Springbok hunting, a short guide.

[karoo.vellies]

What calibre is suited for this kind of hunting? I am kind of green when it comes to hunting.

[264WinMag]

Very good wright up. Thanx

Walk and stalk is the nicest way to hunt.

[Jimbo]

Would also like to know...

Great how you described the shot placement, loads and loads of comments on how important shot placements is on this website but not a lot of detailed explanation like this.

Thanks Messor!

[Adri]

Great writing I have learned lots and confirmed ways from my past experiences from your write up.

Start a blog, you have talent to write !!!

[jond]

Thanks well written.

[Moomin]

Great, keep them coming

http://www.gunsite.co.za/forums/foru...-Introductions

[BAGATUR]

Nice!!! Thanks!!!

[JouDoring]

Ok so here goes.

It was a great success, but probably the most difficult thing to do ever. It is not just difficult, it is exhausting and disheartening.

Firstly the terrain around touws river is open with just a few "koppies" This particular farm is one big camp of 4500 hecters. The Renoster bush is about hip height and the chance of lying down for a prone shot is close to zero. Sitting over some shooting sticks was the only option.
We were dropped off 500 meters from the sort of specimen we were allowed to hunt.

So with rifle, rangefinder and shooting tripod in hand we set off to try and get within safe shooting distance for us (200 meters).
The Specific lone ram only allowed us to come as close as 250meters before bolting. We tried as best we can, to hide behind renoster bush and terrain features. Then the ram joined a group of ewes and the game was over. All those eyes, ears and noses were just to alert.

The Farmer picked us up and we drove around for a bit to regroup and maybe find another ram.

We Found another good specimen and only I was dropped off, to present less of a threat than the two of us. I crept very very low behind the bushes, After about 300meters of crouching and crawling, I kind of lost the ram. Then it popped up about 50 meters away from me walking straight at me. We both noticed each other at the same time and he bolted. I dove behind a bush, and waited to see if it will stop and look for me. It stopped facing me with it's whole body, and I took a shot at the brain. Thank heavens The shot was good and the Ram flopped down as if struck by lightning. The distance was just around 200meters. The farmer said it was 230 meters, I judged it at 180meters.

The next day My brother tried again, and very skillfully crept up to 150 - 160 meters from a group of about 20 sprinbok, and took a very nice heart shot.

What I have learn't was that it seemed to go much better when you wear a hat that has a bit of a camouflage pattern to it, than a regular lighter coloured leather hat.

Getting wthin 200 meters from a springbok in open velt is near impossible. That first day we tried getting close for about 5 hours before getting results.

Loads of fun, and very very rewarding

[264WinMag]

Congrats on a well earned hunt. What rifle were you using?

[JouDoring]

tikka light 30-06 with a limbsaver to take some of the bite out of the recoil