Forest sitatunga hunting in Cameroon

Forest Sitatunga, also known as ‘Marshbuck’ are larger in the body than their southern swamp cousins. They are also darker in colour with distinct white stripes and a white dorsal ridge running along the spine. These animals have splayed hooves, an adaptation to the aquatic habitats that they frequent. Only the males have horns. As the name suggests, Forest Sitatunga are only huntable in the forested areas of Cameroon. Forest Sitatunga are best hunted from “machans” (raised platforms) overlooking the swampy glades found in the forest clearings. Alternatively, Pygmy trackers are used in locating a suitable animal and then the dogs are released to bay the animal giving the hunter time to close in and take a shot. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special export permits are required. A prepaid hunting license must be prearranged before hunting this species.