The grysbok is a diminutive antelope found in Southern Africa, which consists of the Cape grysbok and the Sharpe’s grysbok.
Found only in the Western Cape region of South Africa between Albany and the Cederberg mountains, the Cape or southern grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis) is a small antelope with course, reddish sand-coloured fur, and white spots which dot its otherwise greyish appearance. The inner ears, eye rings, mouth area, throat, and bottom are white, while the rest of the body (including the head, neck, and legs) are flecked and a pale yellow.
There is a dark scent gland in front of the eye and a black “bridge” from the nose to the upper lip. The grysbok’s total height is only 21 inches (45-55 cm) and its weight is just over 20 pounds (8–12 kg).
The Sharpe’s grysbok can be distinguished from the Cape grysbok by the presence of a pair of ‘false hooves’ above the fetlocks. Cape grysbok can puff up their tails to make themselves look bigger, while the Sharpe’s grysbok is the smaller of the two. Its tail is so short that it is barely noticeable.
Hunting in places where each variety of grysbok is unmistakably common is the best way to be certain of the species you are targeting.
The grysbok forms part of the so-called Tiny Ten, which is a collection few hunters achieve.
The Eastern and Western Cape regions in South Africa both include southern mountain valleys where the Cape grysbok can be hunted. The Fynbos biome, which includes the Cape Floristic Region, is their natural habitat.
The only other grysbok found in South Africa are the Sharpe’s grysbok, which are native to the northern regions of the country, specifically the Lebombo mountains and Mpumalanga.
Sharpe’s grysbok can be hunted in most regions of Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The only place in Namibia to see a grysbok is the northern Caprivi Strip.
To find grysbok, hunters use techniques such as walking and stalking along the borders of dense foliage, beside roads and rivers, and in small clearings.
Since they are nocturnal, you might catch a glimpse of a grysbok before dawn or after dark. Still, getting into a good hunting position before daybreak will be to your advantage.
Grysbok are best taken with a shotgun, but because most hunters will encounter them while targeting other animals, a rifle will suffice.
In terms of trophy judgment, ensure the base is strong and the horns are long. Horns are a distinguishing feature of male grysbok but not females. The horns of the Sharpe’s grysbok are so small that they are often hidden behind the animal’s ears.
Sharpe’s grysbok trophies with a length of more than 11/2 inches are highly prized. Cape grysbok are easily identified by their longer horns, which may be measured against the shorter ears.
A full mount of a grysbok, like that of any of the little antelope, looks fantastic even when displayed without its native environment.
The expert Professional Hunters and trackers at Hunt24 will take you on an exciting search for the small and elusive Grysbok. We have a wide variety of concessions available for hunting, so that no two experiences are ever the same.
