Common reedbuck hunting in Zimbabwe

Common Reedbuck (Southern Reedbuck) is the largest of the Reedbuck species and have a fine almost woolly coat. This species in many ways epitomises a White-tailed Deer in both colour, size and habits. Only the males have heavily rigged forward curving horns. Common Reedbuck are found mainly in the central grassland regions of the country and are absent from the Zambezi Valley and Southern Lowveld. Common Reedbuck mostly feed at night and rest up during the day making them a difficult species to hunt during the day. It almost seems like the full moon phase with increased lighting allows them to find food easier and with a full belly spend the bulk of the day lying up in long grass. They communicate and also use a loud whistling noise as an alarm call. Common Reedbuck is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN and no special hunting permits are required. They are especially attracted to green agricultural crops during the winter months and their venison is reputed as some of the finest-tasting meat in Africa.