcraft and is most effective in areas with high bushbuck density.
Shot Placement - Critical
Shot placement must be in the bottom third of the animal, directly above the front shoulder. This ensures a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots. In dense cover, shots are often quick and at close range - be prepared and know your point of aim.
Judging Trophy Quality
Look for horns that extend well above the ears with good spiral development. Trophy quality varies significantly by region - a Limpopo bushbuck of 16" is more impressive than an East African bushbuck of the same length due to subspecies differences.
- Horns should show at least one complete spiral
- Look for heavy bases and good ivory tips
- Mature rams have darker coats and heavier bodies
- Consult your PH on regional trophy expectations
Recommended Equipment
Rifles & Calibers
Bushbuck are medium-sized and not particularly tough. The challenge is dense cover and quick shooting opportunities.
Ideal Calibers
- • .243 Winchester
- • .270 Winchester
- • 7mm-08 Remington
- • .308 Winchester
- • .30-06 Springfield
Bullet Selection
- • 130-165 grain bullets
- • Premium expanding bullets
- • Quick-opening designs for close shots
- • Avoid heavy, slow-expanding bullets
Optics
Low-light performance is critical for dawn and dusk hunting in heavy cover.
- Riflescope: 1.5-6x or 2-7x variable - low magnification essential
- Binoculars: 8x42 with excellent low-light performance
- Objective Size: Larger objectives (42-50mm) for dawn/dusk
Bow Hunting
Extremely challenging due to their nervous nature and dense habitat.
- SCI Bow Minimum: 28"
- Minimum 50 lb draw weight
- Blind hunting near water or trails most effective
- Maximum range: 25 yards
Field Gear
- Quiet, thorn-proof clothing in neutral colors
- Lightweight boots suitable for stalking
- Quality binoculars with low-light capability
- Shooting sticks for quick setup
Hunt Preparation
Physical Preparation
Bushbuck hunting can involve significant walking through difficult terrain.
- Be prepared for early starts - dawn is prime time
- Walking through dense bush can be physically demanding
- Patience is more important than fitness
- Practice shooting from sitting and kneeling positions
Marksmanship
Close-range, quick shots in limited visibility are typical.
- • Practice snap shooting at 25-75 yards
- • Be comfortable shooting from sticks quickly
- • Know your scope's point of impact at close range
- • Practice in low light conditions when safe to do so
Trophy Considerations
Trophy Handling
Bushbuck make beautiful shoulder mounts with their distinctive markings and spiral horns. The cape should be handled carefully due to the unique spotted/striped pattern. Most outfitters provide professional skinning services.
Pro Tips
Hunt the Edges
Bushbuck are forest-edge animals. They feed in more open areas at night but always stay close to thick cover. Focus your efforts where dense bush meets clearings, especially near water.
Dawn is Prime Time
The first 30-45 minutes of legal shooting light are golden. Bushbuck are returning to their daytime cover, often pausing to browse along the way. Be in position before first light.
Move Like a Ghost
Bushbuck have exceptional senses. Move slowly, avoid stepping on dry leaves or branches, and stop frequently to glass. If you hear their distinctive bark, they've spotted you and the game is likely over.
Be Ready for Quick Shots
Most bushbuck opportunities last only seconds. Keep your rifle ready, practice mounting and shooting quickly, and know exactly where to aim. There's rarely time for a second chance.
Approach Wounded Animals with Caution
Wounded bushbuck rams can be dangerous. Their sharp horns and aggressive defense have injured hunters and dogs. Always approach from a distance and confirm the animal is down before getting close.
Consider a Dedicated Bushbuck Hunt
While often taken opportunistically, a dedicated bushbuck hunt with a PH who knows local rams significantly improves your chances at a trophy animal. Consider spending dedicated time specifically targeting bushbuck.
Trophy Standards
SCI Minimums (S.A.)
Rowland Ward (S.A.)
Physical Characteristics
Plan Your Hunt
Find outfitters offering bushbuck hunting in South Africa's Limpopo Province and other prime destinations.
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