Bates's Pygmy Antelope hunting
2 hunting trips from 1 outfitter starting from $40,150
Where to hunt Bates's Pygmy Antelope
Bates’s Pygmy Antelope, also known as the Dwarf Antelope, is the second smallest antelope found in Africa. Their distribution ranges across the rainforests of west and central Africa, more specifically Nigeria, northern Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic (CAR) and south eastern Cameroon. They may only be hunted in the Cameroon and BookYourHunt currently only has one outfitter offering this species along with the numerous forest duikers and speciality animals.
Price distribution
Cameroon offers the greatest variety of rainforest huntable species, however most hunters add Bates’ Pygmy Antelope to their trophy wish list during an 8 -15 day package hunt which normally includes Bongo and Forest Buffalo and/or Sitatunga. The additional trophy fee will cost approximately $450. This also excludes a hunting/license fee of €1600 per hunter. Prices for these hunts are often quoted in Euro.
When to hunt Bates's Pygmy Antelope?
In the forested territories of the Cameroon the season runs from March 1 until the end of July. The best months for hunting Bates’ Pygmy Antelope are the dry months of April to June although their preferred habitat in the Cameroon is dense rainforest. Although active day and night, they are best hunted at dawn or dusk when they are likely to be found feeding along the forest margins.
Hunting methods
The two most used hunting methods are to find a fresh dung and wait patiently for the rabbit size animal to return to its marking posts. The alternate and most commonly used method is to hunt along riverine forest margins or logging roads. It is virtually impossible to hunt in the dense, wet, dark and extremely humid forests. This can be one of the most uncomfortable hunts to endure.
Why hunt Bates's Pygmy Antelope?
A tough hunt requiring a great deal of discomfort and patience, but as previously mentioned, it can be the most gratifying moment to successfully hunt one of these little antelopes, along with the forest duikers. Not many hunters have achieved this feat and most will not even try, so you will end up with a very special unknown trophy. Owing to their size, Bates’ Pygmy Antelope make fantastic full mounts especially when mounted with a little bit of habitat. Just keeping a skull mount does this tough hunt no justice.
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