Black impala hunting in South Africa

Black Impala have been specifically bred by game ranchers and are not a subspecies. They are a melanistic colour phase of the Southern Impala. As the number of available trophy animals increases, so the trophy fee price continues to decrease on an annual basis. Black Impala are now available in many of the provinces in South Africa. In general, the trophy quality is not great but huge strides are being made to improve the genetic quality and horn length of these animals. Demand from hunters to hunt this species remains low with numerous hunting associations discouraging their members to hunt this species for ethical reasons and their interest to prevent contamination of the purebred species bloodlines. Numerous other colour phases and new colour phases are being promoted by outfitters and only time will tell how popular these colour phase animals will become. Black Impala can be hunted year-round and are classified as a Southern Impala and exported under the same conditions. No special or export permits are required to hunt this species.