The western, or Kalahari, springbok is a subspecies of the springbok, a small, graceful antelope with lyre-shaped antlers that is considered the national symbol of South Africa. It has a larger body and a distinct pattern of markings on its face than the typical springbok.
Hunting for Kalahari springbok is possible in South Africa and Namibia, where free-ranging herds of the animal can be seen roaming the open regions of the Kalahari Desert.
The Kalahari springbok’s brilliant cinnamon brown upper parts are distinguished from its white under parts by a chocolate brown band around its flanks. The head is white on top, with brown stripes from the outer corners of the eyes to the inside corners of the mouth on both sides.
The centre of the Kalahari springbok’s back is covered with a flap of skin that is coated with white hair all the way down to the tail. When not in use, this white hair is tucked into a small pouch. Its crest of stiff white hairs down its back is easily seen when this flap flips inside out in response to excitement or fear. The springbok’s unique behaviour in this regard is striking.
Kalahari springbok can reach a shoulder height of up to 80 centimetres (31.5 inches) and a weight of up to 60 kilogrammes (132 pounds) (springboks are usually bigger in the Kalahari than in other parts of Southern Africa).
Both sexes have black horns with white rings, but the males’ are thicker. Horns that are 38 centimetres or longer are considered trophy size (15 inches). Male springboks also have a larger, more robust build than females and a thicker neck.
When threatened, these animals will use their horns aggressively, more so than most other antelope. They frequently butt heads, lock horns, and engage in vicious wrestling to throw each other off their game.
When males set their territories, conflicts often break out. Using their horns as clubs, they thrash the ground and pick up plants to use as a territorial marker. It’s rather comical to see them with a “head dress” made of tangled plants.
Springbok hunting is permitted throughout the year in South Africa. The Kalahari springbok is not in danger of extinction, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. A valid hunting licence is not necessary in this zone.
Kalahari springbok are typically hunted using the spot-and-stalk technique. Hunters must approach carefully and cautiously once a herd that may contain a trophy animal has been identified.
Given that springbok are more at home on open grasslands, this could be a significant obstacle. It takes lengthy shots (250-350 yards) to reach the tiny vitals of small animals like springbok (which rarely weigh more than 50 pounds). You can get by with a rifle and ammunition that have a flat trajectory and a little luck if you’re going Kalahari springbok hunting.
When it comes to bullet size, Barnes TTSX is the option we trust most. It’s up to you to experiment to see if lighter bullets improve accuracy with your weapon. You may also find reliable ammo from Federal Premium, Sierra, and similar manufacturers.
A 2-12X50 rifle scope will work for hunting copper springbok in South Africa. What matters most is that you get the best scope you can afford. The scope must be resistant to recoil, which is an important consideration.
Kalahari springbok are often shot from 150 to 200 yards, though this varies greatly depending on the topography of the area.
Spot-and-stalk hunting is ideal for Kalahari springbok. Both male and female springboks sport horns, which can leave trophy hunters torn.
If you decide to book your Kalahari springbok safari with Hunt24, you can rest assured that you will be teamed with only the most experienced and competent professional hunters in the industry. We guarantee that you will return home with a gorgeous Kalahari springbok trophy thanks to the high density of wildlife in our shooting locations.
A Kalahari springbok is often the first African game animal that hunters in South Africa set their sights on, and the stories of their successful pursuits become the stuff of legend.
