BUSHBUCK, LIMPOPO

The Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus roualeyni) is a medium-sized antelope native to sub-Saharan Africa. It features a slender build with a shaggy, reddish-brown coat that often has white markings on the face, throat, and legs. They often have distinctive facial markings, including white or pale stripes on their faces. Some individuals may also have white spots on their bodies. Two subspecies occur in South Africa, namely, the Limpopo and Cape Bushbuck.

Distribution: Various subspecies are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Limpopo Bushbuck occur in northern South Africa, south-eastern Botswana and southern Zimbabwe.

Size: A medium-sized antelope.          

Weight: 70 – 170lb / 40 – 77 kg

Shoulder Height: 40 – 42’’ / 1 – 1.06 m

Horns: Males are larger than females and have twisted, spiralled with a dagger-like point in young males, becoming much more worn and blunt with age.

Habitat: Typically inhabiting dense forests, woodlands, and thickets near water sources. They are browsers, primarily feeding on leaves, fruits, and shrubs, and are mostly solitary or found in small groups, making them challenging to spot in the wild.

Habits: Bushbucks are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, being most active during dawn and dusk. They are shy and elusive, often relying on dense vegetation for cover. Bushbucks are browsers, feeding on leaves, fruits, and shrubs. They are typically solitary or found in small groups, with males being territorial and females tending to their young. Bushbucks are known for their shy and elusive nature.

Hunting Tips: Locally common but difficult to hunt, recommended time period of 3 days. Best to walk early in the morning. Stop, look and listen frequently. Scan open clearings with your binoculars. Extremely dangerous when wounded.

Trophy Information

Good Horn Length: 14’’ 

SCI Min. - 31

SCI Min. Bow - 28 

Rowland Ward Min. - 15  

World Record - 217/8

SCI Measurement Method: 2 Rowland Ward Measurement Method: 8 

Species & Subspecies Information

Subspecies: 9 - Harnessed Bushbuck, Cape Bushbuck, Limpopo Bushbuck or Cummings Bushbuck, Chobe Bushbuck, Masai (East African) or Mweru Bushbuck, Menelik’s or Arusi Bushbuck, Abyssinian Bushbuck, Nile Bushbuck and Eastern Coastal, Cummings or Somali Bushbuck.