Springbok hunting in South Africa

The Springbuck is South Africa’s national emblem, and the only true gazelle found in Southern Africa. It derives its name from the Afrikaans word meaning jumping buck, from its unique behavioural trait to bounce up and down on all fours, called “pronking”. Famed for their mass migrations, these animals are now limited to the National Parks and fenced privately owned land of the central and arid western portion of the country. The Common Springbuck, Black, White and Copper Springbuck make up what is known as the Grand Slam of Springbuck. The Limpopo Springbuck, a species adapted to survive “Heartwater”(a local tick borne disease) is only found in the Limpopo Province. The Kalahari Springbuck, a native of the Kalahari Desert in the Northern Cape Province is a much sought after trophy due to their superior horn length and mass compared to the Common Springbuck. Springbuck herds are typically found in open arid plains that make for tough stalking conditions which often leads to the hunter taking a long shot at a small animal therefore requiring some accurate shooting. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required.