HUNTING THE SPIRAL-HORNED ANTELOPE WITH OPEN SIGHTS

TOP: Two of my Mauser rifles, a 9,3x62 (above) and a 10,75x68 (below). Both have original octagonal Mauser barrels and were made on standard-length, M98 actions. LEFT: A snapshot from a 1937 Mauser catalogue showing some of the larger Mauser calibres available at the time.

indicated. In her study, nuclear DNA sequence data shows that the evolutionary path of the early members of Tragelaphini separated from the other bovids during the mid-Miocene approximately 15,7 million years ago.

Fossil research has shown that the common nyala (Tragelaphus angasi) and lesser kudu (T. imberbis) represent the most basal (original) species that separated from the other tragelaphids approximately 7,1 million years ago. This was followed by the separation of two groups of species: The first group adapted to a more tropical environment (now Central Africa) and included the mountain nyala, bongo, sitatunga and bushbuck. The second group adapted to a more arid environment (Southern Africa) and consisted of the giant eland, common eland and greater kudu.

It is thought that this split occurred at the Miocene-Pliocene geological boundary approximately 5.4 million years before present (YBP). Climate changes and resultant biotic shifts were the major driving forces directing the formation of new species within the tribe Tragelaphini. The distribution of the different spiral-horned antelope throughout the various African biomes is, therefore, confirmed by the scientific work. This brings to the fore our impact as humans on global warming and what bearing that will have on speciation changes in future.

As all hunters have experienced, the spiral-horned antelope are highly visual and alert animals. Their visual signals are both subtle and highly structured. As a geologist and amateur conservationist, I find the detail in nature fascinating. I can only guess at the detail that we humans are unable to detect during our sporadic interactions the ears, muzzle and lips. It is fascinating that these features play a significant role when the mothers approach their concealed young. During this time, they bob or flag their heads up and down while sometimes calling very softly. The spiral horns have various functions but are particularly well suited to what scientists call defensive hornwrestling (Kingdon, 1997). »

with Mother Nature.

The Kingdon Field Guide shows that all spiral-horned antelope are striped and blotched when born and that they “freeze” or hide to escape detection. They have prominent white flashes on

Results from the mitochondrial study of the nine Tragelaphus species from Willows-Munro et al (2005). All other spiral-horned antelope are derived from the lesser kudu and nyala.

A large eland bull shot some years ago with a quartering-away shot that went wrong due to bullet deflection off a mopane branch.

» but passed it up as we would have really struggled to recover such a large animal in this broken, rugged terrain. Some years back, I had a similar shot opportunity on a big eland bull in the mopane bushveld north of Tshipise. That bull ran about 36 metres before going down. However, I was fortunate enough to find him because I used a Barnes bullet. If it was anything else, I probably would’ve had a very long follow-up.

The spiral-horned antelope remained quite elusive for the rest of the day. We only caught a glimpse of two big bushbuck rams late in the afternoon while exploring the southernmost part of the large property to ensure there were no smouldering embers on the adjacent properties.

Early Saturday morning, we saw a big kudu cow near the base of one of the hills. It was odd to see a lonely cow at this time of the year as we assumed that there would also be a big bull in close attendance. We bumped the cow during our approach, and it was only then that the bull revealed himself. They ran straight up the hill and out of sight through the dense vegetation. Disappointed, we returned to an area where we had previously noticed a big trophy bushbuck ram. However, he once again managed to avoid detection.

After a healthy brunch with the family, we decided to go back to where we had encountered the kudu cow and bull earlier that morning. We reached it at about twelve o’clock. It didn’t take long to find the kudu. By this time, another cow had joined the party. They immediately saw us as we moved behind some thick vegetation. Unfortunately, at that moment, one of the cows stepped right in front of the bull, obscuring a classic heart shot. A neck shot at about 50 metres was now the only option. With time running out and shooting with open sights, I realised I had to make a tough decision right there and then. Fortunately, the heavy 350-grain Claw bullet found its mark, dropping the bull in his tracks. I was ready for an immediate follow-up shot if needed. Once again, it was a finelooking old bull with many battle scars.

Reflecting on the opportunity to hunt these elusive, spiralhorned antelope with open sights makes me rather nostalgic. In the first place, it is only by the grace of God that I still have good eyesight. I vividly remember my father’s disappointment when he realised that he could no longer hunt because of poor eyesight. Secondly, I dearly appreciate the fact that I can hunt in this manner as many farm owners are reluctant to allow open-sighted hunting. Thirdly, we are extremely fortunate that the spiralhorned antelope have advanced into such a magnificent and challenging group of game animals in Africa.

A hunter’s adherence to responsible hunting practices will always pay dividends. When to take the shot, and when not to, becomes significantly more important when using open sights. Most old hunters have learned through their mistakes. I, however, am still learning every day.