Can someone give me some insight into how badly rabies has effected the kudu population of Namibia? Is it bad enough that if I want a decent bull I should just forget Namibia for now? Has this outbreak been focused in one particular area?

thx, 405wcf

Rabies is endemic in Namibia. Just as it is across most of the United States. Kudu, it is believed due to their eating habits, are more subject to contracting rabies than most ungulates. But cows, raccoons, horses and any other mammals can and do contract rabies.

There are "flair ups" from time to time in portions of Namibia that hit the kudu population especially hard. Those flair ups are limited geographically. If you happen to be hunting within the fifty to two hundred square miles of a recent "hot spot", then your kudu population is going to be limited. If you are hunting in an area that was a "hot spot" four years ago, then you can project a scarcity in mature bulls.

The long and the short of it is that you will never be able to pick a time when there is not some rabies problem in some part of Namibia. You will also not be able to pick a time when there is not some excellent trophy kudu hunting in some part of Namibia, also.

By and large, the rabies outbreaks occur in the areas of the country that receive more rainfall. Those areas are also the areas that tend to grow the best kudus. You can go South in the dryer area and have little chance of rabies problems, but even the best of bulls tend to be smaller there. Or you can go central-north where the bulls generally grow better horns, but there are more frequent rabies outbreaks.

Bottom line: Ask your host, assuming you can trust your host to be candid with you. If the farm or concession where you are scheduled to hunt has had a recent rabies problem and taking a large kudu there is doubtful, your host/guide/outfitter can likely arrange for you to hunt a few days in an area where a good kudu is more probable.

Stonecreek, that was a great answer. It is information like that makes AR so valuable.