Quick Answer
To track kudu after a shot in the bushveld, start by finding the entry and exit wound on the hide, then follow the blood trail and look for signs of disturbance such as crushed vegetation and footprints. Move slowly and quietly to avoid spooking other animals. If you lose the track, use the time of day and the direction of the sun to re-orient yourself.
Reading the Track
When tracking kudu, it’s essential to understand the anatomy of the animal. The heart is located near the shoulder, and the lungs are situated near the ribcage. A well-placed shot should result in a clean kill, but if you miss, the wound can be difficult to track. Look for the entry and exit wound on the hide, which can be about 6-8 inches apart. The entry wound will be smaller and more compact, while the exit wound will be larger and more ragged.
Following the Blood Trail
Once you’ve located the entry and exit wound, follow the blood trail to track the kudu. The blood trail can be more visible in areas with sparse vegetation, such as rocky outcrops or sandy patches. Move slowly and quietly to avoid spooking other animals, and use your binoculars to scan the surrounding area for signs of the kudu. Take note of any crushed vegetation, broken branches, or disturbed leaves, which can indicate the direction the kudu is moving.
Judging the Trophy
When tracking a kudu, keep an eye out for the distinctive spiral horns, which can grow up to 6 feet long in trophy bucks. To judge the size of the horns, use a measuring tape or a yardstick to measure the circumference of the horn at the base. A good rule of thumb is to look for horns with a circumference of at least 45 inches to consider them a trophy. When judging the trophy, also consider the size and quality of the hide, as well as the animal’s overall condition.
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