Sharpe's grysbuck hunting in South Africa

Sharpe’s Grysbuck is smaller than their Cape counterparts. These small, shy animals have rufous-red coarse hair with white flecks and can be easily confused with a Steenbuck from a distance. This dainty little antelope is classified by Safari Club International as a member of the “Pygmy Antelope” group of animals. Sharpe’s Grysbuck is mostly located in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains of the Mpumalanga Province, along the Soutpansberg and Limpopo Valley basin of the Limpopo province. These solitary animals are best-hunted walk and stalk style in the early morning or late afternoon when most likely to be active. They often give themselves away when scuttling across the loose stones on a hillside. They are territorial animals, so can also be hunted by finding a fresh actively used dung midden and waiting for the animal to return to mark its territory. They have been known to take refuge in Aardvark holes to avoid danger. Permits to hunt at night with a spotlight can be arranged through the nature conservation authorities, if necessary. In order to hunt a Sharpe’s Grysbuck a prearranged Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) permit is required. Both species of Grysbok are listed as species of least concern by the IUCN.