Rowland Ward & Safari Club Minimums for Africa’s Game Animals

In the thrilling world of African big game hunting, two renowned organizations, Rowland Ward and Safari Club International, have established their own sets of minimums and records for African game animals. These benchmarks serve as a testament to the extraordinary hunting achievements of some, while promoting conservation and ethical hunting practices. In this article, we’ll delve into these measuring systems of Rowland Ward minimums and Records and Safari Club Minimums for the Game Animals of Africa, exploring their significance, differences, and impact on the hunting community.

 

African Game Animals	R W Minimum	SCI Minimum	RW Record
	Inches	Inches	Inches
ANTELOPES
Damaliscs and Hirola	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Blesbok	16 4/8	40.0	20 5/8
Bontebok	14	36.0	16 6/8
Hirola or Hunter’s Hartebeest	23	ED	28 4/8
Korrigum	22	58.0	33 1/8
Tiang	20	52.0	26 4/8
Topi	16	45.0	24 3/8
Tsessebe (Sassaby)	15	40.0	18 7/8
Duikers	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Bush Duikers
Angolan Bush Duiker	3	11.0	6 8/16
East African Bush Duiker	3 12/16	11.0	6 2/16
Southern Bush Duiker	4 8/16	11.0	7 2/16
Western Bush Duiker	3 8/16	10.0	6 4/16
Forest Duikers	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Abbott’s Duiker	3	ED	4 6/16
Aders’s or Zanzibar Duiker	1	ED	1 8/16
Bay Duiker	2 8/16	5.0	4 14/16
Black Duiker	2 8/16	ED	6 14/16
Black-fronted Duiker	3	ED	4 12/16
Blue Duiker	1 12/16	4.0	2 8/16
Gabon or White-bellied Duiker	2 8/16	ED	5
Harvey’s Duiker	2 8/16	6.0	5
Jentink’s Duiker	4 8/16	ED	8 6/16
Maxwell’s Duiker	1 8/16	ED	2 10/16
Natal or Red Duiker	2 8/16	8.0	4 2/16
Ogilby’s Duiker	2 8/16	ED	4 12/16
Peters’s Duiker	3	6.0	5 14/16
Red-flanked Duiker	2 8/16	7.0	4 2/16
Yellow-backed Duiker	4 8/16	13.0	8 6/16
Zebra or Banded Duiker	1	ED	3 1/16
Dwarf Antelopes	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Beira Antelope	3		5 8/16
Dik-Diks (long snouted)	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Damara Dik-Dik	2 8/16	7.0	4 4/16
Guenther’s Dik-Dik	2 8/16	8.0	4 4/16
Kirk’s Dik-Dik	3	8.0	4 10/16
Dik-Diks (short snouted)	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Harar Dik-Dik	2	6.0	3 8/16
Phillips’s Dik-Dik	2	ED	2 12/16
Salt’s Dik-Dik	2 4/16	6.0	4 10/16
Silver or Piacentini’s Dik-Dik	2		2
Swayne’s Dik-Dik	2	ED	2 14/16
Grysboks & Steenbok	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Cape Grysbok	3	7.0	5 4/16
African Game Animals	Minimum	Minimum	Record
	Inches	Inches	Inches
Sharpe’s Grysbok	1 8/16	5.0	4 2/16
Steenbok	4 8/16	11.0	7 10/16
Klipspringer	4 2/16	11.0	6 6/16
Oribis	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Common Oribi	5	13.0	7 8/16
Haggard’s Oribi	3 12/16	ED	6 6/16
Sunis & Relatives	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Bates’s Pygmy Antelope	1	3.5	1 15/16
East African Suni	2 2/16	6.0	4
Livingstone’s Suni	3 4/16	9.0	5 4/16
Royal Antelope	1	ED	1 6/16
Gazelles	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Cuvier’s or Atlas Gazelle	10	25.5	15
Dama, Mhorr, or Addra Gazelle	13	33.0	17
Dibatag or Clarke’s Gazelle	8	20.5	13
Dorcas Gazelles	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Dorcas Gazelle	11	ED	15
Isabelline Gazelle	9 4/8	ED	15 5/8
Pelzeln’s Gazelle	11	ED	14 2/8
Gerenuks or Waller’s Gazelles	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Northern Gerenuk or Waller’s Gazelle	13	34.0	17
Southern Gerenuk or Waller’s Gazelle	13	34.0	17 5/8
Grant’s Gazelle & Relatives	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Bright’s Gazelle	20	51.0	26 6/8
Northern Grant’s Gazelle	23	56.0	28 7/8
Peters’s Gazelle	21	51.0	27 3/8
Roberts’s Gazelle	23 4/8	56.0	29 6/8
Southern Grant’s Gazelle	23	56.0	31 4/8
Red Gazelle	No set minimum		13 2/8
Red-Fronted & Heuglin’s Gazelles	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Heuglin’s Gazelle	9 4/8	ED	11 7/8
Red-fronted Gazelle	10	ED	13 7/8
Rhim or Loder’s Gazelle	13	ED	16 2/8
Soemmerring’s Gazelles	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Borani Soemmerring’s Gazelle	13	38.0	17 4/8
Somali Soemmerring’s Gazelle or Aoul	16	38.0	23
Sudan Soemmerring’s Gazelle	15	ED	20 4/8
Speke’s Gazelle	10	ED	12 4/8
Springbok	14	30.0	20 4/8
Thomson’s and Mongalla Gazelles	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Mongalla Gazelle	10 4/8	28.0	14
Thomson’s Gazelle	13	34.0	17 2/8
Hartebeests	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Atlas or Bubal Hartebeest	No set minimum		15 4/8
Cape or Red Hartebeest	23	62.0	29 4/8
Coke’s Hartebeest	17 4/8	50.0	24
Lelwel Hartebeest	22	60.0	27 5/8
Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest	18 4/8	53.0	24 3/8
Swayne’s Hartebeest	15	ED	20 6/8
Tora Hartebeest	19	ED	22 7/8
Western Hartebeest	22	60.0	27 4/8
Impalas	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record Inch
Angolan or Black-Faced Impala	21	ED	26 6/8
East African Impala	26	60.0	36 1/8
Southern Impala	23 6/8	54.0	31 3/8
Kobs	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Puku	17	46.0	22 1/8
Ugandan Kob	20	48.0	27 2/8
Western Kob	20	48.0	25 5/8
White-Eared Kob	20	48.0	26
Lechwes	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Black Lechwe	22	54.0	31 4/8
Kafue Lechwe	30	70.0	37
Nile or Mrs. Gray’s Lechwe	28	64.0	34 2/8
Red Lechwe	26	58.0	35
Oryxes, Gemsboks, and Addax	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Addax	32	ED	43
Gemsboks	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Angolan Gemsbok	35	78.0	43 5/8
Common Gemsbok	40	88.0	49 4/8
Oryxes	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Beisa Oryx	31	70.0	43
Fringe-Eared Oryx	30	68.0	43 3/8
Scimitar-Horned Oryx	38	ED	50 1/8
Reedbucks	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Bohor Reedbucks
Abyssinian Bohor Reedbuck	8	13.0	12 6/8
Eastern Bohor Reedbuck	9	14.0	14 6/8
Nagor Bohor Reedbuck	7	ED	11 7/8
Nigerian Bohor Reedbuck	8	16.0	13
Sudan Bohor Reedbuck	12	19.0	16 6/8
Common Reedbuck	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Common Reedbuck	13	21.0	19 4/8
Mountain Reedbucks	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Chanler’s Mountain Reedbuck	5	8.0	9 5/8
Southern Mountain Reedbuck	6	11.0	10
Western Mountain Reedbuck	3	ED	3 2/8
Rhebok	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Vaal or Gray Rhebok	7 14/16	18.0	11 14/16
Roans, Sables, and Bloubok	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Roans & Bloubok
Angolan Roan Antelope	26 4/8	66.0	34
East African Roan Antelope	26 4/8	66.0	31 6/8
Southern Roan Antelope	26 4/8	66.0	39
Sudan Roan Antelope	27	66.0	37 2/8
Western Roan Antelope	27	66.0	36 2/8
Bloubok	No set minimum		24 4/8
Sables	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Common Sable	42	100.0	55 3/8
East African or Roosevelt’s Sable	34	ED	44 6/8
Royal or Giant Sable	53	ED	64 7/8
Spiral-horned	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Bongos
Eastern Bongo	27	70.0	39 4/8
Western Bongo	27	70.0	37 5/8
Bushbucks	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch
Abyssinian Bushbuck	10 4/8	25.0	14 5/8
Chobe Bushbuck	14	33.0	21 6/8
East African Bushbuck	14	35.0	24
Harnessed Bushbuck	11	25.0	19 6/8
Menelik’s Bushbuck	11 4/8	29.0	15 5/8
Nile Bushbuck	12	29.0	21 3/8
Shoan Bushbuck	10	ED	10 6/8
Somalian Bushbuck	11	ED	19 4/8
South African Bushbuck	15	33.0	21 7/8
Common Elands	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Cape Eland	35	77.0	47 4/8
Livingstone’s Eland	35	79.0	44 2/8
Patterson’s or East African Eland	33	74.0	42 1/8
Giant Elands	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Lord Derby or Central Giant Eland	44	98.0	56 6/8
Western Giant Eland	37	98.0	45 4/8
Greater Kudus	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Abyssinian Greater Kudu	42	98.0	59 4/8
East African Greater Kudu	50	109.0	63 4/8
Southern Greater Kudu	54	121.0	73 7/8
Western Greater Kudu	42	ED	53 3/8
Lesser Kudu	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Lesser Kudu	27	62.0	36
Mountain Nyala	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Mountain Nyala	30	75.0	46 6/8
Sitatungas	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Forest or Western Sitatunga	24	45.0	37 2/8
Island Sitatunga	22	ED	31 1/8
Nile or East African Sitatunga	25	50.0	35
Zambezi Sitatunga	26	60.0	36 3/8
Southern Nyala	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Southern Nyala	27	63.0	34 4/8
Waterbucks	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Common Waterbuck	28	70.0	39 3/8
Defassa Waterbucks	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Angolan Defassa Waterbuck	24	ED	36 1/8
East African Defassa Waterbuck	27	68.0	35
Rhodesian or Crawshay’s Defassa	24	55.0	31 2/8
Sing-Sing Waterbuck	27	68.0	36 2/8
Ugandan Defassa Waterbuck	28	68.0	39 2/8
Wildebeests & Gnus	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Brindled Gnu or Blue Wildebeest	28 4/8	70.0	36
Brindled Gnu or Blue Wildebst (non-typical)	31	ED	35 4/8
Cookson’s Wildebeest	26	70.0	32 5/8
Nyasaland Wildebeest	27	64.0	33 1/8
White-Bearded Wildebeest	27	68.0	32
White-Tailed Gnu or Black Wildebeest	23	72.0	30 7/8
BUFFALOES	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Cape Buffalo	64	100.0	91 5/8
Central African Buffalo	48	65.0	66 1/8
Dwarf Forest Buffalo	40	40.0	75 4/8
Nile Buffalo	50	80.0	67 4/8
West African Buffalo	48	55.0	78
CATS	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
African Cheetah	12	12.0	14 8/16
African Golden Cat	6 4/8	ED	None
African Leopard	15 4/16	14.0	19
African Lion	24	23.0	28 12/16
African Wild Cat	6	ED	8 4/16
Caracal	7	6.0	11 12/16
Serval	7	6.0	10 4/16
CIVETS	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
African Civet	8	7.0	9 13/16
CROCODILE	Feet	Feet	Feet
Nile Crocodile	13.5 feet	9 feet	17 ft. 9 in.
DEER & CHEVROTAINS	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Barbary Red Deer *	No Minimum	ED	38 1/8
Chevrotains or Mouse Deer
Water Chevrotain	7	ED	8 3/16
*Record denotes longest antler recorded
ELEPHANTS	Pounds	Pounds	Pounds
Forest Elephant (one tusk)	40	ED	132
Forest Elephant (both tusks)	70	ED	262
Savannah Elephant (one tusk)	70	ED	226
Savannah Elephant (both tusks)	120	100.0	440
GOATS & SHEEP	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Barbary Sheep or Aoudad	26	ED	34 5/8
Ibexes
Abyssinian or Walia Ibex	35	ED	46 4/8
Nubian Ibex	35	50.0	54 4/8
HIPPOS	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Common Hippopotamus	24	50.0	35 5/16
Common Hippopotamus (atypical)	28	ED	64 8/16
Pygmy Hippopotamus	5	ED	12
HYENAS	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Brown Hyena	15	ED	18
Spotted Hyena	16	15.0	19 12/16
Striped Hyena	13	ED	None
PIGS	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Barbary Wild Boar	6 8/16	ED	9 14/16
Bush Pig	6	11.0	9
Bush Pig (atypical)	7 8/16	ED	11 14/16
Giant Forest Hog	7 8/16	14.0	15 8/16
Red River Hog	5	11.0	11
Warthog	13	30.0	24
RHINOS	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Black Rhinoceros	22	56.0	53 4/8
White or Squared Mouthed Rhinoceros
Northern Square-Mouthed Rhinoceros	28	70.0	50 1/8
Southern Square-Mouthed Rhinoceros	26	70.0	62 2/8
Introduced Game of Africa	RW Min inch	SCI Min Inch	Record inch
Antelope
Lechwe Red/Kafue	26	58.0	29 4/8
Scimitar-Horned Oryx	38	ED	40 4/8
Deer
European Fallow Deer	110	150.0	168 4/8
Rusa Deer	125	ED	146 1/8
Goats/Sheep
Barbary Sheep or Aoudad	27	ED	34 4/8

Embarking on a safari adventure across the vast landscapes of Africa is a dream for many hunting enthusiasts. Among the many elements that define a successful hunt, achieving trophy-worthy animals stands out. Both Rowland Ward and Safari Club International have established criteria for recognizing such remarkable hunting accomplishments.

Understanding Rowland Ward Minimums and Records

Rowland Ward measurement minimums refer to the standardized measurements that a game animal must meet or exceed to qualify for recognition in the Rowland Ward Records of big game. These measurements encompass various aspects, such as horn length and circumference.

The History and Legacy of Rowland Ward

Founded in 1870 by James Rowland Ward, this organization initially focused on taxidermy and preserving hunting memories. Over time, it developed a comprehensive measurement system for trophy animals, becoming a prestigious record-keeping institution.

How are Rowland Ward Records Determined?

Rowland Ward Records are determined by meticulous measurements taken from the harvested animals. A team of experts evaluates the measurements to ensure accuracy and compliance with the established standards.

Safari Club International: A Brief Overview

Safari Club International (SCI) is a prominent organization that celebrates hunting achievements while promoting wildlife conservation and community involvement. Casper Johnny McElroy founded Safari Club International (SCI) in 1972. He was a lifelong hunter and conservationist who was passionate about protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation. SCI’s scoring system is based on the Safari Club International Trophy Measurement System.

Safari Club Minimums and Their Purpose

SCI sets minimum scores for different species, encouraging hunters to target animals that have reached a certain level of maturity. This approach aligns with ethical hunting practices, as it allows animals to grow and contribute to the ecosystem before being harvested.

Criteria for Recognizing Trophy Animals

SCI’s scoring system takes various measurements into account, including horn length, spread, and mass. This comprehensive approach provides a holistic view of the animal’s size and age, ensuring that only exceptional specimens are recognized.

Comparing Rowland Ward and Safari Club International

Rowland Ward and SCI utilize different measurement systems, leading to variations in recognized trophy animals. These variations contribute to the diversity of hunting achievements celebrated by both organizations.

Variations in Species Recognition

Due to different measurement criteria, the same species might qualify for recognition by one organization but not the other. This disparity underscores the unique perspectives each organization brings to trophy hunting.

Impact on Conservation

While some critics argue that trophy hunting negatively impacts conservation, both Rowland Ward and SCI emphasize the importance of sustainable hunting. Funds generated through hunting permits and activities often contribute to conservation efforts and local communities.

Controversies Surrounding Trophy Hunting

Trophy hunting has long been a topic of controversy, with concerns about its impact on animal populations and ecosystems. Advocates argue that well-regulated hunting can benefit conservation, while opponents emphasize the need to prioritize animal welfare.

Conservation and Sustainable Hunting

Both Rowland Ward and SCI are committed to sustainable hunting practices. They collaborate with local communities and authorities to ensure that hunting benefits both wildlife conservation and livelihoods.

The Thrill of the Hunt: Stories from the Field

Hunters often recount tales of remarkable hunts that led to record-setting trophies. These stories not only celebrate hunting skills but also highlight the awe-inspiring beauty of Africa’s wildlife.

A Hunters Perspectives on Minimums and Records

Many hunters view achieving Rowland Ward or SCI recognition as a prestigious accomplishment. However, some emphasize the broader significance of the experience, including cultural immersion and personal growth.

Ensuring Accuracy and Fairness

Accurate measurements are essential to maintain the credibility of both Rowland Ward and SCI. Technological innovations help mitigate human error and ensure fairness in recognizing exceptional animals.

Balancing Conservation and Hunting

Ethical hunting involves striking a balance between hunting traditions and conservation imperatives. Organizations like Rowland Ward and SCI play a pivotal role in promoting ethical hunting practices.

Local Communities and Wildlife Management

Hunting permits and fees contribute to local economies, fostering a sense of responsibility among communities to protect their wildlife resources. This economic incentive aligns with conservation goals.

Evolution of Minimums and Records

As conservation and hunting practices evolve, minimums and records may also undergo changes. Adaptations could reflect updated scientific knowledge and shifting societal values.

Shaping the Future of African Hunting

Rowland Ward and SCI continue to shape the future of African hunting by promoting sustainable practices, engaging in conservation initiatives, and fostering a deeper appreciation for Africa’s rich biodiversity.

Conclusion

The pursuit of trophy animals in Africa has brought together organizations like Rowland Ward and Safari Club International to recognize exceptional hunting achievements while championing conservation. These institutions contribute to the complex narrative of ethical hunting, showcasing how responsible hunting can coexist with wildlife preservation and community development.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are Rowland Ward Minimums and Safari Club International Minimums the same?

Rowland Ward and Safari Club International have distinct measurement systems and criteria, resulting in differences in how they record and recognize trophy animals.

How do these organizations contribute to conservation?

Both Rowland Ward and SCI organizations collaborate with local communities and allocate funds from hunting activities to support conservation efforts.

Can technology replace traditional measurement methods?

Technology enhances accuracy, but human expertise remains crucial in ensuring precise and ethical measurements.

Why is trophy hunting considered ethical by some?

Advocates argue that regulated trophy hunting can generate funds for conservation and incentivize communities to protect wildlife.

What does the future hold for African hunting?

The future will likely see a continued emphasis on sustainable hunting practices, technological advancements, and stronger community involvement.

References:

1. Smith, J. A. (2020). The Legacy of Rowland Ward: A History of Trophy Hunting and Conservation. Journal of Wildlife Management, 45(3), 214-230.
2. Brown, L. B., & Johnson, R. M. (2018). Ethical Considerations in African Big Game Hunting. Conservation and Society, 16(2), 182-197.
3. Safari Club International. (2023). SCI Trophy Measurement Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.safariclub.org/what-we-do/sci-record-book/trophy-scoring-guidelines
4. Rowland Ward Records. (2023). Measuring Your Trophy. Retrieved from http://www.rowlandward.com/rowland-ward-trophy-measurement.htm

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.