Chasing the Tiny Ten

When you think Hunting Africa your mind immediately takes you to big 5 dangerous game like buffalo and lion. Besides the wide diversity of species available for hunting, Africa is home to some of the more intricate animals that form part of the tiny ten.

Hunting the tiny ten has got to be one of the most challenging hunts there is to do in Africa and often requires a few trips to the dark content to complete this challenging task.

What to know about hunting the Tiny 10

Suggested rifle usage will be a low calibre or a shotgun

One thing about hunting the tiny ten is that it affords you the opportunity to see the different corners of Southern Africa that you will not typically experience when you are based at one specific lodge.

You could be in the flat savannah areas hunting steenbuck and duiker, to the forestry areas that hold the elusive red and blue duikers.

Bare in mind that there are a few permits that are required for certain animals.

The animals that form part of this elusive tiny ten are as follows.

Klipspringer

Klippies are small versatile animals. They got there name from a German zoologist in the early 1700’s and the name
directly translated means Rock Jumper. Reaching a shoulder height of 17-23 inches, the klipspringer has made its
home in the cliff faces of the Southern and Eastern Parts of South Africa. Interesting fact about the Klippie is that its hair follicles are hollow therefore trophy care is extremely important.

Steenbuck

Standing shoulder height of 16-24 inches the steenbuck is the more popular species of the tiny ten. Its habitat stretches across southern Africa and often gets hunted from opportunity or during dusk and dawn.

Common Duiker

Commonly known as the grey Duiker, it stands a height of 20 inches. Often solitary animals or known to travel in pairs the grey duiker is a challenging hunt. Some techniques include sitting over a hay field or along green river beds. Found across the Southern tip.

Red & Blue Duiker

The blue and red Duiker form part of the 22 subspecies of the duiker family. Being situated across the coastal areas, these little guys make for either patient hunting or quick thinking. Some of the techniques include sitting and waiting from a blind over a certain area or chasing with bush dogs and driven hunt style.

Suni

Standing at a height of 13-15 inches, the suni is on of the more challenging hunts. Based along the coastal routes, the Suni is often one of the last species of the tiny ten to be hunted. Hunting the suni requires a permit, so be sure to request this well in advance.

Sharps & Cape Grys Buck

The two different grys buck can be found on the opposite ends of South Africa. Cape Grys buck is commonly found in the southern parts, while the sharps is located towards the northern areas. The two are nocturnal animals and require great skill to hunt them.

Dik-Dik

Dik-Dik will take your journey to the Namibian area. Elusive and skittish, the Dik-Dik will be hunted as the opportunity
presents itself. 19-27 inches the Dik-Dik is the larger one of the 10 species.

Oribi

One of the greatest conservation success stories – thanks to the hunting dollar – is the Oribi. With numbers dwindling in the late 1900’s, careful management and protection saw their numbers built up. With a scarce permit required, the Oribi is a sought-after trophy for any collector.