Hunting springbok in South Africa with the best springbok hunters
This page is dedicated to providing comprehensive information about hunting springbok in South Africa, emphasizing ethical and sustainable practices. We believe in responsible hunting that contributes to the conservation of this magnificent species and its habitat. Therefore, we offer sustainable springbok hunting safaris in South Africa.
The Springbok: a speedy challenge that is a small to medium-sized antelope known for its incredible jumping ability, giving it its name. Don’t let their cute appearance fool you; they’re incredibly fast and agile. Picture a tiny, high-performance sports car with hooves.
While they might not be the trophy most hunters seek, they offer a unique challenge. Their unpredictable movements and lightning-fast speeds make for an exhilarating hunt. Plus, they’re often found in large herds, which can provide exciting shooting opportunities.
Hunting springbok is a great way to hone your shooting skills and enjoy the thrill of the chase. Just be prepared for a workout!
Hunting springbok in South Africa is hunting the national antelope of the country. The national rugby team is referred to as the Springboks.
Springbok hunting in South Africa
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Springbok a challenging hunt
Springbok hunting in South Africa is hunting for the more common South African antelope species.
All variations of springbok (common springbok, black springbok, copper springbok and white springbok) are in the same class and will be discussed as such.
Springbok a challenging and rewarding hunt
The springbok, South Africa’s national antelope, is a species that offers a unique hunting experience. Renowned for its agility and speed, the springbok demands a keen eye and quick reflexes.
Springbok are typically found in herds, which can present exciting, fast-paced hunting opportunities. While sexing springbok for trophy purposes may appear straightforward, subtle differences between rams and ewes require a practiced eye.
For the discerning hunter, the pursuit of variant springbok subspecies, such as the copper, white, or black springbok, can elevate the hunt to a new level. These distinct color variations yield exceptional trophy mounts.
Hunting techniques for springbok often involve spot-and-stalk or driven hunts. Given their tendency to flee at the slightest disturbance, patience and precision are essential. A high-quality rifle and well-placed shot are paramount due to the springbok’s remarkable speed.
While the springbok might not hold the same allure as larger game species, it offers a thrilling challenge and a rewarding trophy for those who appreciate the complexities of hunting adaptable prey.
Ammunition for springbok hunting
Given the springbok’s relatively small size and high-speed movements, careful ammunition selection is crucial. Over-penetration can be a concern, as can insufficient energy for a clean kill.
Avoiding overpenetration
- Shot Placement: Accurate shot placement is paramount to avoid wounding multiple animals. Aim for the heart-lung area.
- Bullet Selection: A well-constructed bullet will help to ensure that the energy is expended within the animal.
Remember: While these are general guidelines, the best ammunition choice will depend on factors such as your specific rifle, hunting conditions, and personal preference. Always prioritize safety and ethical hunting practices.
Gun scope to hunt springbok
Mostly, the gun scope you on your rifle is good enough for springbok hunting.
If you have to purchase a new gun scope, get an affordable one so you have additional funds for hunting. The single most important issue would be for the gun scope to be able to withstand the recoil once you squeeze the trigger.
A good 2 – 12 X 50 gun scope is sufficient for hunting springbok in South Africa.
Springbok facts and taxonomy
Taxonomical Background:
- Scientific Name: Antidorcas marsupialis
- Common Name: Common Springbok
- Family: Bovidae (Antelope)
- Shoulder Height: 70-85 cm (28-33 inches)
- Body Weight: 30-50 kg (66-110 lbs)
- Longevity: Up to 10 years in the wild
- Mating Season: Typically from February to May, though breeding can occur year-round depending on rainfall and location.
- Lambing Season: lambs are born after a gestation period of around 160-170 days, typically from August to October.
- Preferred Habitat: Open grasslands, savannas, and semi-arid regions across Southern Africa, with a preference for areas with good visibility and access to water.
Distinguishing features of the common springbok:
- Appearance: Common springboks are known for their distinctive reddish-brown coat with a white stripe running down their back and a distinctive black and white face pattern. They have a long, narrow head, a long, tufted tail, and long, slender horns that are typically only present on males.
- Behavior: Common springboks are highly social and live in herds of up to 1,000 individuals, led by a dominant male. They are known for their incredible speed and agility, capable of leaping great distances. They are herbivores, feeding on grasses and other vegetation.
Best time to hunt springbok
The beauty of springbok hunting is that it can be enjoyed year-round. Unlike many other African game species, springbok don’t have a pronounced rut or migration pattern that dictates a specific peak hunting season.
However, there are some factors to consider:
- Weather: The dry season (May to September) often offers better visibility due to less vegetation, which can aid in spotting these agile creatures.
- Personal preference: If you prefer warmer weather, the summer months (December to February) might be more appealing.
- Hunting pressure: Some areas might experience higher hunting pressure during certain times of the year.
Ultimately, the best time to hunt springbok is when it fits your schedule and preferences.
Springbok hunting prices
Our springbok hunting prices South Africa for the 2024 hunting season is $ 500. If you only want to hunt a single springbok please read further. If combined with another hunting package or hunt, this is the trophy fee.
It occasionally happens we have springbok cull animals available. This means some travelling either way but we can get it done. Springbok cull hunting prices are $ 150 an animal and include non-trophy and female animals. Please note female animals can only be hunted between April and July.
If we are hunting on a property where we can cull some animals, you are more than welcome to do so. These culls are in addition to your booked hunt and you cannot exchange cull animals for trophy animals in your hunting package.
Price range for springbok hunting in South Africa
The cost of hunting a common springbok in South Africa is generally quite affordable compared to other big game species.
However, it’s important to note that this is just the trophy fee. The overall cost of your safari will include:
- Daily hunting fees: Covering professional hunter, tracker, accommodations, and meals.
- Licenses and permits: Required for hunting in South Africa.
- Transportation: Flights, transfers, and potential rental car costs.
- Trophy preparation: Taxidermy and shipping fees.
If you’re interested in hunting specific color variations of springbok, such as black, white, or copper, the trophy fees will be significantly higher.
Remember: The overall cost of your safari can vary widely depending on the hunting outfitter, the time of year, and the specific package you choose.
Caliber considerations for springbok hunting
Given the springbok’s relatively small size and high-speed nature, caliber selection is crucial for a clean and ethical kill.
Key considerations:
- Power: Sufficient energy is required for a quick humane kill, but excessive power can lead to meat damage.
- Recoil: While not as critical as with larger game, recoil management is still important for accuracy.
- Trajectory: A flat-shooting cartridge can be beneficial for longer shots, although these are less common with springbok.
- Bullet Weight: A lighter bullet is generally preferred to avoid excessive penetration and meat damage.
Bullet construction
- Bonded or soft point bullets: These options provide good expansion and penetration while minimizing meat damage.
- Avoid full metal jacket bullets: These are not suitable for hunting due to their lack of expansion.
Remember: While these calibers are generally suitable, the best choice will depend on your personal preference, shooting style, and the specific hunting conditions you encounter.
Best springbok hunting calibers
The following are the best calibers for hunting springbok in South Africa:
- 222 with a minimum bullet weight of 50 gr
- 223 using a minimum bullet weight of 50 gr
- 22-250 and a minimum bullet weight of 50 gr
- 243 with a minimum bullet weight of 90 gr
- 270 using a minimum bullet weight of 150 gr
- 308 with a minimum bullet weight of 150 gr
- 30-06 with a minimum bullet weight of 150 gr
To confirm our caliber recommendations, we made use of the following sources:
- African Rifles & Cartridges. Taylor, John. The National Rifle Association: 1995.
- Ammo & Ballistics 3. Safari Press Inc: 2006. Third Edition.
The importance of shot placement for Springbok
Accurate shot placement is paramount when hunting springbok. Given their small size and incredible speed, a well-placed shot is crucial for a clean kill and to minimize suffering.
Vital zone
- Heart-lung area: As with most game, the heart-lung area is the primary target. Aim for the lower third of the chest, just above the front shoulder.
Factors affecting shot placement
- Angle: A broadside shot offers the best opportunity for a clean kill. Quarter away shots can also be effective if you can aim for the off-side shoulder. Avoid quartering towards shots.
- Distance: While springbok are often hunted at close range, be prepared for longer shots. Understand your rifle’s trajectory.
- Wind: Wind can affect bullet trajectory, so compensate accordingly.
- Terrain: The terrain can influence your shooting position and the angle of the shot.
Avoiding overpenetration
- Bullet Selection: Choose a bullet designed for medium game to avoid excessive penetration.
- Shot Placement: Accurate shot placement is crucial to prevent wounding other animals.
By focusing on these factors and practicing good marksmanship, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful and ethical springbok hunt.
Packages
Hunting packages
$ 4 050
pp starting price 2X1
African plains game hunting packages
African plains game hunting packages are to experience the true African bushveld at least once.
Perhaps you even get to hunt on a property that has one or more members of the Big 5 on it.
This is why African Bushbuck Adventures offer a variety of plains game hunting packages.
$ 8500
pp starting price 2X1
African dangerous game hunting packages
African dangerous game hunting packages are for hunters wanting to successfully hunt one or more of the Big 5. Very few hunters complete the coveted Big 5 hunting grand slam during a single African dangerous game safari.
Services
Plains game hunting packages
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