Cape Springbuck is also known as a Common Springbuck. South Africa’s national emblem, is the only true gazelle found in Southern Africa. It derives its name from the Afrikaans word meaning jumping buck from its unique behavioural trait to bounce up and down on all fours, called “pronking”.
Famed for their mass migrations, these animals are now limited to the National Parks and fenced privately owned land of the central and arid western portion of the country. The Common Springbuck, Black, White and Copper Springbuck make up what is known as the Grand Slam of Springbuck. The Limpopo Springbuck is only found in the Limpopo Province, a species adapted to survive “Heartwater” a local tick-borne disease.
Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required.
HUNTING METHODS
Springbok are the creatures of open plains, and spot-and-stalk is the method of choice for springbok hunting. Both sexes carry horns, and the springbok have an unusual in the mammal world case of sexual dimorphism, with females larger than males, so it may not be easy to identify a good trophy in a large herds the springbok stick to. Help from the PH is invaluable here. Both the approach across open plains and the shot itself can be quite a challenge, as you’ll have to connect with tiny vitals from a considerable distance. Both your rifle and yourself must be ready for long-range shooting.
WHEN TO HUNT CAPE SPRINGBOK IN SOUTH AFRICA
It’s not easy to pinpoint the best times for springbok hunting. In many areas of South Africa hunting opportunities exist year round, and in Namibia from February to November. Springbok is one of the animals that don’t have a specific time for the rut, so this is not a factor either. If you have to pick a few months, that would probably be the end of the dry season.
WHAT IS THE COST TO HUNT CAPE SPRINGBOK IN SOUTH AFRICA?
The trophy fee for a Cape springbok can be as low as $250, although most outfitters charge between $350 and $500. Cape springbok is often included in various plains game packages, including springbok slam, a combination hunt with an opportunity to harvest all color phase variants. Such hunts are usually priced in the $5,000-$7,000 range.