The kudu, sometimes known as the “grey ghost of Africa,” is one of the most beloved species of spiral-horned antelope in Africa.
The kudu stands tall and proud among antelope species. Their long, spiral horns make them truly unique. The “grey ghost” has a coat ranging from light grey to brownish grey, with a white stripe running vertically down each side. The long spiral horns that only bulls have are accentuated by the white chevron marking between their eyes.
Female kudus have large and gorgeous ears in place of horns, but otherwise resemble males in appearance. Both sexes have a prominent shoulder hump and a white underbelly near the base of the tail. Kudu are most easily hunted in the bushveld, where food sources including leaves, sprouts, seedpods, and new grass are plentiful.
Although mostly a browser, kudu will occasionally feed on comparatively short grass. They have a very specific feeding schedule, occurring just between midnight and 4 p.m.
Kudu spend the day hiding from predators in dense vegetation along mountainsides and in valleys, emerging only in the late afternoon to make the journey to water and their preferred eating grounds.
This magnificent giant, like many antelope species, lives in herds of 6-12 animals, the majority of whom are females and their young. Bulls rarely join the herd outside of breeding season. The males may cluster together in bachelor groups or wander out alone.
The kudu flies with grace and is extraordinarily athletic for its size, jumping incredible distances. The bulls can run very fast through the bush because, despite their long horns, they can lie them low along their backs.
A prize kudu bull’s horns, when viewed from above, will make a figure 8 configuration, with the outer points either facing forward or outward. The necks of old bulls are typically a dark brown hue, and they commonly have a mane of yellow-white hair at the nape of the neck. Typically, the height of a kudu trophy is between 44″ and 54″.
South African kudu hunting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. More kudu can be found in the Eastern Cape than any other region of Africa.
It is feasible to go on a kudu hunt in South Africa at any time of the year, not only during the mating season, because knowledgeable PHs scout for territorial trophy kudu bulls at any time of the year.
Kudu, in contrast to other game, have superior senses which make this a tactful and exciting hunt. Kudu may remain still for long periods of time while scanning their surroundings.
Kudu hunting is an art, and every veteran of the field has a mental archive of shots missed or opportunities gained.
Hunting kudu, the most difficult of all hunts, will leave you with memories of an absolute hunting thrill that you will never forget. A kudu is not an animal that you stumble on; rather, it is a trophy that you will work hard for.
Pick a suitable hunting ground, stalk carefully and methodically, and maintain your patience above all else.
If a kudu bull is injured, you shouldn’t rush to further frighten him. They’ll likely lie down, making it simpler to get off a second shot after their initial one misses.
Hunting kudu can be difficult due to the ‘ghost’s’ stealth, evasiveness, and acute senses. Follow the spoor to water sources like pans and water holes, as they need to drink frequently.
Successful kudu hunting can be achieved through a variety of strategies. The early morning is the best time to scout and stalk in locations with a high probability of food availability. At dawn, while the bulls are returning to safer ground, you can ambush them at these locales.
As noted, they are frequent drinkers, so midday is a good time to wait by a body of water. Other options include tracking on suitable terrain and still-hunting in dense cover.
With all that said, kudu aren’t as tough as people make them out to be, and a .270 with decent ammunition should be sufficient.
While the weapon you use to hunt deer may be sufficient, controlled-expansion bullets of sufficient quality are necessary. The minimum recommended calibre for a rifle while hunting kudu is 7mm (.270 in American) or.270 (.300 in some other countries).
Hunting kudu requires careful shot placement, just as it does with any animal. One should never risk ruining a trophy with a shot to the head or neck. The correct move is a high heart/lung shot.
The kudu will not go far if you aim straight up its front leg, approximately a third of the way into its torso, then pull the trigger.
If your shot goes much higher than halfway through the animal’s body, you’re in for a long day and may even lose your trophy.
The best spot to shoot for biltong is behind the shoulder, where you’ll hit the lungs. Although the larger bulls (50–60 inches) can be difficult to track down, a decent representative set of horns (45–48 inches) with lovely ivory tips still looks great on the wall.
Our expert team of Professional Hunters and trackers will help you track down the elusive and majestic “grey ghost of Africa”. We can arrange for kudu hunts both in and out of mating season, and ensure an exciting and stimulating hunt that you will remember for years to come.
