John sits down with Mike Arnold (author of Bringing Back the Lions and Bringing Back the Wild, biologist, and host of the Bringing Back the Wild podcast) for a deep dive into one of the more specialized pursuits in African hunting: the Tiny Ten. Mike shares the full story of how his very first African animal — a Vaal Rhebok in the Great Karoo — launched a multi-country quest that eventually produced eleven of these pygmy antelope. He walks through the hunts for Vaal Rhebok, Bush Duiker, Klipspringer, Cape Grysbok, Steenbok, Damara Dik-Dik, Blue Duiker, Red Duiker, Suni, Oribi, and Red-Flanked Duiker across South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, and Cameroon.

They discuss the specialized habitats and tactics required, the surprisingly effective use of varmint calls on some species, the best cartridges for animals that can weigh under 20 pounds (from .22 Hornet to .375), the challenges of shot placement and taxidermy, SCI scoring realities, and why these little antelope are often more difficult and rewarding than many larger plains-game species. Mike also puts on his biologist hat to explain how so many tiny antelope have thrived in a predator-rich landscape, the heavy bushmeat pressure they face, and the conservation role of places like Zambezi Delta Safaris.

Whether you've already taken a couple of the Tiny Ten or you're just curious about this specialized side of African hunting, this episode delivers both great stories and practical insight.

Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus!

Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like my ongoing tour of my new office highlighting lessons learned and interesting stories from past hunts.

Pick up a copy of Mike's books Bringing Back The Lions & Bringing Back The Wild here

Subscribe to Mike's show The Bringing Back The Wild Podcast

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Resources

Get a signed copy of Mike's books via his web site: MikeArnoldOutdoors.com

Ep 213: Africa's Most Dramatic Conservation Success Story – Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast

Ep 253: Hunting In Cameroon With Mike Arnold– Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast

Ep 330: Hunting In Nyala And Bushbuck With Mike Arnold– Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast

Ep 379: Croc & Spotted Hyena In Mozambique With Mike Arnold– Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast