Grey duiker hunting is a great choice for the avid antelope hunter looking for a tough hunt, and many others choose to hunt them after bagging their primary quarry or take them as targets of opportunity while pursuing other game. This small, slender creature is a worthwhile trophy and makes for an attractive and affordable full-body mount.
The Quarry
Grey Duiker Hunting
The grey duiker is also known as the common duiker, and for good reason: they can be found virtually anywhere in Africa below the Sahara desert. They prefer scrub, brush, and savanna woodlands for their territory.
Grey duiker can range from grey to reddish in coloration. They are marked with a long black stripe running from nose to forehead, and have white or lightly-colored under parts. They have a large black preorbital gland that is plain to see. During flight they move with a distinctive jumping pattern that looks as if they are diving, hence the name—“duiker” is Dutch for “diver.”
Part of the reason for their wide range and survivability is their extremely varied diet; while they are normally herbivorous browsers, they won’t hesitate to scavenge, and they do well as full-fledged predators of small birds and mammals. They get most of the water they need from food and can go for long periods of time without drinking.
They are extremely small animals, usually standing about 20 inches tall and weighing around 40 pounds. Females are slightly larger than males.
Only males carry horns, something that sets the subspecies apart from most other duikers. Look for horns that grow beyond the ends of the ears; these will be over four inches long and mean you’ve found a trophy-quality animal.
The Hunt
Grey duiker hunting is very difficult when they are hunted intentionally rather than as targets of opportunity: they are very small, extremely wary, blend in with their surroundings, and are almost always found in dense cover. When they are encountered, it’s usually at close range with only a partial view through the brush.
If the duiker notices you during your approach, you may have a brief window of opportunity to appraise the trophy and take aim, as they do tend to freeze before running. However, you may well need to take your shot on a moving target.
Any rifle from a .223 upwards should do the trick for bringing him down, but anything bigger than a .375 is generally considered overkill. Shotguns are also a good choice for these close encounters.
Call Global Sporting Safaris today at 888-850-4868, Extension 701 and let us know what type of duiker hunting experience you are looking for. We’ll send you information on opportunities that match your goals. Our experienced outfitters are second to none and we’re happy to share personal experiences with you.
