Common Springbok Characteristics | Scientific Name : Antidorcas Marsupilias |
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Weight : 40kg (m), 35kg (f) |
Shoulder Height : 80 cm (m), 75 cm (f) |
Breeding Season : Year round |
Minimum Calibre : 223 |
Springbok hunting occurs in the arid areas in Southern Africa - South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. In South Africa, they’re commonly found in the Karoo, Northern Cape and Free State Provinces. They form herds of 20 or more buck and herds of several hundred aren’t uncommon. Springbok are the only true gazelle found in Southern Africa.
Both sexes carry horns. The males’ horns are far thicker and generally longer. The tips of a trophy springbuck horn will point together or even backwards.
Hunting springbuck is a South African hunting pastime and it is often the first animal a young boy will hunt on safari. “Spring” means literally to pronk and this refers to their habit of jumping stiff-legged in the air to signal to predators that they’re healthy and not worth pursuing.
Springbok hunting is done by walk and stalk. They prefer open plains, use undulations in the terrain and predict their movements.
Long shots of 200 yards or more are common, but the thrill lies in getting as close as possible. Smaller, flat shooting calibers are recommended when hunting springbok in the South African plains.
The cost of a springbok hunt is $350 for a trophy springbok. Many plain game hunting packages include a trophy springbok. The Karoo Special Hunting Package includes a springbok and a choice of 3 other species. This springbok hunting package is fully inclusive.
