Because of a recessive trait, some impalas are born black instead of the more typical tan, light brown, and white. Many black impalas have dropped in price to a point where hunting them is feasible thanks to widespread captive breeding programmes.
There is no such thing as a “black impala” genus or species. They are identical to regular impala in every way except for their remarkable jet black coat. In general, their horns are smaller than those of the ordinary impala.
Male black impalas, called rams, typically weigh up around 130 pounds, while females typically tip the scales at 85 pounds.
Black impala males mark their territory using a scent gland located at the base of the hind legs. Black impala eat a variety of plants, including grasses, bushes, tree leaves, pods, and fruits.
A single lamb is born after a pregnancy of about 200 days. At the age of two, female black impalas can reproduce. Despite being sexually mature at 12 months, young males are kept from mating with the dominant breeding rams. Males will snort and grunt at all hours of the day and night during the rut.
During the course of the year, young males create bachelor herds with one or more older males. Males in the breeding population often face up against newcomers as they reach sexual maturity. Brutal altercations frequently result in serious harm or even the opponent’s death.
Family units consisting of females and youngsters are a prime target for territorial males looking for a mate.
Black impalas are hunted by most predators in Africa. In order to prepare young cheetahs and leopards for the challenge of hunting larger antelope, they are first taught to successfully hunt young black impalas. Black impalas are a delicacy for spotted hyenas, caracals, and jackals. The occasional black impala is a tasty treat for pythons as well.
South African black impala hunting is a novel experience. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats that provide adequate bushveld cover and vegetation. Black impala can easily adjust to regions with more or less vegetation because they can both graze and browse.
They are the South African plains game species least affected by drought. Black impala are prolific breeders and do a good job of caring for their young. They successfully reproduce every time because they have several sets of eyes and ears monitoring the area for signs of danger from hunters and predators.
The black impala is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after quarry species among international hunters.
Since this species has such a delicate frame, most rifle calibres will go right through it and come out the other side, perhaps wounding something else.
When shooting black impala in South Africa, it’s best to use only high-quality ammunition.
Barnes TTSX ammo of any weight is the best, so that’s what we recommend. Federal Premium, Nosler Partition, Sierra, and other similar manufacturers also provide high-quality ammunition.
You need your ammo to work reliably and predictably, which is why you should only use high-quality rounds. The animal’s death must be quick; thus, the petals must expand to make a wide wound route.
There is a wide variety of gun scopes and gun sight manufacturers to choose from. The primary concern is whether or not the scope will survive the impact of pulling the trigger. When hunting black impala in South Africa, a 2 – 12 X 50 rifle scope will do the trick.
Stalking a black impala requires tremendous caution due to the animal’s keen sense of sight and hearing. Black impalas are notoriously difficult to get close enough to attempt a shot, as the entire herd is always on the lookout for any threats.
Another difficulty in identifying an individual impala is that they like to cluster together when they are frightened. It’s not uncommon to fire a shot at one animal only to have it pass straight through it and strike another.
Ambushes are another method that could be employed to take down black impalas. They thrive when the sun is weaker in the morning and late afternoon. Position yourself such that you will cross an impala’s route as it travels to or from its feeding place to enhance your chances of killing it.
A powerful shot to the chest or lungs can kill a black impala. Aim about a third of the way up the impala’s body and slightly behind it to strike its lungs. The best time to shoot the neck is whenever it’s convenient. One should only attempt a brain shot on a black impala if they are an experienced hunter or professional culler.
A black impala hunt with Hunt24 in South Africa is a great choice for antelope hunters. Our impala hunts can take place anywhere in the country, making for a very unique adventure.
