Impala

Impala (Aepyceros melampus) are hunted in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. There are hunting packages available from Mkhamba Safaris which include Impala hunting opportunities.

Description.

These are graceful, pretty antelope, with shiny red coats, and a lighter red colour flanks , with pure white underparts. They have conspicuous black patches of hair above their ankles on their hind legs. Only the males have horns, which are lyrate shaped, and are strongly ridged on the bottom two thirds.

Size

The males have an average shoulder height of 90cm and a weight of 55kg.

Habits

This antelope species is common in our region, and are wide spread throughout South Africa. They are found in light open woodlands where there is surface water. They occur in small herds of up to 20 animals for most of the year, but in the dry cold months, they form bigger herds of up to 100 animals. Males are very territorial during the Rut (their mating season). Bachelor herds of males of various ages are common. These small buck are tremendous jumpers, and when startled they leap madly in all directions, leaping over bushes and grass clumps, they appear to float through the air, and can cover distances of over 10 metres in a leap.

The Hunt

Hunting these animals is best done in the early morning or late afternoon, when they are at their most active. During the heat of the day they will rest up in small clumps of bush in the shade. Glassing (looking through binoculars) is the easiest way to locate them, as they stand out well in the early morning sun. They are dependent on water, so a good knowledge of the hunting area, and their feeding habits is beneficial to a successful hunt.

Minimum Caliber Rifle Required

They are not tough animals, so a well placed shot from a 270 caliber type rifle will do the job. Very high velocity bullets should be avoided as more often shots are taken from close range in the bush.

Minimum Requirements for:

S.C.I. - 54 inches

Roland Ward - 23 5/8 inches

Cites Restrictions

There are NO cites restrictions on the hunting of Impala.