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    Hunting The Lichtenstein Hartebeest

    Hunting The Lichtenstein Hartebeest

    The Lichtenstein Hartebeest is a Diurnal Grazer Best Hunted at Dusk or Dawn

    The Lichtenstein Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus lichtensteinii) is one of the many sub-species of hartebeest antelope found when game hunting in Africa. They are native to the grassy floodplain and woodland areas of Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia; as well as South Africa and Zimbabwe.

    They graze on perennial grasses and are active in the early mornings and late afternoons.

    Lichtenstein herds usually number 5–15, consisting of one bull, females, and calves. Males mark their territories by digging up soil borders around the area and creating dung piles. Their mating season is influenced by food and water supply and runs throughout the year. The female gestates for around 240 days and births a single calf that will wean by four months. Young bulls remain with their mother for 2.5 years before leaving the herd.

    The Lichtenstein, like many other Africa plains game, falls prey to the predatory big cats of Africa, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and the Cape hunting dog.

    AT A GLANCE

    Name:
    Alcelaphus Buselaphus Lichtensteinii

    Weight:
    440 pounds

    Shoulder Height:
    4 feet

    Range:
    Eastern and Southern Africa

    Mating Season:
    Throughout the year

    Life span:
    11–20 years

    Hunting The Lichtenstein Hartebeest

    The Lichtenstein Hartebeest has beautiful hides that make them a popular target with game hunters worldwide.

    Size and Appearance

    Both males and females measure around 4 feet tall, with bulls weighing up to or over 440 pounds and cows weighing under 400 pounds. They are reddish-brown with a lighter belly and horns reaching 18–28 inches in length. Their horns appear “S” shaped from the side and “O” shaped from the front.

    Hunting Methods

    The Lichtenstein is a popular African safari hunting target due to their colorful hides and being able to yield up to 175 pounds in meat from the carcass. These animals are active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk, gathering in herds to graze while the bull stands guard. They will sometimes graze amongst wildebeest and impala. But due to their territorial nature, there is usually no overlapping of Lichtenstein herds. The Lichtenstein have very good eyesight but a poor sense of smell, and like other hartebeest species, they are generally calm. When spooked, they are known to take off in a single file run and can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour. As is the case with hunting wild animals, hunting the Lichtenstein requires patience and waiting for the best opportunity. This often relies on the Lichtenstein’s curious nature, as even when fleeing danger they are known to stop and survey their surrounding area to see if danger is still imminent. A good tactic for this situation is to hunt from higher ground.

    Challenges and Rewards

    Hunting wild animals on the African continent takes guts, determination, patience, and tenacity, especially if the Lichetenstein hartebeest is your target! They are popular targets but provide the hunter with a challenge as they can inhabit a variety of landscapes and the hunter must be prepared to meet them where they are at, whether it be open plains, tall grasses, or woodlands. But, there is no doubt your game hunting safari will be a memorable experience, especially if you’re lucky enough to see your hunt through to the ultimate goal.

    Rifles and Requirements

    Hunting Lichenburg hartebeest in Africa will require a good flat shooting rifle fitted with good quality optics. A .270 caliber shooting 130 expanding bullets is considered to be the minimum requirements. Lichtenberg hartebeest are best hunted with .30 caliber rifles shooting a minimum of 180 grains. This combination will get the job done. Lichtenburg hartebeest are tough African antelope and shot placement is critical to ensure a successful hunt

    MASTERING SHOT PLACEMENT FOR MEDIUM ANTELOPE

     

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