Impala
The McDonald's of the African bush
The impala is often the first African trophy for visiting hunters and serves as the backbone of most plains game safaris. This elegant, athletic antelope with its distinctive lyre-shaped horns offers excellent sport and is perfect for honing stalking skills before pursuing larger, more challenging species.
Shoulder Height
33 - 38" (84-96cm)
Weight (Rams)
100 - 180 lbs
SCI Minimum
52"
Rowland Ward Min
23 5/8"
Identification
- • Reddish-brown coat, lighter on sides
- • White underparts and chin
- • Lyre-shaped horns (males only)
- • Black vertical stripes on rump
- • Black tuft above hooves (scent glands)
Habitat & Range
- • Open woodlands and savanna
- • Near permanent water sources
- • Woodland edges and clearings
- • Eastern and southern Africa
- • Avoids open grassland and dense forest
Trophy Standards
- • SCI Minimum: 52" (Southern)
- • SCI Record: 69 6/8"
- • Rowland Ward Min: 23 5/8"
- • RW Record: 31 3/8"
- • Good horn length: 22"+
Did You Know?
Impala are nicknamed the "McDonald's of the bush" because the black markings on their rump resemble the golden arches logo, and they're a primary food source for virtually every predator in Africa. They can leap up to 10 meters (33 feet) horizontally and 3 meters (10 feet) vertically, and can run at speeds exceeding 60 km/h (37 mph). During the rut, rams can be heard grunting and horn-clashing from considerable distances.
Africa's Most Common Antelope
The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is the quintessential African antelope and often the first species harvested by visiting hunters. Abundant throughout eastern and southern Africa, impala offer excellent sport for hunters of all experience levels. Their wariness, keen senses, and explosive escape abilities make them more challenging than their ubiquity might suggest.
Subspecies & Variants
Southern Impala
A. m. melampus - The most commonly hunted subspecies, found throughout South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. SCI minimum 52", RW minimum 23 5/8". Classic reddish-brown coloration.
East African Impala
A. m. rendilis - Found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Generally larger with longer horns. SCI minimum 60", RW minimum 26 3/8". Premium safari destination species.
Black-Faced Impala
A. m. petersi - Endemic to Namibia and Angola. Distinguished by dark facial blaze. SCI minimum 47", RW minimum 21". Highly sought after as a unique trophy.
Black Impala
Color variant of the common impala bred on South African game ranches. Melanistic coloration with same body structure. Not a separate subspecies. Trophy fees significantly higher than common impala.
Physical Characteristics
Rams (Males)
- • Weight: 100-180 lbs (45-80 kg)
- • Shoulder height: 33-38" (84-96 cm)
- • Horn length: 18-31" (typical 20-24")
- • Lyre-shaped horns, heavily ridged
- • Thicker neck during rut
Ewes (Females)
- • Weight: 80-130 lbs (35-60 kg)
- • Shoulder height: 30-36" (75-90 cm)
- • No horns
- • Slightly lighter coloration
- • Often in larger herds than rams
Behavior & Social Structure
Impala live in three distinct social groups: bachelor herds of young and non-territorial rams, breeding herds of ewes and young controlled by a dominant ram, and territorial rams during the rut. Understanding this structure helps hunters identify mature trophy rams.
- Breeding herds: 15-100 ewes with one dominant ram
- Bachelor herds: Groups of 5-30 rams of various ages
- Territorial rams: Solitary during rut, defending territory
- Activity: Most active dawn and dusk; rest midday
- Alertness: Extremely wary with excellent eyesight
Trophy Assessment
| Standard | Rowland Ward | SCI |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Entry (Southern) | 23 5/8" | 52" |
| Record (Southern) | 31 3/8" | 69 6/8" |
| Good Trophy | 22"+ | 52"+ |
| SCI Bow Minimum | - | 46" |
Judging Horn Length
A good rule of thumb: if the horn tips reach or exceed the ear tips when viewed from the side, the ram is likely 20"+ and a shooter. Horns that curve well past the ears indicate an exceptional trophy. Look for heavy bases and deep ridging, which indicate maturity. Worn, smooth tips suggest an old ram.
Seasons & Prime Hunting Regions
Year-Round Availability
Impala can be hunted year-round in most southern African countries. The rut (May-June in South Africa) offers exciting hunting as territorial rams are more visible and vocal, but also more wary. Dry season (May-October) concentrates animals near water.
South Africa
Limpopo Province
Prime impala country with high densities. Bushveld habitat perfect for impala. Most affordable hunting with excellent trophy quality. Year-round availability with May-June rut being particularly exciting.
Season: Year-round; Best: May - September
KwaZulu-Natal
Excellent impala hunting in thorn country. Often combined with nyala, bushbuck, and other KZN species. Mix of private and communal hunting areas.
Season: Year-round; Best: April - August
Eastern Cape
Good impala populations on many reserves. Often part of mixed-bag safaris with kudu, bushbuck, and warthog. Valley bushveld habitat.
Season: Year-round; Best: April - September
North West Province
Bushveld hunting with good impala densities. Close to Johannesburg for convenient access. Many operations offer impala as part of plains game packages.
Season: Year-round; Best: May - August
Other Destinations
Zimbabwe
Excellent impala hunting throughout the country. Often combined with dangerous game safaris. High-quality trophies available. May-October preferred.
Namibia
Home to the unique Black-Faced Impala in the north. Standard impala in the Caprivi Strip and eastern regions. Specialized hunts for the black-faced variety.
Tanzania
East African Impala with larger horns. Premium safari destination with high trophy quality. July-November season. Often combined with other East African species.
Mozambique
Good impala populations in appropriate habitat. Often incidental to other species but excellent trophies available. Developing safari industry with competitive pricing.
The Rut
May - June Rut (Southern Africa)
The impala rut offers exciting hunting as territorial rams become more vocal and visible. Key characteristics of rut hunting:
- • Vocalizations: Grunting rams can be heard and located
- • Horn clashing: Sparring rams provide shooting opportunities
- • Territory defense: Rams stay in defined areas
- • Increased activity: More daytime movement
- • Exhausted rams: Late rut rams may be easier to approach
Hunting Techniques
Don't Underestimate Them
Impala are often considered "easy" because they're common. This is a mistake. They have exceptional eyesight, are constantly alert, and can explode into action in an instant. Approaching a herd undetected requires patience and good fieldcraft.
Spot and Stalk
The primary method for impala hunting. Success depends on careful glassing, wind awareness, and patient stalking using available cover.
The Approach
- 1. Locate: Glass from vehicle or elevated position
- 2. Assess: Identify shooter rams and plan approach route
- 3. Wind: Ensure wind is in your favor - impala have keen noses
- 4. Cover: Use terrain, vegetation, and shadows
- 5. Close: Get to 100-150 yards if possible
- 6. Wait: Let a shooting opportunity develop naturally
Walk and Stalk
In thick bushveld, walking slowly and quietly through likely habitat can produce encounters. Move into the wind, pause frequently to glass and listen, and be ready for quick shots when impala are jumped at close range.
Ambush at Water
During dry season, sitting in a blind overlooking a waterhole can be effective, especially for bow hunters. Impala must drink regularly and visit water during the heat of the day.
Shot Placement
Broadside (Ideal)
Aim at the center of the shoulder, one-third up from the bottom of the chest. This places the shot through the heart-lung area for a quick, humane kill.
Quartering Away
Aim to place the bullet through the opposite shoulder. This is an effective angle that provides a large vital zone.
Quartering Toward
Aim at the front edge of the shoulder. Be careful not to shoot too far forward into the neck or too far back into the gut.
Avoid
Never attempt running shots, head shots, or neck shots. Impala are small targets and these shots risk wounding.
Range Estimation
Impala are smaller than they appear at distance. Use a rangefinder to avoid underestimating range. A 200-yard shot on an impala requires precise hold-over or scope adjustment. When in doubt, get closer.
Recommended Equipment
Rifles & Calibers
Impala are medium-sized antelope that don't require heavy calibers. Accuracy is more important than power. Most standard deer rifles are perfectly adequate.
Ideal Calibers
- • .270 Winchester
- • 7mm-08 Remington
- • .308 Winchester
- • .30-06 Springfield
- • 7mm Remington Magnum
Also Suitable
- • .243 Winchester (light but effective)
- • 6.5 Creedmoor
- • .25-06 Remington
- • .300 Win Mag (if already packed)
- • Any caliber you shoot accurately
One-Rifle Safari
If bringing one rifle for a mixed plains game safari including impala, the .30-06 Springfield or .300 Win Mag with quality 150-180gr bullets handles everything from impala to eland. Use the same rifle for all species and know it well.
Bow Hunting
Impala are excellent bow hunting targets from blinds at water or salt licks. Requirements:
- • Draw weight: 50 lbs minimum (60+ recommended)
- • Arrow weight: 400+ grains
- • Broadheads: Fixed blade or quality mechanicals
- • Shot distance: 20-40 yards typical
- • SCI bow minimum: 46"
Optics
Binoculars
- • 8x42 or 10x42 recommended
- • Essential for trophy assessment
- • Quality glass for dawn/dusk
- • Compact backup pair useful
Rifle Scope
- • Variable 3-9x40 ideal
- • 2-7x or 4-12x also work well
- • Duplex or BDC reticle
- • Quality mounts essential
Rangefinder
Highly recommended. Impala are smaller than they appear at distance, making range estimation difficult. A quality rangefinder prevents "shooting under" at longer ranges. Budget $150-400 for a reliable unit.
Clothing & Gear
Clothing
- ☐ Neutral colors (khaki, olive)
- ☐ Quiet, non-rustling fabrics
- ☐ Long sleeves for thorns
- ☐ Layers for cool mornings
- ☐ Wide-brimmed hat
Footwear
- ☐ Quiet-soled boots
- ☐ Ankle support
- ☐ Well broken in
- ☐ Comfortable for miles
Accessories
- ☐ Shooting sticks
- ☐ Rangefinder
- ☐ Water bottle
- ☐ Sunscreen
Safari Preparation
Why Start with Impala?
Many professional hunters recommend impala as the first animal on a safari. It allows hunters to settle in, get comfortable with shooting sticks, adjust to the bush environment, and verify rifle zero after travel - all before pursuing more challenging or expensive species.
Shooting Practice
Pre-Safari Preparation
- • Practice off shooting sticks (standing, sitting)
- • Confirm zero at 100 yards
- • Know your hold-over at 150, 200, 250 yards
- • Practice shooting at small targets (6-8" vital zone)
- • Shoot in field positions, not just from a bench
Physical Requirements
Impala hunting is not particularly demanding but does require:
- Walking: 2-5 miles per day typical
- Terrain: Mostly flat to rolling bushveld
- Heat: Prepare for African sun, especially Oct-March
- Patience: Stalks may require extended periods of slow movement
Cost Considerations
Budget-Friendly Trophy
Impala are among the most affordable plains game species, making them accessible for first-time African hunters:
- • Trophy fee: $350-600 (common impala)
- • Daily rate: $350-500/day typical
- • Black impala: $1,500-3,000+ (color variant)
- • Black-faced impala: $2,000-4,000 (subspecies)
What to Expect
Typical Impala Hunt
- • Often taken on day 1 or 2 of safari
- • Multiple opportunities typically available
- • May require 2-3 stalks to get a shot
- • 100-200 yard shots most common
- • Excellent meat - often served at lodge
Pro Tips for Success
Judge Before You Stalk
Use binoculars to assess trophy quality before committing to a stalk. Look for horn tips that reach past ear tips. Avoid wasting time and energy stalking sub-par rams when better ones may be nearby.
Work the Wind
Impala have excellent noses. Always approach with wind in your face. If wind is swirling, wait for it to settle or find a different approach. One whiff of human scent and the herd is gone.
Use the Ewes
The ewes in a breeding herd are extremely alert. Watch them - if they're relaxed and feeding, you're undetected. If heads come up and ears swivel, freeze immediately. One alarm snort and it's over.
Patience Pays
Don't rush the shot. Wait for a broadside or quartering away angle. Impala are constantly moving - a good opportunity often develops if you're patient. A rushed shot at a bad angle risks wounding.
Use Sticks
Always use shooting sticks when available. African shooting is done from sticks, not prone or off a rest. Practice before your safari. A steady shot off sticks beats an unsteady freehand shot every time.
Range It
Impala look bigger than they are. That 150-yard ram often turns out to be at 220 yards. Use a rangefinder religiously. Know your holdovers. Shooting under is the most common miss on impala.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- × Taking the first ram: There's usually a better one - be selective
- × Underestimating range: Always use a rangefinder
- × Ignoring the wind: Impala will smell you before seeing you
- × Moving too fast: Slow, deliberate stalking is essential
- × Aiming at the whole animal: Pick a spot on the shoulder
- × Shooting at running impala: Wait for standing shots
- × Forgetting to verify zero: Always check rifle on arrival
After the Shot
What to Expect
- • Good hits: Impala typically run 50-100 yards and pile up
- • Mark the spot: Note where the animal was standing and where it ran
- • Wait: Give it 5-10 minutes before following
- • Blood trail: Usually obvious on a good hit
- • Approach carefully: Confirm the animal is down before approaching
The Impala Experience
"The impala is often dismissed as a 'beginner's' trophy, but there's nothing easy about consistently taking good impala rams. They're abundant because they're incredibly good at survival. A 24-inch ram taken after a proper stalk is a trophy to be proud of."
- African Professional Hunter
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