Hunting Black and Blue Wildebeest in South Africa

Overview of this species and the hunt

The wildebeest might be easy to track and quite easy to locate seeing as they prefer to live on the open plains. But when it comes to closing in on him and taking a successful shot, things start to get a little trickier. The wildebeest has brilliant senses, and as a herd animal, he is always alert as to what is going on around him. Let him catch sight or scent of you, and you will lose this battle. The wildebeest, both the black and the blue, have the most unusual horns, a pointed beard and hair on the nose. While most of the body is brown, it has a distinctly white tail.

Both the black and the blue wildebeest are indigenous to South Africa and both the male and the female have horns, which makes telling the difference between the two quite tricky. The wildebeests are best hunted in the morning or late in the afternoon. They will usually graze in all kinds of weather but they are known to shy away during intensely hot days. Hunting during the mating season can be dangerous, as male wildebeests can become aggressive. Another trait that sets this animal apart from other antelope is its playful nature. You might spot a wildebeest running in circles and even chasing around other members of the herd.

Hunting black wildebeest or hunting blue wildebeest requires a .270 calibre rifle and a 150-grain bullet. A 7mm magnum or a .300 mag are also good choices. Although it is an antelope, it has a tough hide, so be sure to place your shot in a third of the way up the body. Your PH will be able to give you the best hunting advice for your wildebeest, advice relevant to the geographical area in which you are hunting.