Mountain Reedbuck Hunting South Africa
Mountain Reedbuck on Grassy Hillsides
About the Mountain Reedbuck
The mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) is a graceful, medium-small antelope weighing between 20 and 35 kilograms. They stand approximately 70 to 75 centimetres at the shoulder. Their woolly, grey-brown coat with a reddish tinge provides good camouflage against the grassy hillsides they inhabit. A distinctive feature is the round, dark glandular patch below each ear.
Only rams carry horns — short, sturdy, and characteristically curved forward at the tips. This forward curve makes mountain reedbuck horns instantly recognisable and distinguishes them from the related southern reedbuck. The horns have prominent ridging for approximately two-thirds of their length.
Mountain reedbuck are found on grassy mountain slopes, rocky hillsides, and koppies at elevations where grassland meets rocky terrain. They feed on grasses and herbs and are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. When disturbed, they flee uphill with a distinctive rocking-horse gait, often pausing to look back — a behaviour that can offer a second shot opportunity.
Mountain Reedbuck Hunting Methods — Rocky Terrain & Stalking
Mountain reedbuck hunting involves covering hilly terrain and making accurate shots at moderate distances:
- Glassing hillsides: The primary method involves scanning grassy slopes and rocky outcrops with binoculars during the early morning when reedbuck are actively feeding. Their grey-brown coats blend well with dry grass, but their movement while feeding often gives them away.
- Uphill stalking: Once a ram is located, the stalk typically involves climbing to the animal’s elevation or working around to approach from above. Mountain reedbuck prefer to flee uphill, so approaching from above can be advantageous.
- Using the pause: When flushed, mountain reedbuck characteristically stop and look back after running a short distance. An alert hunter can use this behaviour to take a standing shot at a stationary animal.
Shots are typically between 100 and 250 metres, and the hilly terrain often means shooting at awkward angles — uphill or downhill. A good understanding of how angle affects bullet point of impact is important.
What Is a Trophy Mountain Reedbuck? — Rowland Ward & SCI Standards
Mountain reedbuck trophies are measured by horn length, with a good trophy measuring 15 to 20 centimetres. The SCI minimum score is 14 inches and the Rowland Ward minimum is 6 inches. The distinctive forward-curving horns are the hallmark of this species and make it immediately identifiable in any trophy collection.
Shoulder mounts are the most popular option and beautifully display the forward-curved horns and the species’ alert, graceful expression. Full-body mounts are also attractive, particularly in a running or alert pose that captures the mountain reedbuck’s characteristic posture.
Current mountain reedbuck trophy fees are listed on our South Africa Trophy Price List.
Mountain Reedbuck Shot Placement — Angled Shots on Steep Terrain
For a visual overview of shot placement across all species, see our South Africa Shot Placement Guide. Standard broadside shot placement applies — aim directly behind the front shoulder, one-third of the way up from the belly line, to place the bullet through the heart and lungs. Because of the hilly terrain, many shots are taken at uphill or downhill angles. When shooting uphill, aim slightly lower than normal; when shooting downhill, also aim slightly lower — the effective range (horizontal distance) is shorter than the actual distance to the target.
Recommended calibers are .243 Winchester through .270 Winchester. These flat-shooting calibers provide the accuracy and energy needed for medium-range shooting in mountainous terrain. The .243 is ideal for dedicated small antelope hunting, while the .270 is a good choice if you are also hunting larger plains game on the same safari.
Best Time to Hunt Mountain Reedbuck in South Africa
Mountain reedbuck can be hunted year-round in Limpopo, but the dry winter months from May through September are most productive. Rocky hillsides are more accessible when dry, and reduced vegetation makes spotting rams on cliff faces and boulder fields significantly easier. Early morning is the best hunting period, when rams are active and visible before retreating to shade on hot days.
Mountain reedbuck hunting pairs well with kudu and klipspringer for a varied Limpopo hill and rocky terrain combination. Browse our hunting packages for options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be for a mountain reedbuck hunt?
A reasonable level of fitness is helpful, as mountain reedbuck hunting involves walking over hilly terrain, sometimes climbing koppies and navigating steep grassland slopes. However, the terrain at Gaspare Spanio Safaris is manageable for most hunters, and your professional hunter will plan approaches that suit your fitness level.
What is the best time of day to hunt mountain reedbuck?
Early morning is the best time. Mountain reedbuck are most active and visible during the first two to three hours after sunrise when they feed on exposed grassy slopes. They tend to rest in thicker cover or among rocks during the heat of the day, becoming active again in the late afternoon.
Can I combine mountain reedbuck with other species?
Absolutely. Mountain reedbuck hunting combines very well with klipspringer — both species inhabit hilly terrain and can often be hunted in the same area on the same day. Adding impala, kudu, warthog, and other bushveld species makes for a diverse and rewarding safari package at Gaspare Spanio Safaris.
Hunters who pursue Mountain Reedbuck also enjoy these species:
- Klipspringer Hunting South Africa
- Blesbok Hunting South Africa
- Duiker Hunting South Africa
- Steenbok Hunting South Africa
View all huntable species at Gaspare Spanio Safaris.
Challenge yourself on the beautiful hillsides of Limpopo. Contact Gaspare Spanio Safaris to add mountain reedbuck to your South African hunting safari and enjoy some of the most scenic hunting terrain in the bushveld.
