Inhabiting rocky outcrops, Klipspringers are mostly browsers. Their ability to blend into their rocky environment is greatly enhanced by the pattern of black spots on a brown background that covers their entire body.
The female is slightly heavier than the male, but does not have horns. Klipspringers live in either a pair or singly.
The klipspringer’s stocky frame, with its huge hips and back legs, is an adaptation to its rocky habitat. It has a short neck and a practically nonexistent tail. At the shoulder, it measures around 9 centimetres and has a weight of 10 to 12 kilogrammes.
Male klipspringers are the only ones with horns, which can reach a length of four to six inches. Its inner coat is made up of guard hairs that are fragile and packed with air. The outer coat can be grey, brown, and tan and is used as camouflage against a variety of predators, such as jackals, leopards, caracals, and hyenas. The young of the African klipspringer are easy targets for baboons and eagles.
Unlike most antelopes, klipspringers walk on the tips of their hooves. That’s why they can stand firmly on a rock no larger than a poker chip with all four hooves. They can avoid or outpace most predators on cliff faces and rugged ground, and they take refuge in the rocks if necessary.
All of a klipspringer’s diet comes from the plants that grow in the rocky environments it inhabits. Because the plants they eat have plenty of water, they don’t need to drink.
Klipspringers mate for life, and so are often found in pairs. They have a small territory, often between 8 and 50 hectares. The ram remains extremely vigilant, spending long periods of time perched on a rocky outcrop from which he has a clear view of his territory and may also observe other male African klipspringers.
The ram will make a whistling and grunting sound if danger is nearby, and the ewe will bolt up the hill. Together, the duo may make a loud noise to scare away a potential threat or to warn off an intruder or rival.
The pair will typically mate at any time of the year. A single calf is born to the klipspringer ewe after a seven-month gestation period, and the ewe will keep it hidden for two or three months. At the end of the first year, the calf is nearly fully grown and heads out on its own.
There is a lot of walking and glassing of rocky outcrops involved in hunting Klipspringer, but it’s a good, hard hunt.
The Klipspringer forms part of the Tiny 10. This hunt is a must for any hunter who appreciates the beauty of the mountains and the unique challenges they present. Acquiring glassing positions without being spotted is a crucial part of hunting these elusive rock masters.
Once in position, carefully glass all nearby rocky ridges and outcrops. After a strong male has been located, you should approach with extreme caution, as the klipspringer will flee at the first sign of trouble.
Long, sometimes steeply sloping shots are to be expected by hunters. Due to their hypersensitivity, klipspringers often experience hair slip. Hunters should use a flat-shooting calibre with a solid bullet to minimise damage to the skins of their prey, which we discuss in more detail later.
Keep an eye out for signs of alarm and flight when hunting klipspringer in South Africa. Like many other antelope species, the klipspringer frequently pauses to turn around and look back at its pursuers. A well-prepared hunter will be able to take advantage of this situation and fire a shot.
Hunting klipspringer can be done with the aid of a call. An effective “dying rabbit” call is often used. Calling to the klipspringer can lure it closer for a more manageable shot, though taking down one of these antelopes is no simple feat.
Their exceptional vision and the rugged landscape make it difficult to sneak up on them. In order to locate these tiny antelopes, hunters will spend a great deal of time scouring rocky outcrops and cliff faces with binoculars.
The ewe, the ram, and the calf sometimes venture out together, which aids in spotting them, particularly from a high vantage point, such as a hilltop.
The .22 centerfire with a 45-55 grain bullet is the ideal calibre for hunting klipspringer in Africa. The .270, the .243 Winchester, and the 6mm are also viable options.
The hide can’t take much more damage than this from rounds of a different calibre. The hooves might be salvageable if shot with a .375 soft point, but the rest of it is doomed. A .375 solid is another option because it creates small exit and entry wounds.
The positioning of the shot is crucial. Always aim well behind the shoulder when using an expanding bullet. When firing solid rounds, try advancing your aim. If an angled shot is necessary, avoid hitting the shoulder or foreleg bones. Aim low, away from the bone, when shooting the chest.
The expert team of Professional Hunters and trackers at Hunt24 will lead you on a challenging and exciting journey through rugged but beautiful terrain in pursuit of you klipspringer trophy.
We have years of experience in tracking down these hardy and elusive antelope, and will guide you towards your goal every step of the way.
