The kudu is an African antelope and according to its Latin family name is related to the Boveadea to which European venison is also related. The kudu is related to the bongo, bushbok and nyala. These antelopes all have stripes across their skins. The male animals have trophees, however the kudu does not have andlers but it has horns. A male kudu can grow to a weight of 250 kg. (in comparison: a cow can weigh max. 150 kg.). The number of kudu's has increased enormously because of the renewed belief in the value of game for its natural environment as well as its economical importance. These days its numbers are very large that in some areas it is advised not to drive on certain roads after dawn. Kudu's are real noctual animals and are attracted to the light of cars at night.

Habitat
Kudu's live in whole southern Africa up to the north of Africa, the only place where they cannot be found are the real desert areas. The number of kudu's is increasing rapidly in Zimbabwe, Zambia and even in Uganda, Ethiopia and Chaad. Kudu's are real leafeaters and usually encounter problems if there has not been any rain for some time as this causes the leafs of the trees to dry. This often makes extra cull necessary to prevent the extinction of the whole population.

Hunting
Hunting a kudu is not an easy job. Hunters are often warned when a kudu is spotted somewhere where it endangers local traffic. Sometimes it takes days before the hunter actually gets the animal. Gates will also not prevent a kudu from walking on the road as a mature kudu can jump up to 2.5 m. from standing still and 3 m. when it is running. Because kudu's have stripes across their skin they posses unique protective coloring and are only visible for someone who has well trained eyes.
Kudu's are very shy animals and that is why they only leave the bushes at night, only to move to other bushes. Kudu's are shot in the hunting season which lasts from 1 June until 15 September. The mating season starts three weeks before the hunting season and that is why hunting is not allowed during this period. Nowadays, hunting from helicopters is also allowed because in some area's kudu's are overpopulated and this makes catching them easier.

KUDU MEAT

Kudu meat has a beatiful dark-red colour and a fine structure. The meat is low-fat and very tender. Because kudu's are leaf-eaters the meat has a distinct taste that is tasteful for many people. In South-Africa kudu meat is much desired for biltong (dried meat) which South Africans cut in small slices and eat as an appetizer/snack You will often see kudu meat served at the well-known African braai (barbecue).

Cuts:
Following parts: backfillet, tenderloins, 4 cuts .Goulash meat is often available as well.