Hunting Mountain Reedbuck in Africa
The southern mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) is a species of reedbuck found in eastern South Africa, Swaziland and Botswana. It’s a small, mountain-dwelling antelope of about 65 pounds weight for the male, and 40 pounds for the female. Hunting mountain reedbuck in Africa will require walking and climbing. It lives on dry rocky slopes and hills where sufficient food grasses and shelter are available. The mountain reedbuck normally avoids open areas and high peaks, always staying close to rocks, shrubs, trees, and scrub that it uses for cover.
Mountain reedbuck horns are shorter than those of the common reedbuck, but still have the same forward curve. Just about any horns that extend past ear length will make for a good trophy. Only mountain reedbuck males have horns. Mountain reedbuck form small herds with a dominant herd male. Younger males are forced out of the herd and join up in bachelor herds. Male mountain reedbucks tend to be larger than the female.
These antelope are active both day and night, showing increased activity in the early morning and at dusk. When temperatures are high they seek shade and rest. Males will actively defend their territories using body posturing and uttering harsh sounds. Females seem to prefer areas with steep slopes whether or not there is sufficient food or water available. This is thought to be for protection from predators. Females and young tend to live in small groups of three to eight animals, while males stay solitary except when breeding or when females pass through their territory.
Predators that can be found hunting mountain reedbuck in Africa include lion, cheetah, leopards and other carnivores. Due to the increase in land deforestation and bush meat hunting, the population of mountain reedbuck has diminished. Some national parks in Africa aid in the protection of mountain reedbuck.
Mountain reedbuck live at altitudes between 4,500 feet and 6,000 feet elevation. There are three different subspecies: the southern mountain reedbuck in South Africa, Chandler’s mountain reedbuck in East Africa, and Adamawa mountain reedbuck in Cameroon and Nigeria. Their conservation status as listed by IUCN is “Least Concern”, and they are not listed in CITIES. Total population is around 36,000 animals.
The mountain reedbuck is a very shy and nervous animal. During rest periods they herd together with the bucks keeping watch for predators. If danger is sensed, the males will give a whistling alarm to alert the herd, and then run off. Mating can occur at any time, but usually a single lamb is born during the summer months of October to January after a gestation period of 240 days. Life expectancy is 14 years in captivity, less than 10 in the wild. The mountain reedbuck is an accurate weather forecaster. When storms approach it will turn its back into the wind and rain. Then they will head for shelter until the weather moderates.
When hunting mountain reedbuck in Africa be prepared to do some serious walking and climbing. They are called “mountain” reedbuck for a reason; living high in the rocks and mountains. Because they are a member of the Tiny Ten Antelopes of Africa, they are hunted specifically as trophies. A hunter needs to be in excellent physical shape when hunting mountain reedbuck in Africa. Shots can tend to be long, and if the hunter is breathing like a steam engine with a slow leak, getting the crosshairs to hold still can be a problem.
On a walk, climb, and stalk hunt, a light mountain rifle with a caliber in the .270 range will aid a lot when hunting mountain reedbuck in Africa, partially because a six pound rifle will feel like a sixty pound rifle after a brisk 2,000 foot climb.
