Sitatunga hunting
View 8 hunts View all hunts8 hunting trips from 4 outfitters starting from $13,150
Where to hunt Sitatunga
Sitatunga, a swamp dwelling-antelope is closely related to the Kudu, Nyala and Bushbuck. Its distribution is limited to the swampy and marshy habitats of central Africa. Hunting records split the species into four groups: 1. The Forest Sitatunga which is hunted in Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR) 2. The Island Sitatunga of the Ssese Islands of Uganda 3. The East African Sitatunga of Western Tanzania and Uganda 4. The Zambezi Sitatunga of Zambia also formerly hunted in the Okavango Delta of Botswana.
Countries
Price distribution
Normally hunted by a select few. Usually, these hunts are combined with a few other specialist species. In Tanzania, you are required to buy a 21-day hunting license which includes a Sitatunga. The shortest duration hunt available for Sitatunga is 10 days with a daily rate of $2,500 and a trophy fee of $7,000. In Zambia, the same 10-day hunt will cost $950 per day with a trophy fee of $5,500. Numerous combo package deals are also available which include some or all of the following: Buffalo, Black Lechwe, Tsessebe and Oribi ranging from $22,600 - 29,200
When to hunt Sitatunga?
The best time to hunt Sitatunga is the driest time of the year when the marshy areas start to dry out and the Sitatunga are more concentrated in the remaining areas. The official hunting season in Zambia starts in May and runs to the end of November with the back end of the season being the best Sitatunga hunting. The same goes for Tanzania. Their hunting season is from 1 July to 31 December.
Hunting methods
As with most antelope species they are most active at dawn and dusk. During the day they disappear into the papyrus reedbeds and only breaking cover to feed. The best is to try to pattern an animal and then build a blind or high stand overlooking the area where the animal has been spotted. If you are stalking a Sitatunga from a boat you need a small non-motorised craft like a dugout (native wooden canoe) that can be silently poled like a gondola through the reeds to make a silent approach.
Why hunt Sitatunga?
Also known as a “Marshbuck’, this must be one of the most secretive, under-studied antelope in Africa. This and Bongo hunting are probably Africa’s two most challenging hunts. Having elongated, splayed hooves this animal is well adapted to its aquatic habitat. When disturbed they are likely to dive into deep water and disappear with only their nostrils above the water surface. For the same reason, you do not want to wound a Sitatunga as you are likely to lose the animal in this watery undergrowth. If you are a spiral horn collector, this species is a must-have in your collection. They make great shoulder and full mounts.
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