Hunting

The following species are available for regulated hunting during the annual hunting season, which takes place from May to August, corresponding with the winter months in the region.

KUDU

Hunting a kudu in the Eastern Cape is a thrilling and memorable experience. Known as the “grey ghost” for its elusive nature, the kudu is a majestic antelope with striking spiral horns and a keen sense of hearing. It inhabits the dense valley bushveld and mountainous thickets of the region, using the rugged terrain and thick vegetation for cover.

The hunt demands patience, stealth, and endurance. Spot-and-stalk is the most common method, requiring hunters to glass from a distance and carefully approach on foot. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal, when the animals are most active. A good shot placement is essential due to the kudu’s size and strength.

The Eastern Cape’s diverse landscape adds to the challenge and beauty of the hunt, with panoramic views, rich birdlife, and the possibility of encountering other plains game. Hunting a kudu here is not just about the trophy, it’s about the experience, the respect for the animal, and the connection with nature.

ELAND

As the largest antelope in Africa, the eland is both powerful and surprisingly agile, capable of covering great distances across rugged terrain. These animals typically roam open grasslands, broken bushveld, and mountainous slopes, often in small herds.

Despite their size, Eland are incredibly wary and can be difficult to approach. Spot-and-stalk is the preferred technique, with hunters relying on binoculars to locate herds from a distance before beginning a careful and strategic approach. Their excellent eyesight and hearing demand a high level of stealth and patience.

A well-placed shot is crucial, as mature bulls can weigh over 900 kilograms. The hunt is physically demanding but deeply fulfilling, often requiring tracking over long distances and navigating varied landscapes. The Eastern Cape’s natural beauty, combined with the Eland’s impressive size and elusive nature, makes this hunt a true test of skill and endurance—an unforgettable adventure for any serious hunter.

GEMSBUCK

Known for its bold black-and-white facial markings and long, straight horns, the gemsbuck is a symbol of strength and resilience. It thrives in semi-arid regions, open plains, and rocky hillsides where it blends into the dry landscape with ease.

These antelope are highly alert and possess a strong survival instinct, making them a challenging quarry. Spot-and-stalk is the most effective method, often requiring long-range glassing followed by a careful approach. Their keen senses and preference for open terrain mean there is little room for error.

A gemsbuck hunt often involves long shots and tough conditions, with the animal’s robust frame demanding precise shot placement. The experience is as much about perseverance and strategy as it is about marksmanship.

With its dramatic landscape and varied terrain, Ferndale provides a perfect backdrop for pursuing this iconic plains game species, offering hunters not only a physical test but also a deep appreciation for the wild beauty of the region.

NYALA

Hunting a Nyala on Ferndale is a truly special experience. Known for their elegant spiral horns and rich chestnut coats marked with white stripes, nyala are among the most beautiful of Africa’s antelope species. They inhabit dense riverine bush, thickets, and forested valleys, where their shy and secretive nature makes them a challenging pursuit.

Unlike some other plains game, Nyala prefer thick cover and are often found near water sources, moving quietly through the shadows. Still hunting and careful spot-and-stalk are the most effective techniques, requiring patience, silence, and a sharp eye to spot their subtle movements in dense vegetation.

Hunts typically take place during the early morning or late afternoon when Nyala are more active. Because of their elusive behavior and the terrain they inhabit, close encounters are common, adding to the excitement and intensity of the hunt.

The Eastern Cape’s rugged beauty and rich biodiversity provide the perfect setting for this hunt. Tracking a Nyala here is a quiet, immersive experience, one that rewards not only skill but also a deep appreciation for the natural world.

IMPALA/ROOI BOK

Known for their graceful build, lyre-shaped horns, and agility, impala are among the most common and sought-after plains game species in southern Africa. They inhabit open savannas, bushveld, and the edges of woodlands, often found in large herds that rely on keen senses and speed to evade predators. Impala are alert and quick to flee at the first sign of danger, making stalking them a real test of patience and precision. Spot-and-stalk or ambush techniques near feeding areas and waterholes are the most effective. The hunter must move quietly, using the wind and terrain to stay undetected. Due to their speed and slender frame, shot placement is crucial. While not as physically demanding as larger species, the impala hunt requires focus and careful execution. The Eastern Cape’s diverse terrain and abundance of wildlife create the perfect environment for this exciting pursuit. Whether it’s your first hunt or part of a broader plains game adventure, harvesting an impala is a meaningful and memorable part of the African hunting experience.

FALLOW DEER

Hunting fallow deer on Ferndale offers a unique and captivating experience, blending European tradition with African wilderness. Originally introduced to the region, fallow deer have adapted well to the varied terrain, often found in open grasslands, rolling hills, and lightly wooded areas.

These deer are known for their distinctive palmated antlers, spotted coats, and graceful movements. They are cautious and alert, with excellent eyesight and hearing, making them a challenging quarry. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to hunt, as fallow deer are most active during these cooler periods.

Spot-and-stalk is the preferred method, requiring glassing from a distance followed by a quiet and strategic approach. Their skittish nature and tendency to flee at the slightest disturbance mean hunters must be patient and precise.

The hunt is often serene, taking place in scenic landscapes that offer panoramic views and the sounds of the bush. Taking a fallow deer in the Eastern Cape is not only a test of skill but also a chance to engage in a classic-style hunt in a uniquely African setting—an experience both challenging and rewarding.

MOUNTAIN REEDBUCK

Hunting mountain reedbuck in the Eastern Cape is a challenging and rewarding pursuit, set against the backdrop of steep hillsides and rugged mountain terrain. These agile antelope are smaller in size but incredibly wary, often found in rocky outcrops, grassy slopes, and high-altitude ridges where they rely on elevation and open vistas to detect danger from afar. Mountain reedbuck typically live in small groups and are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Spot-and-stalk is the primary hunting method, with hunters using optics to glass distant hillsides and then navigating tricky terrain to close the distance. The hunt often involves long, uphill walks and careful footwork, making it physically demanding but deeply satisfying. Despite their modest size, mountain reedbuck are quick and elusive, requiring accurate shot placement, often at long range, due to the open country they inhabit. Hunting them in the Eastern Cape offers not only the thrill of the chase but also the beauty of panoramic landscapes and the quiet solitude of the high country. It’s a true mountain hunt that tests endurance, precision, and fieldcraft.

DUIKER

Hunting a duiker on Ferndale is a true test of patience and sharp instincts. These small, shy antelope are known for their elusive behavior and preference for thick bush, forest edges, and dense undergrowth. With their low profile and quick, darting movements, duikers are aptly named, from the Afrikaans word duik, meaning “to dive.”

Duiker hunting is often opportunistic, as they are difficult to spot before they vanish into cover. Walk-and-stalk through suitable habitat or still-hunting near natural trails and waterholes are common techniques. Due to their secretive nature, close-range encounters are typical, making quick reactions and precise shooting essential.

Though small in size, hunting a duiker is no easy task. Their alertness and use of cover make them one of the more challenging species to pursue.

The experience is intimate and intense, unfolding in the quiet of the Eastern Cape’s thick bushveld. Successfully hunting a duiker is a rewarding achievement, often prized as part of a hunter’s quest for the smaller, more elusive African game.

STEENBOK

Hunting a steenbok in the Eastern Cape is a fast-paced and exciting challenge. This petite antelope, with its large ears and delicate frame, is known for its lightning-fast reflexes and solitary nature. Steenbok prefer open scrublands, grassy plains, and sparse bushveld, where they rely on their speed and camouflage to evade predators—and hunters. They are usually encountered alone and will often freeze momentarily before sprinting away in a zigzag pattern, making quick shot placement critical. Hunts are typically opportunistic, with spot-and-stalk or walk-and-stalk techniques being most effective. Sharp eyes and fast reflexes are essential, as sightings are often brief. Despite their small size, steenbok are extremely alert and difficult to approach, offering a rewarding challenge for hunters who value precision and patience. The Eastern Cape’s varied terrain and open landscapes provide the perfect setting for this classic plains game pursuit. Hunting a steenbok is not just about adding a species to the bag—it’s about testing your skills in a quick, instinctive hunt that leaves a lasting impression.

WARTHOG

Hunting a warthog is as entertaining as it is challenging. With their comically grumpy faces, wobbly tails, and habit of bolting off at full speed like they’re late for a very important meeting, warthogs provide a hunt full of surprises. Don’t let their looks fool you, they’re tough, clever, and quick on the hoof.

Warthogs prefer open savannas, grassy plains, and bushy areas near waterholes. They spend their days rooting around on their knees (literally), but the moment they sense danger, they’re gone in a flash, tail straight up like a little flag saying “I’m outta here!” Spot-and-stalk is the most common hunting method, often around water sources where they come to drink and wallow.

A well-placed shot is key, they’re resilient animals with a strong will to run. Despite their odd appearance, warthogs are worthy game and highly popular with hunters.