Hunting Hottentot Teal

HOTTENTOT TEAL (Anas hottentota)

Key Characteristics

Hottentot Teal are one of South Africa’s smallest waterfowl.  The blue-grey bill, blackish cap and bright metallic green speculum bordered on the underside by a narrow white trailing edge should identify this species.

Habitat

Hottentot Teal favour waters with relatively dense edge and emergent vegetation such as reeds, and rushes.  Occurring in perennial and temporary dams, pans, vleis and floodplains, they often utilise very small pools sometimes measuring a mere two square metres.

The Hunt

These ducks are hunted over decoys from natural and man-made blinds. Morning shoots are generally on cultivated pastures or recently combined maize (corn) and wheat fields. Afternoon shoots are more productive for Yellow-billed duck and usually take place around impoundments. Bag limits are generous and a gun can expect to shoot, depending on the time of the year, between 5 and 10 duck per day. Depending on the time of the year you will encounter, amongst other, the following species: Egyptian & Spurwing Geese, Red-billed Teal, Southern Pochard, White-faced Duck & South African Shelduck. Parties of between 2 and 6 guns can be accommodated. Karoo Wingshooting has waterfowl concessions in excess of 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres).