String jumpers

[jeff]

I was wondering if Springbok are bad for jumping the string? Have had people tell me both ways, yes and no, of the game I've hunted warthog and impala are the only African critters that I've had problems with. Anyone out there who has a lot of experience on bowhunting springbok?

 

[TokkieM]

Short answer no. They are not as prone to string jump as Impala,Warthog and Duiker.
Correct answer, it depends on how relaxed the animal is when you are taking the shot. If you are shooting from a blind and they have been shot at before, they could be pretty wakey wakey. For species like Springbuck a water hole that is pretty open works best, they want to see far, so there is more to consider than just the species. Have taken a few with the bow couple years ago and have never had one jump me.

 

[Ole Bally]

In my humble opinion, a lot depends on how much predation they are subjected to daily. Those animals that live in predator infested country are much 'jumpier' than the rest! Watch any Vet who's just come back from a war zone!
The quietness of your kit is paramount too!

 

[Norwegianwoods]

Your best way to avoid string jumping is by not hunting from a blind at a waterhole and/or some alfalfa
And if you want to hunt from a blind, then slow and heavy arrows is the way to go.

 

[Jono Joseph]

In my experience i have seen all sorts of species react to the string but this will depend on when you shoot and how the animal is acting. Springbuck are generally not prone to string jumping but put them in the wrong situation and they will dodge the arrow like the matrix. But choose the right time to shoot when the animal is relaxed and comfortable and it will hit you point of aim.

Shot Shot

 

[Martin Snyman]

Any animal can and will string jump you, it all depends on the behaviour of that animal at the time (physical and psychological) and the hunter’s set-up. It is also a well-known fact that the smaller the animal is the faster his reaction time will be, so to limit an animal to species characteristics will not always ensure its behaviour. Every shot (rifle/bow) has a different effect on an animal’s reaction. The best is to do research about the farm/area (sure the outfitter will be happy to share) and find out how hard the target specie is begin hunted as that will have a huge effect on its behaviour, not just on the shot but drinking times etc.

 

[bbjavelina]

I've only had the opportunity to take a shot at one of those pesky little boogers. He was at 11 yards on the salt. Seemed relaxed, but I had heard that they were notorious or jumping the string. The evening before I had watched my partners video of his shot on one, and it was obvious that the ram had ducked a bunch.

I purposefully held just a bit low and busted him in the elbow. He didn't drop at all. Recovered after we had left for the airport.

My assumption is that it depends more on the posture of the critter rather than the species

Who's to know?