Puku Hunting

African Puku

(Kobus vardonii)

Current all time records
SCI: Score 58 6/8 - Zambia, Kasonso - 6/91
Rowland Ward: Score 22 1/8 - Luangwa Vly., Zambia - 1985

Description: The coarse coat is a uniform golden brown in colour, with the underparts, including the underside of the tail, being slightly paler. The forehead area is generally darker than the body, while there are inconspicuous off-white areas around the eyes and lips. Around the edge of the ears is a fine black rim. The body is heavy with a level back, and the legs are somewhat shorter than the others in the genus Kobus and without any markings. The strongly ridged horns are found only in males. Less lyrate than those of the kob, they grow 45-53 cm / 18-21 inches long.

Other Common Names: Vardon's Kob

Size:

Range: Almost exclusively hunted in Zambia (when open), but also occurs in parts of Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zaire; May - November.

Natural History: Feeding activity of the Puku is generally limited to the early mornings and late afternoons, although this period may extend long after dark. The Puku is more adaptable in terms of habitat requirements than the Kob, and will inhabit areas of open woodland if conditions are suitable. During the rainy season, populations spread out on higher ground, descending to the margins of watercourses during the dry season. At this time, smaller groups may join together to form parties of 50 or more animals. When alarmed, the puku emits a shrill, repeated whistle. Solitary males hold territories throughout the year, and each attempts to induce a herd of females to remain on his patch of ground for as long as possible. These territories are spaced out over a considerable distance, and no lekking behavior has been recorded (as in the kob).

Hunting Characteristics: