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.

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.

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

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.

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

Rifles & Calibers

Bushbuck are medium-sized and not particularly tough. The challenge is dense cover and quick shooting opportunities.

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

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.

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.