The Hartmanns Zebra

The Hartman’s Zebra is one of two subspecies of Mountain Zebra, the other being the Cape Mountain Zebra. As the name suggests the Cape Mountain Zebra is limited to the eastern and southern parts of South Africa. The Hartman’s Zebra inhabits the arid western parts of Namibia.

There is also a separate species of zebra altogether, the Plain’s Zebra. What tells the two species apart? The Plain’s Zebra has stripes that go right around the belly, fade away towards the hooves and it bears additional lighter “shadow strips” between the black strips.

Hartman’s Zebras are grazers and need to drink daily, thus they are never too far from a water source; they are even known to dig deep holes in the search of water. During early mornings and late afternoons the Hartman’s Zebra is most active, while it seeks shade during the most extreme heat of the day. Zebras have sharp eyesight and a keen sense of hearing.

Zebra hunt

The best chances of finding Hartman’s Zebra on a hunt are along the approaches to watering points as well as at pans at dawn and dusk. Zebras are tough animals thus .300 caliber and larger rifles are recommended. Good expanding soft point bullets are also vital to a successful hunt. Considering the terrain Hartman’s Zebra inhabit, tracking a wounded one is very exhausting.

Shot placement is important with all game, and Zebra are no exception. A good hit would be straight up the front leg, one third to half way up into the body, as this would strike the heart/lung.

Shots higher than that are less lethal and should be avoided. A spinal/neck shot will also take down a zebra, aiming to the front and above of the shoulder blade. A zebra facing you is best taken by aiming for the midpoint between the shoulders on the level of the base of the neck.

The best trophy hide will be from a younger male or mare; old stallions have been scared during fights and their hide thus less attractive.