Lash Le Roux Safaris

Part 2: African Hunting Terrain

Much time can be spent on the hunting terrain a hunter might encounter in Africa. However, for the purposes of this article it is necessary only to provide enough information so that the hunter is in a position to make an informed choice regarding the hunting rifle/calibre to be used when hunting in different terrain.

Africa is huge and thus comprises a myriad of different hunting terrain. We will only focus on the following:

· Bushveld – in various parts of Africa the hunter will encounter bush areas. Usually hunting in these areas is at short distances, below 120 meters. Dangerous game such as African Buffalo might even be encountered at less than 20 paces in dense Mopanie Bushveld. Heavy bullets and low velocity calibres are applicable in these areas.

· Mountain areas – hunting in these areas where shooting can be done at short or long distances the hunter needs fast heavy premium spitzer bullets.

· Open plains – hunting for instance in the Kalahari and Karoo areas of South Africa hunting can take place over distances of up to 400 meters.

Even large game like Eland is often hunted over long distances where the hunter requires heavy bullets with a good ballistic co-efficient. However using the same bullet on a Springbuck at shorter distances will have such a destructive effect that no meat will be left to use especially from a frontal shot. Using the same calibre and bullet in the bush will cause the bullet to break up and the spattered fragments will leave a big open wound while the animal normally runs away limping and dies far away much later.

Hunters therefore have to use different calibres that suits the area where hunting as well as the animal being hunted.

Article Courtesy: Roy Coetser