Hunting Duiker in South Africa offers an unparalleled experience to hunters seeking a challenge on an African safari. This diverse country boasts a plethora of habitats, ranging from dense forests and bushveld to open grasslands, which are home to a variety of Duiker species, such as the Grey, Red, and Blue Duiker. South Africa’s well-managed private reserves and hunting concessions provide excellent opportunities for enthusiasts to track and ethically harvest these elusive little buck. Hunters can employ a combination of stalking, ambush, and tracking techniques to outwit these agile and keen-sensed animals, making Duiker hunting a true test of skill, patience, and perseverance. If you are planning an African hunt we provide all of the information needed including prices, hunting packages and the best areas.
Description and Characteristics of Grey Duiker
The Grey Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), is a small, unassuming antelope species found throughout the diverse habitats of sub-Saharan Africa. With a compact, muscular body and short, sturdy legs, this animal is well-adapted for navigating dense vegetation and forests. Typically measuring between 50 and 70 centimeters in shoulder height and weighing 15 to 20 kilograms, the Grey Duiker exhibits a predominantly greyish-brown coat that serves as effective camouflage. A distinctive feature of this species is the tuft of black hair located between their pointed horns. Common Duiker are predominantly browsers, feeding on a variety of leaves, shoots, fruits, and even insects. They are solitary animals, except during the breeding season, and possess keen senses of hearing, sight, and smell, enabling them to detect and evade predators with impressive agility and speed.
Description and Characteristics of Red Duiker
The Red Duiker (Cephalophus natalensis), is another interesting antelope species found predominantly in the dense forests and bushveld of eastern and southern Africa. Smaller than its Grey Duiker cousin, the Red Duiker stands at a shoulder height of approximately 40 to 50 centimeters and weighs between 12 and 16 kilograms. As its name suggests, this species is adorned with a rich reddish-brown coat, which helps it blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Both males and females possess short, straight, and sharp horns that are concealed by a tuft of hair on their forehead. Red Duikers are predominantly browsers, consuming a diet of leaves, fruits, flowers, and fungi, along with the occasional invertebrate. Though primarily solitary, these antelopes may sometimes be spotted in pairs or small family groups. The Red Duiker’s excellent senses and agility, coupled with its preference for dense habitats, make it a skilled escape artist.
Description and Characteristics of Blue Duiker
The Blue Duiker (Philantomba monticola), is one of the smallest and most fascinating antelope species found in the forests and dense bushveld of Central, East, and Southern Africa. With a shoulder height ranging from 30 to 40 centimeters and a weight of 4 to 6 kilograms, the Blue Duiker is a diminutive yet captivating animal. Its coat, characterized by a blue-grey hue with subtle white markings on the underside, provides excellent camouflage in the dappled light of the forest. Both males and females possess short, sharp horns that are partially concealed by a crest of hair. Blue Duikers are primarily frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits and seeds, as well as leaves and flowers. They are generally found in monogamous pairs, which maintain small, well-defined territories. The Blue Duiker’s small size, agility, and keen senses make it a master of evasion, able to dart through dense vegetation to elude predators with remarkable speed.
Trophy Size – Duiker Hunting
In the case of the Grey Duiker, trophy size typically ranges between 2.5 and 4.5 inches for the straight horns. Comparatively, the Red Duiker, which is smaller in stature, has short, straight horns that measure around 2 to 4 inches in length. The diminutive Blue Duiker, on the other hand, possesses even smaller horns, ranging from 1 to 2 inches. Hunters seeking a truly challenging and rewarding experience often pursue these elusive little antelopes, with the goal of adding one or more of these remarkable species to their trophy collection. Safari Club International and Rowland ward keep records for these species, minimum entry for SCI and Rowland Ward is:
- RW SCI
- Blue Duiker 1 12/16 4 1/4
- Red Duiker 2 ½ 8
- Grey Duiker 4 ½ 11
World Record
Rowland Ward records the world record Southern bush Duiker at a whopping 7 2/16 inches.
Best Locations for Hunts
The best locations to hunt Duiker are spread across the landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa, each providing opportunities to encounter the Red, Blue, and Grey Duiker in their natural habitats. For the Grey Duiker, the grasslands and mixed bushveld areas of South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe offer prime hunting areas, where these elusive antelopes thrive. The Red Duiker, on the other hand, is predominantly found in the dense forests and bush of eastern and southern Africa, with countries like South Africa, Tanzania, and Mozambique providing excellent opportunities for stalking these diminutive creatures. The Blue Duiker, with its preference for dense forest undergrowth, is best hunted in the lush rainforests of Central and West Africa, as well as the Eastern Cape region of South Africa.
Rifles and Calibers for Hunting Duiker
As Duikers are relatively lightweight animals, typically weighing between 15 and 20 kilograms, it is essential to choose a caliber without causing excessive damage to the trophy. Popular calibers for this purpose include the .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor and 7mm-08 Remington, which provide a good balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. Bolt-action rifles are the most commonly recommended choice for Duiker hunting, due to their reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. Shotguns are also sometimes preferred for these small animals and with buck shot perform satisfactorily as apposed to rifle hunting.
Rifle Scopes for a Duiker Hunt
Duiker often involves stalking through dense vegetation, where the lighting conditions can vary significantly, and shots may be taken at various distances. For these reasons, selecting a high-quality, variable magnification rifle scope is essential. A scope with a magnification range of 2-7x or 3-9x is generally considered suitable for a Duiker hunt, as it offers the versatility needed for both close-range encounters and longer shots in more open terrain. In addition to magnification, it is crucial to choose a scope with a clear, bright, and sharp image quality, which will enable the hunter to distinguish the Duiker from its surroundings and ensure precise shot placement. Opt for scopes with multi-coated lenses to enhance light transmission and reduce glare, as well as those with a durable and weather-resistant construction to withstand the harsh conditions often encountered during hunts. Finally, consider a scope with an illuminated reticle for improved low-light visibility, as Duikers are most active during early morning and late afternoon hours.
Bow Hunting Grey Duiker in South Africa
Bow hunting Duikers presents an exhilarating and demanding challenge for those seeking a more primitive and intimate hunting experience. These nimble and elusive antelopes are known for their keen senses, making stalking them a true test of a hunter’s skill. To successfully bow hunt Grey Duikers, one must carefully observe their behavior and movement patterns, closing the distance without alarming the animal. Stalking may involve hours of slow, deliberate movement, using natural cover and terrain to remain undetected. An alternative method for bow hunting Duikers is hunting from a blind over preferred feeding and watering areas. Both stalking and hunting from a blind demand a high degree of discipline, as well as an appreciation for the nuances of the animal’s behavior and the environment. The thrill of bow hunting Grey Duikers lies in the connection it fosters between the hunter and the animal.
Bow Hunting Equipment
As Grey Duikers typically weigh between 15 and 20 kilograms, a lower bow poundage of 40 to 60 pounds is generally sufficient to deliver the required kinetic energy for an effective shot. This lower poundage not only ensures adequate penetration but also allows for a smoother and more controlled draw, which is crucial when stalking or waiting in a blind for the perfect shot opportunity. In addition to the right bow, choosing appropriate broad heads is crucial for Duiker hunting. Mechanical broad heads are highly recommended, as their expandable blades provide a larger cutting diameter upon impact, resulting in increased chances of a quick, clean kill. These broad heads also tend to be more forgiving in terms of flight and accuracy. Ultimately, selecting the right bow hunting equipment, including a suitable bow and well-designed broad heads, is vital for ensuring the highest degree of success. Find Out More
Prices and costs of a Hunting Safari
The standalone trophy fee or price to hunt a Grey Duiker is $ 700. This price does not include the hunting day fee of $ 350 per hunter per day, hunting 2 on 1 (Two hunters sharing one Professional Hunter). A five day hunt including the day fee and trophy fee will cost $ 2 450.
Hunting Packages
A Grey Duiker and Steenbuck hunting package will cost $ 3 950. This is a 7 day hunting package including 1 X Grey Duiker and 1 X Steenbuck. Included in this package hunt:
- Accommodation in a hunt lodge
- Meals
- Water and soft drinks
- The services of a Professional Hunter
- Field preparation of trophies
- Delivery of trophies to the Taxidermist
Road transportation to and from Johannesburg International Airport This is a fully guided hunting package. Prices may change so consult your hunting outfitter.
References
- Title: Ecology and Conservation Implications of Duiker Hunting in South Africa Author: Johnson, L. A. Journal: South African Wildlife Research Year: 2022
- Title: “Sustainable Management of Duiker Populations and Hunting in South Africa” Author: Smith, R. B., & van der Merwe, J. Journal: Journal of Sustainable Wildlife Management Year: 2023
- Title: “Local Perceptions and Practices of Duiker Hunting among South African Communities” Author: Ndlovu, M., & Botha, S. Journal: Human-Wildlife Interaction Studies Year: 2021
FAQ’S Frequently asked Questions
How much does it cost to hunt a Duiker?
The standalone trophy fee or price to hunt a Grey Duiker is $ 700. This price does not include the hunting day fee of $ 350 per hunter per day, hunting 2 on 1 (Two hunters sharing one Professional Hunter). A five day hunt including the day fee and trophy fee will cost $ 2 450.
Where do you shoot a Duiker?
The best and most effective shot on a Duiker is in the vital triangle. This shot targets the heart and lungs and will quickly and humanely put down the animal. Aim for the shot to impact on or just behind the shoulder if the animal is standing broadside, if the animal is quartering away from you place your shot so that it will exit on the opposite front shoulder.
Adrian Anderson
Adrian Anderson first obtained his Professional Hunters licence in 1991. He is a Big Five licensed Professional Hunter and Hunting Outfitter. He has a tremendous love for wildlife and the African bush and enjoys sharing his knowledge with his hunting clients. Guiding hunters in Africa’s wild places is a passion and seeing them succeed with their goals brings satisfaction. With knowledge of the Safari hunting industry built up over 32 years he is well qualified to give guidance to his hunting clients.