Steenbok
Africa's elegant little bushland antelope
Shoulder Height
18-24" (45-60 cm)
Weight
15-35 lbs
SCI Minimum
8" (Rifle) / 7 3/16" (Bow)
Rowland Ward Min
4½"
Identification
Rufous-brown coat with white underparts. Large ears, short spike horns (rams only). Distinctive black crescent between horns.
Habitat
Open plains, light woodland, and savanna with scattered bush. Avoids dense vegetation unlike duiker.
Trophy Standards
SCI minimum 8" for rifle, 7 3/16" for bow. Rowland Ward minimum 4½". World record is 7⅝".
Did You Know?
The steenbok is one of Africa's few antelope that buries its dung and urine in scraped-out depressions, behavior more commonly associated with cats. This fastidious habit helps reduce their scent profile from predators. They are also remarkable for their ability to survive without drinking water, obtaining all moisture from the plants they eat.
Introduction to Steenbok Hunting
The steenbok is one of Africa's smallest and most elegant antelope, standing barely knee-high to a human. Despite their diminutive size, these beautiful little animals present a genuine hunting challenge due to their excellent camouflage, keen senses, and habit of freezing motionless in the face of danger. They are solitary or live in pairs, maintaining small territories in open bush and savanna country.
Unlike the forest-dwelling duiker, steenbok prefer more open habitat with scattered bush cover. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon, spending the heat of the day lying in shade or in shallow scrapes they dig beneath bushes. Their rufous-brown coat provides excellent camouflage in the dry grass and red soils of their preferred habitat.
The Steenbok Hunting Experience
Hunting steenbok is primarily a game of observation and quick shooting. These tiny antelope are masters at freezing in place, relying on their camouflage to avoid detection. Many hunters walk past steenbok without ever seeing them. The key is to move slowly, glass carefully, and be prepared for fleeting shooting opportunities when an animal finally breaks cover.
Steenbok are commonly taken opportunistically while hunting other species, but they can also be specifically targeted. Their small size demands precision shooting, and their tendency to run in short bursts before stopping to look back provides multiple shot opportunities for alert hunters.
Conservation Status
The steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with stable populations throughout its range. They adapt well to farmland and are common on well-managed game ranches and cattle farms across southern and eastern Africa. Sustainable hunting has minimal impact on populations while providing economic value that encourages habitat conservation.
Hunting Seasons by Region
South Africa
Steenbok can be hunted year-round throughout most provinces. They are abundant in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape, Limpopo, and North West provinces. The dry winter months (May-September) offer better visibility when grass is shorter.
Namibia
Season runs February through November. Excellent populations throughout the country except in true desert regions. The Kalahari region offers particularly good steenbok hunting in semi-arid terrain.
Botswana
Found throughout the country, particularly in the Kalahari and northern regions. Season typically April through September. Often encountered on mixed-bag safaris.
Zimbabwe
April through October hunting season. Good populations in ranch country and throughout safari areas. Commonly seen while hunting larger plains game species.
Tanzania & East Africa
The East African steenbok (Sharpe's steenbok) occurs in Kenya and Tanzania. Hunting season in Tanzania runs July through December. A slightly different subspecies with similar behavior and trophy characteristics.
Best Hunting Conditions
Early morning and late afternoon provide optimal hunting as animals feed in the open. Overcast days may see extended activity. Hot midday hours find steenbok lying up in shade, nearly impossible to spot.
Hunting Methods
Walk and Glass
The primary method for targeting steenbok. Move slowly through suitable habitat, stopping frequently to glass. Focus on the edges of vegetation clumps, shade patches, and areas of shorter grass. Look for the distinctive large ears or the rufous back contrasting with surroundings. Many steenbok are spotted only when they move.
Vehicle-Based Hunting
Driving slowly through open bush country with a spotter can be effective. Steenbok often freeze when a vehicle approaches, relying on camouflage. Glass carefully from the vehicle, then dismount and stalk on foot for the shot. This method covers more ground and can be productive in areas of lower density.
Opportunistic
Many steenbok are taken while hunting other species. Stay alert at all times—the flash of a running steenbok or a motionless form spotted while glassing for larger game presents opportunity. Keep a light rifle or the rifle in hand ready for quick action.
Patience Hunting
If you spot a steenbok that bolts into cover, wait patiently. They rarely run far and will often emerge within 15-30 minutes. Setting up with a clear view of the area where an animal disappeared can produce a standing shot.
Shot Placement
The tiny vital area demands precise shooting. Aim for the heart/lung region just behind the front shoulder at approximately one-third body height from the bottom of the chest. The target area is roughly the size of a tennis ball, requiring careful aim and steady shooting conditions.
Avoid head shots despite the temptation—the target is too small and risks destroying the trophy. Body shots with appropriate calibers are more reliable and result in quicker, cleaner kills.
Recommended Firearms
Rifles
Small-caliber, accurate rifles are ideal:
- .22 Hornet: Traditional steenbok caliber, minimal meat damage
- .222 Remington: Excellent choice, flat shooting and accurate
- .223 Remington: Popular and widely available
- .243 Winchester: Works well but may cause more tissue damage
- Standard safari rifles: Any rifle used for larger plains game works with good shot placement
The key is accuracy—whatever caliber you use, it must be capable of hitting a small target precisely.
Bowhunting
Challenging but rewarding:
- Draw weight: 40-55 lbs sufficient
- Broadheads: Fixed blade for maximum penetration
- Range: Limited to under 30 yards for ethical shots
- Strategy: Ground blinds near water or feeding areas during droughts
SCI minimum for bow is 7 3/16 inches.
Optics
- Rifle scope: Variable 3-9x or 4-16x for precise shot placement at 50-200 yards
- Binoculars: 8x32 or 10x42 for spotting small, camouflaged animals
- Quality glass: Color accuracy helps distinguish rufous coat from brown grass
Essential Gear
- Comfortable walking boots—covering ground is essential
- Earth-toned clothing that moves quietly
- Shooting sticks or bipod for stable shots
- Hat and sun protection for extended walks
- Water—stay hydrated while walking in warm conditions
Physical Preparation
Steenbok hunting involves moderate walking over generally easy terrain:
- Basic cardiovascular fitness for extended walks
- Ability to stand and glass for extended periods
- Quick reflexes for snap shooting opportunities
- Patience for slow, deliberate hunting
Shooting Practice
Precision shooting skills are essential:
- Practice at small targets (4-inch circles) at 50-150 yards
- Train for quick target acquisition and stable shooting
- Use shooting sticks extensively—most shots will be from sticks
- Practice from standing and kneeling positions
- Work on shooting at small targets after movement (simulating a stopped fleeing animal)
Planning Your Hunt
- Duration: Usually 1-2 days if specifically targeting steenbok
- Combo hunts: Often included with plains game packages
- Success rates: High in areas with good populations
- Best approach: Dedicate morning and evening sessions specifically to small antelope
Trophy Expectations
Horns typically measure 3-5 inches. The Rowland Ward minimum is 4½ inches, achieved by mature rams with well-developed horns. The SCI minimum is 8 inches (combined measurement). The world record stands at 7⅝ inches. Look for rams with horns that appear to extend well above the ears—these are potentially trophy-class animals.
Expert Advice for Steenbok Hunting
Tip #1: Look for Ears First
The steenbok's large, rounded ears are often the first thing visible. When scanning habitat, train your eye to look for the ear shape above grass or against bush edges. The ears will appear before you see the body.
Tip #2: Freeze When They Freeze
Steenbok rely on camouflage and will freeze rather than flee. If you spot one standing motionless, freeze yourself and slowly prepare for the shot. Sudden movement will trigger the flight response.
Tip #3: Wait for the Second Look
When a steenbok bolts, it typically runs 50-100 yards then stops to look back. Be ready for this moment—many successful shots come when the animal pauses to assess the threat. Don't shoot at a running steenbok; wait for the stop.
Tip #4: Hunt the Edges
Steenbok love transitional habitat—where grass meets bush, open areas edge woodland, or vegetation changes. Focus your glassing on these boundary areas where animals are more visible while still having cover nearby.
Tip #5: Early Morning Gold
The first hour after sunrise is prime steenbok time. Animals are actively feeding and moving before the heat of day drives them to shade. Plan to be in prime habitat at first light.
Tip #6: Confirm It's a Ram
Only male steenbok have horns. Before shooting, confirm you can see horns—the light-colored face markings and overall appearance are similar between sexes. The short spike horns should be clearly visible on a mature ram.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Moving too fast: Slow, methodical movement with frequent stops is essential
- Shooting at running animals: Wait for them to stop—they almost always do
- Underestimating the challenge: These tiny antelope are harder to hit than they look
- Using excessive caliber: Heavy rifles may destroy the trophy or cause unnecessary meat damage
- Poor follow-through: Mark the spot carefully and approach slowly after the shot
Trophy Standards
Physical Characteristics
Distinguishing Features
- Large ears - Oversized relative to head, excellent hearing
- Black crescent - Distinctive marking between horns
- Rufous coat - Rich reddish-brown upper body
- White underparts - Contrasting belly and inner legs
Related Small Antelope
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