Harnessed bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus scriptus) hunting provides an exciting and challenging opportunity for hunters seeking one of Africa’s most elusive antelope species. Known for its striking chestnut red coloration and unique harness pattern of spots and stripes along its flanks, the harnessed bushbuck is an attractive and graceful animal that offers a truly rewarding hunting experience.
The harnessed bushbuck is the smallest of all bushbuck species, with males reaching a shoulder height of 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm) and a weight of 70 to 100 pounds (32 to 45 kg). This species is known for its distinctive coloration, which includes a rich chestnut-red coat. Males tend to have a pronounced harness pattern, with dark stripes and spots along their flanks, while females have a lighter coloration with more visible stripes and spots. Their horns are relatively small compared to other bushbuck species, adding to their delicate and graceful appearance.
Harnessed bushbucks are generally solitary creatures, although small groups may form under favorable conditions, especially in areas with abundant food and water sources. They are shy and elusive, using their excellent camouflage to remain hidden in the dense forests and thick brush of their natural habitat. While they can be active during the day, they are most commonly found at dawn and dusk when they are feeding on grasses, leaves, and various vegetation.
The harnessed bushbuck is an alert and highly vigilant animal, often detecting predators from a distance. Its keen sense of hearing and smell helps it stay one step ahead of danger, making it a challenging animal to hunt. Hunters must exercise patience and be prepared for long, slow approaches in order to get within range for a shot.
Harnessed bushbuck populations are spread across a large part of Central and West Africa. Their range stretches from southern Senegal to southern Chad and the Central African Republic. The harnessed bushbuck also inhabits parts of the Rio Muni, Gabon, and Congo (B) regions, as well as Congo (K). These animals thrive in dense forests and areas with thick vegetation, where they can easily conceal themselves from predators and hunters alike.
In terms of habitat, harnessed bushbucks prefer environments close to water sources like rivers, streams, and swamps, which provide them with ample grazing opportunities. The bushbuck’s habitat is often remote, making it a prime target for hunters looking for an authentic and challenging experience.
Harnessed bushbuck hunting is a unique and rewarding challenge due to the animal’s elusive nature and preference for dense, thick brush. The hunt often requires long hours of stalking, with hunters carefully navigating through the undergrowth to avoid detection. As these animals are highly alert, hunters must be stealthy and patient to successfully get within shooting range.
Given the bushbuck’s preference for hiding in thick vegetation, hunting is typically done on foot, with hunters slowly moving through the terrain and waiting for the perfect opportunity. The lack of cover makes the hunt especially demanding, requiring a high level of skill in long-range shooting. Shooting sticks are often recommended to increase accuracy when taking a shot at a harnessed bushbuck.
The best time to hunt the harnessed bushbuck is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the animals are most active. The bushbuck is known for its cautious nature, so hunters must remain patient and be prepared for long waits in order to get close enough for a successful shot. The dense vegetation and thick undergrowth in which harnessed bushbucks are typically found also make them challenging to spot, further enhancing the difficulty of the hunt.
Harnessed bushbuck hunting offers an exciting opportunity for hunters looking to test their skill in the wilds of Africa. This elusive animal is a prized trophy, and with the right approach, the pursuit of a harnessed bushbuck can be one of the most rewarding hunting experiences in the world. The challenge of tracking and stalking this elusive species through thick brush and dense forests makes harnessed bushbuck hunting a true test for any skilled hunter.
