Mountain Reedbuck
The whistling sentinel of African highlands
Shoulder Height
26-35" (65-89 cm)
Weight
55-70 lbs
SCI Minimum
11" (Rifle) / 9" (Bow)
Rowland Ward Min
6"
Identification
Gray-brown coat with white underparts. Distinctive long ears and short forward-curving horns on males. Bushy tail raised when alarmed.
Habitat
Grassy mountain slopes, hillsides, and highland plateaus. Prefers open terrain with scattered cover near rocky outcrops.
Trophy Standards
SCI minimum 11" for rifle, 9" for bow. Rowland Ward minimum 6". World record is 10". Horns around 8" are exceptional.
Did You Know?
The mountain reedbuck has a distinctive sharp, trilling whistle that serves as an alarm call—it's one of the most recognizable sounds in African highland hunting. Unlike their larger common reedbuck cousins, mountain reedbuck have a unique bulbous gland at the base of each horn that softens and disappears during skull preparation, making green scoring essential.
Introduction to Mountain Reedbuck Hunting
The mountain reedbuck is one of Africa's genuine mountain specialists, found in hilly and mountainous terrain throughout eastern and southern Africa. Unlike the larger common reedbuck that prefers wetland margins, the mountain reedbuck has adapted to life on grassy slopes and highland plateaus, where its gray coloration provides excellent camouflage against rocky hillsides.
These medium-small antelope typically live in small groups of 3-8 animals, usually consisting of a dominant ram with several ewes and juveniles. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon, spending the heat of the day resting in shade or among rocks. Their excellent eyesight and hearing, combined with their characteristic alarm whistle, make them challenging quarry.
The Highland Hunting Experience
Hunting mountain reedbuck offers a unique experience combining scenic highland terrain with challenging stalking. Unlike the rock-dwelling klipspringer, mountain reedbuck prefer grassy slopes and basins rather than cliff faces, making them more accessible while still requiring significant physical effort. They are often found in areas that also harbor other mountain species like klipspringer, vaal rhebok, and various cats.
The key to success lies in glassing from high vantage points during the cooler parts of the day when animals are actively feeding. Their gray coats blend remarkably well with the surrounding terrain, so patience and quality optics are essential. Once spotted, careful stalking using terrain features for cover usually presents reasonable shooting opportunities.
Conservation Status
The mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) is classified as Endangered by the IUCN, though this status varies by subspecies. The Southern mountain reedbuck found in South Africa has stable populations on private game ranches, while the Chanler's mountain reedbuck of East Africa and the Western mountain reedbuck face more significant habitat pressures. Sustainable hunting on well-managed properties provides conservation value through economic incentives for habitat preservation.
Hunting Seasons by Region
South Africa
Mountain reedbuck can be hunted year-round. Prime hunting occurs in the Eastern Cape highlands, KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg foothills, and Mpumalanga escarpment. Winter months (May-August) offer more comfortable conditions and better visibility when grass is shorter.
Lesotho
The mountain kingdom of Lesotho offers excellent mountain reedbuck populations in its highland areas. Hunting typically occurs April through September. The high-altitude terrain provides a genuine mountain hunting experience.
Zimbabwe
Season runs April through October. Found in the Eastern Highlands and Nyanga region. Often combined with other highland species and dangerous game safaris.
Tanzania
The Chanler's subspecies occurs in the northern highlands. Season runs July through December. Often encountered on mountain nyala or East African buffalo hunts in highland areas.
Kenya (Conservation)
While hunting is banned in Kenya, the country maintains important populations of Chanler's mountain reedbuck in its highland areas, contributing to conservation of the species.
Best Hunting Conditions
Early morning provides optimal conditions as animals feed on exposed slopes before seeking midday shade. Clear, cool days with minimal wind allow for better glassing and more predictable animal movement patterns.
Hunting Methods
Spot and Stalk
The classic method for mountain reedbuck. Take a high vantage point at first light and glass grassy slopes and basins systematically. The gray coloration makes them difficult to spot, so look for movement or the characteristic white flash of the underside when they move. Once located, plan your approach using terrain features and wind direction.
Walk-Up
In areas with good populations, slowly walking ridgelines and glassing into basins can be productive. Move quietly, stop frequently to glass, and be prepared for shots at animals that flush unexpectedly. The alarm whistle will often alert you to unseen animals nearby.
Ambush
Setting up near known feeding areas or travel routes between bedding and feeding areas can be effective. Mountain reedbuck are creatures of habit and will use the same general areas repeatedly. Early morning and late afternoon setups near water sources or favored grazing areas are most productive.
Shot Placement
Standard heart/lung placement is recommended—aim just behind the front leg at approximately one-third of the body height from the bottom of the chest. Mountain reedbuck are not particularly large, but they are resilient and a poorly placed shot can result in a long tracking job through difficult terrain.
Given the mountainous terrain, be prepared for angled shots. Both uphill and downhill angles require aiming lower than horizontal shots at the same distance. The relatively small body size makes precise shot placement critical—avoid marginal shots that risk wounding.
Terrain Navigation
Always consider your recovery route before taking a shot. A mountain reedbuck hit on a steep slope will often tumble downhill, potentially into difficult terrain. Plan your approach to position for shots that allow reasonable recovery even in worst-case scenarios.
Recommended Firearms
Rifles
Flat-shooting calibers that handle well in mountain terrain:
- .243 Winchester: Excellent choice for mountain reedbuck's size—flat shooting, light recoil
- 6.5 Creedmoor: Modern favorite with exceptional ballistics for mountain work
- .25-06 Remington: Outstanding long-range performer
- .270 Winchester: Classic mountain caliber, proven on all African plains game
- .308 Winchester: Adequate with appropriate bullet selection
Choose accurate, lightweight rifles that handle well during extended climbs and from shooting sticks.
Bowhunting
Challenging but achievable with patience:
- Draw weight: 50-65 lbs recommended
- Arrows: Standard hunting setup, fast and flat-shooting preferred
- Range: Most opportunities will be 30-50 yards
- Strategy: Ambush setups near water or feeding areas offer best chances
SCI minimum for bow is 9 inches.
Optics
- Rifle scope: Variable 3-9x or 4-12x with quality glass for dawn/dusk conditions
- Binoculars: 10x42 essential for picking out gray animals against gray hillsides
- Spotting scope: 15-45x helpful for evaluating horn length at distance
- Rangefinder: Important for mountain shooting where distances deceive
Essential Gear
- Quality hiking boots with ankle support
- Layered clothing for variable mountain weather
- Lightweight backpack with hydration system
- Shooting sticks—essential for mountain conditions
- Rain gear—mountain weather changes rapidly
- First aid kit
Physical Preparation
Mountain reedbuck hunting demands good fitness for highland terrain:
- Cardiovascular conditioning: Regular hiking or stair climbing builds necessary endurance
- Leg strength: Strong legs are essential for steep terrain navigation
- Core stability: Helps maintain balance on uneven ground
- Altitude preparation: If hunting above 6,000 feet, arrive early to acclimatize
Shooting Practice
Mountain shooting skills are essential:
- Practice at 100-300 yards from field positions
- Train with shooting sticks extensively
- Learn angle compensation for uphill/downhill shots
- Practice at small targets (6-8 inch circles) to simulate vital zone
- Shoot in varying wind conditions if possible
- Practice quick scope adjustment and target acquisition
Planning Your Hunt
- Duration: Typically 2-3 days dedicated to mountain reedbuck
- Combo hunts: Often combined with vaal rhebok, klipspringer, and other highland species
- Success rates: Good on properties with established populations
- Best conditions: Cool, clear mornings with calm wind
Trophy Expectations
Horns typically measure 5-7 inches, with anything over 8 inches being exceptional. The Rowland Ward minimum is 6 inches, while the SCI minimum is 11 inches (combined measurement). Look for mature rams with well-curved horns that extend beyond the ear tips. The world record stands at 10 inches—anything approaching this is a truly exceptional trophy.
Expert Advice for Mountain Reedbuck Hunting
Tip #1: Listen for the Whistle
The mountain reedbuck's sharp, trilling alarm whistle is often heard before the animal is seen. When you hear it, freeze immediately and scan the area carefully. The sound carries far in mountain terrain and can help you locate animals.
Tip #2: Glass the Gray Zones
Mountain reedbuck blend exceptionally well with rocky slopes and gray grass. Don't just glass the obvious grassy areas—focus on transitional zones where grass meets rock, and on the gray-brown slopes where their coloration provides perfect camouflage.
Tip #3: Watch for White
The white underparts and throat patch are often the first things visible when a mountain reedbuck moves or turns. A flash of white on a gray hillside is usually worth investigating with your binoculars.
Tip #4: Hunt Early
Be in position before first light. Mountain reedbuck are most active in the first two hours after sunrise, actively feeding on exposed slopes. By mid-morning, they typically retreat to shade or rocky areas where they're nearly impossible to spot.
Tip #5: Use High Ground
Get above your hunting area when possible. Looking down into basins and onto slopes is far more effective than trying to spot animals from below. The extra effort to climb is almost always rewarded with better sighting opportunities.
Tip #6: Score Green
The unique bulbous gland at the base of mountain reedbuck horns shrinks significantly during drying. If trophy scoring matters to you, measure green before the skull is prepared. This can make a substantial difference in final measurements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Glassing too quickly: Take your time—their camouflage is excellent
- Hunting midday: Animals are bedded and nearly invisible during hot hours
- Ignoring wind: Mountain thermals are complex; always account for changing air currents
- Taking long shots unprepared: Don't shoot beyond your practiced limits
- Poor horn assessment: Take time to confirm it's a mature ram worth pursuing
Trophy Standards
Physical Characteristics
Subspecies
-
Southern Mountain Reedbuck South Africa, Lesotho - Most commonly hunted
-
Chanler's Mountain Reedbuck East Africa - Smaller horns
-
Western Mountain Reedbuck Nigeria, Cameroon - Rare
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