You will probably see a duiker of some description wherever you hunt in Africa. You need to be quick to get a shot as they don't hang around for long before streaking off into the thick bush.
Duikers are generally small antelopes that can be divided into 2 groups - those that inhabit African rainforests; of the Cephalophus type and those who inhabit savanna bush areas, the Sylvicapra duikers. The smallest duiker is the blue duiker and the largest is commonly said to be the yellow-backed duiker but some say the Jentink's duiker is actually bigger.
Duikers have low-slung bodies on slender legs, wedge-shaped heads topped by a crest of long hair and relatively large eyes.
Only the huntable duikers are considered here in detail, though there are many more...
Where To Hunt Duiker & Duiker Hunt Prices
Duikers are usually hunted as and when the opportunity arises while hunting something else. They are popularly hunted on southern African plains game hunts.
However, if you think you have the makings of a mad keen duiker hunter and want to hunt the widest variety of them on one trip, head to the rainforests of west and central Africa.
Hunting Duikers In Benin
- The rainforest regions of Benin are home to quite a few duikers (Maxwell's, yellow-backed, bay and the latest 2011 discovery, Walter's duiker). The black duiker which was present in Benin, seems to have become locally extinct.
- Now, the only huntable duikers in Benin are the red-flanked duiker and the western bush duiker, both of which prefer light savanna woodlands.
- In Benin, most of the trophy fees are quoted in Euros. The red-flanked duiker has a trophy fee of around 600 Euros and the western bush duiker will be around 300 Euros.