Gemsbuck hunting

DESCRIPTION 

The gemsbuck is one of the species which can be trophy hunted on a hunting safari in South Africa accompanied by experienced professional hunters from the Grootpan Outfit.

Gemsbuck are light brownish-grey to tan in color, with lighter patches to the bottom rear of the rump. Their tails are long and black in color. A blackish stripe extends from the Gemsbuck's chin down the bottom edge of the neck through the join of the shoulder and leg along the lower flank of each side to the blackish section of the rear leg. Gemsbuck have muscular necks and shoulders and their legs have white 'socks' with a black patch on the front of both the front legs and both genders have long straight horns. Gemsbuck are about 1.4 meters (4 ft 7 in) at the shoulder, and males can weigh between 230-250 kilograms (510-550 lb) while females weigh 200-210 kilograms (440-460 lb).

Gemsbuck are widely hunted for their spectacular horns that average 85 centimeters (33 in) in length. Female Gemsbuck have longer thinner horns that have a slight outward and rearward curve in addition to their angle. Female Gemsbok uses their horns to defend themselves and their offspring from predators while male. Gemsbuck primarily use their horns to defend their territory from other males. Gemsbuch (Oryx) cows are also hunted.

HUNTING TIPS

Gemsbok are tough animals to hunt, with a survival instinct unequalled in other antelope. This is probably due to the Gemsbok living in harsh dry conditions, where it is not easy to survive. Your first shot has to hit vitals or bone. They feed mostly in the mornings and tend to hole up in the shade during the heat of the day, often lying down. They blend very well with their natural surroundings and one will often not see them until they burst away.

RIFLE CALIBRE

A medium to heavy plains game caliber such as the 30.06, 300's and 7mm Magnums are perfect.

TROPHY ASSESMENT

Both males and females make good trophies with males carrying heavier bases but on average shorter horns. It is difficult to distinguish between males and females, particularly at a distance or in thicker cover. The only way is to try and judge the base thickness and slenderness of the horns.

CITES

There are no restrictions to hunt Oryx (Gemsbuck)

Rowland Ward minimum - 40"

SCI minimum - 88"

WHERE TO HUNT

Gemsbuck are probably the antelope species that Namibia has the most of. South Africa produces very good hunting trophies up in the North with the North West Province and Limpopo Province being the most popular destinations. Grootpan Hunting Safaris hunt Gemsbuck in both these provinces.
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