Hunting Roan Antelope, this majestic animal is one of the largest antelope species native to the bushveld and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. Renowned for their impressive size, regal appearance, and formidable horns, Roan present a unique and thrilling quarry for trophy hunters. In this article we aim to assist with planning a safari and will provide prices, packages, best areas, rifle calibers and bow information for a hunt in South Africa.
Description and Characteristics of Roan Antelope
The Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus) is a and powerful Antelope species found in the grasslands and bushveld of sub-Saharan Africa. These remarkable animals are characterized by their horse-like appearance, with a strong, muscular build and an overall grayish-brown coat that is tinged with a reddish hue. Roan are decorated with striking facial markings, including a black and white pattern around their eyes and a white patch under their chin. Both bulls and cows carry long, heavily ridged, backward-curving horns that can reach lengths of up to 38 inches. Adult Roan typically weigh between 500 and 900 pounds, with males being larger than females, and stand approximately 4.5 to 5 feet tall at the shoulder. Their impressive size, coupled with their keen senses and formidable horns, make the Roan Antelope a challenging quarry for hunters seeking a truly unique African experience.
Roan Antelope Trophy Size
When assessing Roan Antelope trophies, the primary focus is on the size, shape, and symmetry of the horns. A desirable Roan trophy typically features horns that measure 28 inches or more in length, with a well-defined ridges and an impressive backward curve. As one of the largest Antelope species, the Roan offers hunters the opportunity to secure a unique and visually striking trophy. Both Rowland Ward and Safari Club International maintain Record books for this species. RW requires a minimum of 26 ½ inches and SCI a score of 67.
Best Locations
South Africa, with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers prime locations for Roan Antelope. These remarkable animals can be found in several regions throughout the country, including the Limpopo Province, the North West Province, and the Free State. The Limpopo Province, in particular, is renowned for its vast bushveld, providing an ideal habitat for Roan and an exceptional experience for those in pursuit. Many private game reserves and concessions in these regions have implemented sustainable hunting practices ensuring the protection and healthy population of these magnificent creatures for an African hunting Safari.
Rifles and Calibers for South Africa
Choosing the appropriate rifle and caliber is a crucial aspect of a successful Roan Antelope hunt. Due to the animal’s impressive size and tenacity, medium to large caliber rifles are recommended for taking down this formidable quarry. Popular choices among experienced hunters include the .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum 9.3 X 62 and.375 H&H Magnum. These calibers provide the necessary power and accuracy to deliver a swift, humane kill, at all distances. Use only premium grade, controlled expansion or monolithic bullets. Bullet weight should be between 180 to 300 grains. It is essential for hunters to select a rifle and caliber with which they are comfortable and proficient, as precise shot placement is important when pursuing the magnificent and challenging Roan.
Rifle Scopes and Optics for Roan Antelope Hunts
A high-quality rifle scope is an essential piece of equipment for enhancing accuracy when after Roan . Considering the varying shooting distances that may be encountered during a hunt, a variable magnification scope, ranging from 3x to 9x or 4x to 12x, is recommended. This type of scope allows hunters the flexibility to adjust magnification levels according to the situation in different scenarios. Additionally, the scope should be built with a durable, weather-resistant construction to ensure optimal performance in the diverse and sometimes harsh environments typical of Roan habitats. Investing in a reliable and versatile rifle scope can significantly improve a hunter’s chances of success in the pursuit of the elusive and majestic Roan .
Best Shot Placement
Ethical shot placement is of utmost importance when pursuing Roan Antelope to ensure a quick and humane kill. The ideal shot aims for the heart-lung area, which is located just behind the shoulder and in the lower third of the animal’s body. This shot placement offers the highest probability of hitting vital organs, resulting in an efficient and ethical kill. The quartering away shot is also deadly, aim for the off side front shoulder to ensure that you reach the vitals. Accurate shot placement demonstrates a hunter’s respect for the game being hunted and commitment to responsible and ethical practices.
Bow Hunting Roan Antelope
Bow hunting Roan offers an unparalleled, adrenaline-fueled challenge for those seeking a more primal and immersive experience in the African bush. The pursuit of these formidable and elusive creatures with a bow demands exceptional skill, stealth, and patience. Roan possess keen senses and are highly alert, making it crucial for bow hunters to hone their stalking techniques and develop a deep understanding of the animal’s behavior and habitat. This knowledge enables hunters to approach their quarry undetected and get within the necessary close range, typically 30 to 50 yards, to ensure an effective and ethical shot.
Bow hunting Roan also requires an unwavering commitment to ethical shot placement, as a poorly placed arrow can result in a prolonged and taxing follow-up. Probably the most successful method for this species is from a ground blind or tree stand. The thrill of a bow hunt for Roan Antelope lies in the intimate connection between the hunter and the prey, the silent approach, and the test of skill that culminates in a deeply gratifying and memorable hunting experience.
Bow Hunting Equipment
Selecting the right equipment is crucial for a successful and ethical Roan bow hunt. A high-quality compound or recurve bow with a minimum draw weight of 60 to 70 pounds is recommended, as the large and resilient Roan requires significant power for a clean, humane kill. Durable arrows made of carbon fiber, coupled with razor-sharp, fixed-blade or mechanical broad heads, ensure optimal penetration and damage to vital organs. Arrow weight should be in the region of 450 – 550 grains to achieve optimal penetration.
In addition to the bow and arrows, essential bow gear includes camouflage clothing to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding environment, comfortable and sturdy boots for trekking through the demanding African bushveld, and a rangefinder for accurately judging distances when preparing to take shot.
Roan Prices and costs of a Hunting Safari
The standalone trophy fee or price to hunt a Roan is $ 7200.
This price does not include the day fee of $ 350 per hunter per day, 2 on 1 (Two hunters sharing one Professional Hunter).
A five day hunt including the day fee and trophy fee will cost $ 8 950.
Roan Hunting Packages
A Roan and Sable Antelope – hunting package will cost $ 14 000.
This is a 7 day package including 1 X Roan and 1 X Sable Antelope.
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.
FAQ’S Frequently asked Questions
What is the best rifle caliber for Roan?
The best rifle caliber for Roan is the .338 Winchester Magnum. The .338 Winchester with premium bonded bullets weighing 220-250 grains provides ample penetration and power to reliably put down a Roan, providing that the hunter places a good shot in the vital triangle.
What does it cost to hunt Roan?
A five day hunt including the day fee and trophy fee to hunt a Roan will cost $ 8 950.
The standalone trophy fee or price to hunt a Roan is $ 7200.
This price does not include the day fee of $ 350 per hunter per day, hunting 2 on 1 (Two hunters sharing one Professional Hunter).
Where is the best shot placement for Roan?
The best shot placement on Roan targets the vital triangle on or directly behind the shoulder. This shot will penetrate the heart and lungs, resulting in a swift ethical demise of the quarry. On a quartering away shot aim for the offside shoulder to make sure that you hit the vital organs.
Adrian Anderson first obtained his Professional Hunters license in 1991. He is a Big Five and Dangerous Game licensed Professional Hunter and Hunting Outfitter. He has a tremendous love for wildlife and the African bush and enjoys sharing his knowledge with the hunting clients that he guides. Guiding hunters in Africa’s wild places is a passion and seeing them succeed with their goals brings satisfaction. With knowledge of the Safari industry built up over 32 years he is well qualified to give guidance to his hunting clients.