Damaraland Dik-Dik hunting in Namibia

The diminutive Damara Dik-dik is easily identifiable by its pointed snout otherwise it could be confused with some of the smaller Duiker species and even has a tuft of hair protruding from their forehead, as do many of the duikers. They are hunted by specialist collectors and form part of the Pygmy Antelope or “Tiny Ten” group. Damara Dik-dik are an endemic species only occurring in the countries of Angola and Namibia but can only be hunted in Namibia. They occur in the Northern Regions of the country and exclusively found on rocky soils. The best place to hunt Damara Dik-dik is just south of Etosha National Park. Damara Dik-dik are shy territorial non water dependent species and very active during the cover of darkness at night. They are best hunted by taking a very slow cautious walk through a Dik-dik’s territory in the early morning or late afternoon. Dik-dik are highly territorial and mark their territories with strategically placed dung middens. Another option is to sit in ambush waiting for a Damara Dik-dik to visit one of its recently used dung middens. Safari Club International classifies the Damara Dik-dik as a subspecies of Kirk’s Dik-dik which can be hunted in central Tanzania. They are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required.