Steenbok / Steinbok Hunting South Africa
Tiny, Charming Antelope of the Open Bushveld
About the Steenbok
The steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) is a tiny, elegant antelope weighing just 7 to 16 kilograms and standing approximately 45 to 60 centimetres at the shoulder. Their rich rufous-brown coat is smooth and glossy, with pure white underparts and a distinctive white patch above each eye. Their large, rounded ears edged with dark colouration give them an alert, almost comical appearance that has earned them a devoted following among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Only rams carry horns — short, sharp, smooth spikes that grow straight up from the skull. Horns typically measure 7 to 13 centimetres. Steenbok are solitary or found in monogamous pairs, each occupying a small territory that they defend through scent marking.
Steenbok favour open grassland and lightly wooded savanna, where they feed on low-growing herbs, grasses, and browse. Their primary defence strategy is to freeze and rely on camouflage, only bolting at the last moment in a zigzagging sprint to thick cover. This freeze-then-flush behaviour is what makes them both challenging and rewarding to hunt.
Steenbok Hunting Methods — Spot and Stalk & Walk and Flush
Steenbok hunting is almost exclusively opportunistic:
- Opportunistic encounters on foot: The most common way to encounter a steenbok is while walking through open bushveld during a plains game hunt. The tiny antelope will often freeze in short grass or behind a small bush, becoming virtually invisible until you are almost on top of it. Once it flushes, you have only seconds to identify it as a ram, shoulder the rifle, and make a shot.
- Driving between areas: Steenbok are frequently spotted at road edges and clearings during early morning and late afternoon drives. Slowing down near suitable habitat increases sighting opportunities.
- Glassing open areas: With patience and good binoculars, steenbok can sometimes be spotted standing or feeding in short grass at moderate distances. This allows time for a planned approach and a steadier shot.
The challenge with steenbok is not finding them — they are common — but making a clean shot on a tiny, fast-moving target that rarely offers more than a few seconds of opportunity.
What Is a Trophy Steenbok? — Rowland Ward & SCI Standards
Steenbok trophies are measured by horn length. A good trophy ram will have horns of 10 centimetres or more, with horns over 12 centimetres being excellent. Only rams carry horns, and confirming horn presence on a fleeing steenbok at close range requires quick eyes and experience.
Full-body mounts are the most popular option and beautifully showcase this charming little antelope
Steenbok trophies are assessed on horn length by the major record books. The Rowland Ward minimum is 3¾ inches (9.5 cm); the world record stands at 6⅝ inches. The SCI minimum is 14 points (both horns combined); the SCI world record is 21 points.
‘s proportions and colouration. They display wonderfully alongside other tiny antelope species such as duiker and klipspringer. Shoulder mounts are also common and require very little wall space.
Current steenbok trophy fees are listed on our South Africa Trophy Price List. Steenbok is one of the most affordable and accessible species on a Limpopo plains game safari.
Steenbok Shot Placement — Tiny Vital Zone, Maximum Precision
For a visual overview of shot placement across all species, see our South Africa Shot Placement Guide. On such a small animal, shot placement must be extremely precise. The recommended aiming point is directly behind the front shoulder, one-third of the way up from the belly line. On a steenbok, this is a target area of only a few centimetres — the margin for error is minimal.
Recommended calibers are .22 centrefire (such as .223 Remington or .22-250) up to .243 Winchester. These calibers offer the accuracy and low recoil needed for precise shooting on a very small target. Heavier calibers used for plains game can result in excessive damage to this tiny animal. If you are carrying a larger rifle, consider passing on the shot unless conditions are ideal.
Best Time to Hunt Steenbok in South Africa
Steenbok can be hunted year-round in Limpopo. The dry winter months from May through September offer the best conditions — reduced vegetation in the open scrubland and mixed bush they favour makes spotting and approaching these small, shy animals much easier. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, when steenbok are active and feeding.
Steenbok hunting is typically an opportunistic addition to a broader plains game safari. Combine with impala, common duiker, or warthog for a well-rounded Limpopo plains game programme. Browse our hunting packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell a steenbok ram from a ewe?
Only rams carry horns, but on a fleeing steenbok, confirming horn presence is challenging. With practice, you can learn to spot the short spikes silhouetted against the sky as the animal runs. Your professional hunter at Gaspare Spanio Safaris will help with identification and will only allow a shot at a confirmed ram.
Is steenbok good eating?
Yes. Steenbok, like most small antelope, has tender, delicate meat that is excellent braised or grilled. A steenbok provides only a small amount of meat, but it is prized for its flavour and is a treat around the safari campfire.
Can I hunt steenbok with a bow?
Bow hunting steenbok is legal but extremely challenging due to the small size and the typically fleeting nature of encounters. If you are an experienced bow hunter interested in this challenge, discuss it with your professional hunter when planning your safari at Gaspare Spanio Safaris. Close-range ambush situations near water or feeding areas offer the best bow hunting opportunities.
Hunters who pursue Steenbok also enjoy these species:
- Duiker Hunting South Africa
- Klipspringer Hunting South Africa
- Springbok Hunting South Africa
- Impala Hunting South Africa
View all huntable species at Gaspare Spanio Safaris.
Test your marksmanship on one of Africa’s tiniest trophies. Contact Gaspare Spanio Safaris to plan your plains game safari in Limpopo, where a steenbok encounter is always a possibility and always a thrill.
