Tsessebe Hunting

Tsessebe and the subspecies, topi, korrigum and tiang are plains antelope which look like smaller, darker hartebeest. They are also related to the blesbok and bontebok.

Where To Hunt A Tsessebe/Topi/Korrigum/Tiang

For hunters who may want to collect the different Damaliscus antelope, there are now 5 accepted subspecies...

The Common Tsessebe, Damaliscus lunatus can be hunted in north-east South Africa, western Zambia, north-east Namibia and Zimbabwe. However in 2003 it was determined that the isolated population of tsessebes of the Bangweulu Flats of in north-eastern Zambia were a new subspecies, Damaliscus lunatus superstes or the Bangweulu Tsessebe. They do occur in northern Botswana but are not huntable there any longer.

You would be hard-pressed to see the difference between these tsessebes but the Bangweulu tsessebe may be a slightly darker with slightly larger horns. SCI and RW consider all tsessebes in the same record category.

The Topi Damaliscus lunatus jimela is found in fragmented populations in southern Uganda and southern and eastern Kenya where it is not huntable. In northern and western Tanzania, the topi may be hunted on a 10, 14 and 21 day licence.

The Korrigum, Damaliscus lunatus korrigum, occurs in small isolated populations in the northern Benin/southern Burkina Faso region where they may not be hunted. They may only be hunted on a Group A savanna hunt in 2 separate areas of northern Cameroon and in northern CAR and southern Chad. Being the largest in the Damaliscus family, the korrigum frequently goes by the name of 'Giant Topi' or 'tsessebe' on trophy lists.

The Tiang, Damaliscus lunatus tiang, occur in Southern Sudan and may be hunted in south-western Ethiopia.

Tsessebe Hunting Prices (For Informative Use Only)

• In South Africa, the tsessebe is a TOPS animal that requires a special permit to be issued before the hunt in the client's name. Trophy fees for tsessebe start around US$2500, going up to US$3970.
• In Zambia the Bangweulu tsessebe is commonly included in hunt extension packages to the Bangweulu area, along with the lechwe and sitatunga. Any tsessebe hunted elsewhere in Zambia is technically a common tsessebe but there is no distinction made on trophy lists where the fees range from US$1600 to US$3000.
• In Zimbabwe the tsessebe trophy fee starts at about US$800 and goes up to US$2750.
• In Namibia, free-range tsessebes may be hunted in the Caprivi region. However, they have found there way on to some game ranches where the trophy fee is between US$3350 and US$4950.
• In Tanzania, the Government trophy fee for a topi is US$800, so with added Community Development/anti-poaching fees, the full trophy fee is between US$950 and US$1900.
• In Cameroon, the korrigum or giant topi has a trophy fee of 3000 Euros.
• In Ethiopia, the tiang trophy fee is between US$400 and US$1100.

Tsessebe Hunting Methods

• Walking and stalking the likely tsessebe habitats which are usually fairly open areas where they gather in herds. They are reputed to be the fastest running antelope but like their cousins the hartebeest, curiosity often gets the better of them - they may stop and look back, which is your chance of a shot.

A Good Tsessebe/Topi/Korrigum/Tiang Trophy

• Horn length, thick bases and symmetry will all go to make a good trophy. Evaluate from the side and front if possible.

Tsessebe Hunting Shot Placement

• Tsessebe antelope shot placement is similar to other antelope plains game species.
• Watch out for the humped withers when hunting a tsessebe, as they may lead you to shoot too high.
• African Hunter Shot Placement Pocket Field Guide for tsessebe

Tsessebe Habitat And Requirements

• The tsessebe and the Damaliscus subspecies all prefer the medium-high grasslands, floodplains and fields.
• If the grazing is fresh and green, they are not particularly water-dependent.

Tsessebe Social Structure

• Tsessebe are found in all types of herd arrangements from family units, large migratory congregations, bachelor herds and high density breeding groups.

Tsessebe Gestation Period

• After a gestation period of around 8 months, one offspring is born.

Tsessebe Gender Identification

• Male tsessebe are a darker brown colour than females.
• Both sexes have horns.
• Horn thickness and heavy bases are indicators of a male tsessebe.
  Females can have just as long horns but they are generally thinner.

Tsessebe Trophy Taxidermy

Tsessebe and the other Damiliscus antelope horns are not particularly impressive. However, their skin has the most beautiful iridescent purple sheen which seems to change colour depending on the light and would make an unusual rug.

So What About The Name?

• The names 'tsessebe', 'topi', 'korrigum' and 'tiang' came from the local African names for these animals.
• The scientific name Damaliscus comes from the Greek for 'little bullock' and lunatus is latin for cresecent, referring to the horn shape possibly.

HUNTING OTHER AFRICAN ANIMALS

Big Five Hunting

• African Buffalo
• African Lion
• African Leopard
• African Elephant
• Rhino

Waterside Hunting

• Hippo
• Crocodile

Other Plains Game Hunting

• Giraffe
• Zebra

Spiral Horned Antelope Hunting

• Bushbuck
• Kudu
• Nyala
• Mountain Nyala
• Sitatunga
• Bongo
• Eland

Large Antelope Hunting

• Sable
• Roan
• Waterbuck
• Kob
• Lechwe
• Oryx / Gemsbuck
• Wildebeest
• Hartebeest
• Tsessebe / Topi

Medium Antelope Hunting

• Blesbok
• Bontebok
• Reedbuck
• Impala
• Gerenuk
• Springbok
• Rhebok
• Puku

Small Antelope Hunting

• Gazelle
• Duiker
• Dik-Dik
• Steinbok
• Grysbok
• Oribi
• Klipspringer
• Suni
• Bate's Pygmy Antelope

African Pig Hunting

• Warthog
• Bushpig
• Forest Hogs

Other Cat Hunting

• Cheetah
• Serval
• Caracal
• African Wildcat

Animals Of Opportunity

• Baboon
• Civet
• Genet
• Honey Badger (Ratel)
• Hyena
• Jackal
• Ostrich
• Porcupine
• African Fox
• Monkey