Red-Flanked Duiker Hunting offers a unique and rewarding adventure for hunters in West and Central Africa. This elusive antelope, scientifically known as Cephalophus rufilatus, is known for its stunning coloration and stealthy nature. The Red-Flanked Duiker is one of the smaller duiker species but is highly regarded for its challenging hunt, making it a desirable target for both seasoned and beginner hunters alike.
The Red-Flanked Duiker is a medium-sized antelope that stands about 18 to 19 inches (45 to 48 cm) at the shoulder, with a weight of 25 to 30 pounds (11 to 14 kg). Despite its relatively small size, it has a striking appearance. The duiker’s body color ranges from bright orange-red to a more bluish-gray, depending on the region. A wide, bluish-gray stripe runs from its nose to its tail, which is lighter in the western race and darker in the eastern populations. The underparts, including the chin, throat, and belly, are either whitish or light orange. The head is marked by a black tuft, and the tail has a black tip, adding to the duiker’s distinctive look.
Males possess cone-shaped, ringed horns that grow backward in the plane of the face. These horns are an essential feature for identifying mature males. Females, while similar in coloration, do not have visible horns but may have small tubercles. The Red-Flanked Duiker is characterized by its narrow skull, and the largest preorbital gland pits in comparison to its head size among other red-colored duikers.
Red-Flanked Duikers are known for their elusive nature, primarily inhabiting forest edges, gallery forests, and savanna thickets. Unlike other duikers that prefer deeper forests, Red-Flanked Duikers are more commonly found on the fringes of these areas, which makes them more visible to hunters but also more cautious. They tend to hide in dense cover, emerging into the openings to feed during early morning or late afternoon. Their diet mainly consists of leaves and grasses, which they forage for in the open areas.
The duiker’s behavior is quite unique, as it runs in a bouncing manner with its head down, which adds to the challenge for hunters looking to take this quick-moving animal. When threatened, the Red-Flanked Duiker will emit a shrill bark, which serves as an alarm call to warn other duikers in the area. They are generally solitary or live in pairs, making encounters with large groups uncommon.
The Red-Flanked Duiker is widely distributed across West and Central Africa, with notable populations found in countries such as southern Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, northern Sierra Leone, southern Mali, southern Burkina Faso, northern Ivory Coast, northern and eastern Ghana, Togo, northern Benin, and southwestern Niger. In Central Africa, they are present in countries like Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, Sudan, and parts of northeastern Congo (K). Some populations may still exist west of the Albert Nile in northwestern Uganda.
This widespread distribution offers a wide range of hunting opportunities for those interested in hunting Red-Flanked Duiker. The dense forests and thickets of these regions provide a challenging terrain for hunters, which makes successful hunts even more rewarding.
Red-Flanked Duiker hunting requires patience, skill, and a good understanding of the terrain. Since these animals are elusive, hunters often need to be well-prepared to track them in dense brush and forested areas. One of the key factors in hunting the Red-Flanked Duiker is their behavior—hunters must be prepared for long hours of waiting and stealthy movement. A successful hunt involves tracking the duiker to its feeding grounds, where they are most active during the cooler parts of the day.
Hunters should also be prepared for quick, short bursts of movement, as the Red-Flanked Duiker can dart away at a fast pace. Shooting accurately over short distances is crucial, as these animals can easily disappear into thick vegetation. It’s common for hunters to use shooting sticks or rest their rifle on available supports for steadier shots. Given the duiker’s small size and elusive behavior, proper camouflage and quiet movements are essential for success.
While Red-Flanked Duikers are not considered to be endangered, hunting regulations in various African countries aim to manage populations sustainably and ensure the preservation of their habitats. Hunters should be mindful of conservation guidelines and local regulations that protect wildlife. Ethical hunting practices help preserve the ecosystem, maintain healthy duiker populations, and ensure future generations of hunters can continue to enjoy these unique hunting experiences.
Red-Flanked Duiker Hunting is an excellent opportunity for hunters looking for a challenging and rewarding experience in some of Africa’s most diverse and pristine ecosystems. Their elusive nature, distinct appearance, and small size make them a sought-after target for those looking to test their skills in the wild. The challenge of hunting the Red-Flanked Duiker is one that attracts both seasoned hunters and those seeking an introduction to African hunting experiences.
Whether you’re an experienced hunter looking for a trophy duiker or someone seeking to experience hunting in the beautiful forests and savanna thickets of West and Central Africa, hunting the Red-Flanked Duiker offers a thrilling and memorable adventure. With careful preparation, patience, and a good understanding of the terrain and animal behavior, hunters can enjoy a rewarding pursuit of this remarkable antelope species.
