Blesbuck Hunting
The iconic South African plains antelope with the distinctive white blaze. A beautiful trophy and excellent introduction to African hunting.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi
- Native Range
- South Africa
- Trophy Fee Range
- $350 - $650
- Difficulty
- Beginner-Friendly
Identification
Reddish-brown coat with prominent white facial blaze. Brown horizontal stripe divides the blaze above eyes. Lighter saddle on back, whitish lower legs.
Habitat
Open grassland and plains. Dislikes wooded areas. Found from Highveld north of Vaal River through Free State to Eastern Cape.
Trophy Standards
SCI Min: 40" (rifle) / 35" (bow). Rowland Ward Min: 16½". World Record: 20⅝". Good trophy: 14"+ horn length.
Did You Know?
"Blesbuck" comes from the Dutch/Afrikaans word "bles" meaning "blaze" - referring to the distinctive white marking on their forehead, similar to a blaze on a horse's face. They were first described in the 17th century when they roamed South Africa in enormous herds.
About Blesbuck Hunting
The blesbuck is a medium-sized antelope endemic to South Africa, making it one of the few truly South African species. With its striking white facial blaze and reddish-brown coat, it's become one of the most popular plains game trophies for visiting hunters.
Physically, rams and ewes are remarkably similar, with males reaching up to 85 kg (185 lbs). Both sexes carry horns that are ringed almost to the tip, though female horns are slightly more slender. The species has a characteristic sloping back with shoulders higher than hindquarters.
Blesbuck are exclusive grazers, preferring short grasses under 15 cm. They particularly favor fresh green growth appearing after veld burns or rain, grazing grasses down to just 0.5 cm above ground level.
Color Variants
Beyond the common blesbuck, breeding programs have produced several color variants, each with different trophy fees:
- Common Blesbuck - Classic reddish-brown with white blaze
- White Blesbuck - Pure white coat, straw-colored horns
- Copper Blesbuck - Rich copper coloration
- Yellow/Golden Blesbuck - Pale yellowish flanks and rump
- Painted Blesbuck - Multi-colored pattern
- Saddle-backed Blesbuck - Distinctive back marking
Behavior Patterns
Blesbuck are diurnal and most active during cooler morning and evening hours. They form small herds and are often found standing alert on open plains. Unlike many antelope calves that hide, blesbuck calves stay with their mothers from birth.
Hunting Seasons & Regions
South Africa
Blesbuck can be hunted year-round on registered game ranches holding exemption permits. This makes them available whenever you plan your African safari.
Provincial Regulations
- KwaZulu-Natal: Year-round, landowner permission only required
- Free State: Year-round on exempted ranches
- Eastern Cape: Year-round on exempted ranches
- Gauteng: Year-round on exempted ranches
Namibia
Trophy season runs from February 1 to November 30. Blesbuck were introduced to Namibia and are found on private game ranches.
Best Hunting Regions
- Free State: Traditional blesbuck heartland with excellent populations
- Eastern Cape: Popular safari destination with good numbers
- Mpumalanga: Mixed bushveld and grassland hunting
- Northern Cape: Open Karoo plains hunting
- Limpopo: Combined with other plains game species
Optimal Timing
The rut occurs in April-May when rams are most active and territorial. However, excellent hunting is available year-round. The cooler months (May-August) offer comfortable hunting conditions and blesbuck are more active throughout the day.
Hunting Techniques
Spot and Stalk
The primary method for hunting blesbuck. Glass open grasslands during early morning or late evening when animals are most active. Use terrain features, ant hills, and sparse vegetation for cover during the stalk.
- Approach from downwind - blesbuck have excellent senses
- Use natural terrain features for concealment
- Be patient - they often stand and look before fleeing
- Stalks under 100m are achievable in suitable terrain
Ambush/Blind Hunting
Set up near water sources or known feeding areas. Blesbuck are creatures of habit and return to favored grazing spots regularly. This method works well for bow hunters.
Walk and Stalk
Walk slowly through likely habitat, using PH to spot animals before being detected. This active method covers more ground and can produce encounters at various ranges.
Shot Placement
Place the shot in the bottom third of the animal, directly above the front shoulder. This ensures a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots - they are high-risk on this species. The vital area is about one-third up from the bottom of the body, just behind the front leg.
Judging Trophy Quality
Look for heavy horns with good length extending well above the ears. Trophy rams have horns that curve outward and then back in with prominent ridging. A horn length of 14"+ indicates a good trophy, while 16½"+ qualifies for Rowland Ward.
- Horns should extend clearly above ear tips
- Look for heavy bases with prominent ridging
- Good curve and hook at the tips
- Dark, polished horn color indicates maturity
Recommended Equipment
Rifles & Calibers
Blesbuck are not heavily built and don't require heavy calibers. A favorite deer rifle in medium calibers works perfectly.
Ideal Calibers
- • .243 Winchester
- • .25-06 Remington
- • .270 Winchester
- • 7mm-08 Remington
- • .308 Winchester
- • .30-06 Springfield
Bullet Selection
- • Soft point bullets recommended
- • 100-150 grain depending on caliber
- • Premium bonded bullets for clean kills
- • Avoid full metal jacket rounds
Optics
Quality optics are essential for open plains hunting where long shots are common.
- Riflescope: 3-9x40 or 4-12x50 variable power
- Binoculars: 8x42 or 10x42 for glassing open terrain
- Rangefinder: Essential for judging distance on open plains
Bow Hunting
Free-range bow hunting for blesbuck is challenging due to their open habitat. Blind hunting near water or feeding areas offers the best opportunity.
- Minimum 50 lb draw weight recommended
- SCI Bow Minimum: 35"
- Fixed or mechanical broadheads both effective
- Maximum ethical range: 40 yards from blind
Field Gear
- Shooting sticks or bipod for steady shots
- Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, brown)
- Comfortable walking boots for stalking
- Hat and sunglasses for glare protection
- Sunscreen - open plains offer little shade
Hunt Preparation
Physical Preparation
Blesbuck hunting is generally not physically demanding compared to mountain species. However, basic fitness improves your hunting experience.
- Walking 3-5 miles on flat terrain typical
- Practice shooting from sticks at various ranges
- Be prepared for kneeling or sitting shots
- Altitude is minimal - most hunting at 4,000-6,000 feet
Marksmanship
Open plains hunting often means longer shots. Practice is essential.
- • Practice from shooting sticks at 100-250 yards
- • Know your rifle's trajectory and zero
- • Practice in various positions (standing, kneeling, sitting)
- • Verify zero after travel before hunting
Trophy Considerations
Decide before your hunt what trophy quality you're seeking and communicate with your PH.
Documentation & Permits
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Rifle permit application through outfitter
- CITES not required (not a protected species)
- Export permits arranged by outfitter
- Hunting license included in safari package
Trophy Handling
Blesbuck make excellent shoulder mounts or skull mounts. The distinctive facial blaze displays beautifully. Discuss trophy preparation with your outfitter before the hunt - most offer skinning and dipping services.
Pro Tips
Be Patient - They Look Before Running
Unlike many antelope that bolt immediately, blesbuck often stop to look back at disturbances. This gives you time to set up a shot if you're steady and ready. Don't rush.
Early Morning & Late Evening
Blesbuck are most active in cooler temperatures. Plan your hunting for the first and last hours of daylight when they're moving and feeding. Midday often finds them bedded in shade.
Use the Terrain
Even on open plains, there are usually subtle rises, ant hills, or erosion gullies that can hide your approach. Take your time and use what cover exists rather than rushing the stalk.
Judging Horns at Distance
Good horns will extend clearly above the ear tips. Look for heavy bases and prominent ridging. If horns appear to just reach the ear tips, it's likely a younger animal or female.
Communicate with Your PH About Variants
If you specifically want a common, white, or color variant blesbuck, confirm with your guide before shooting. Mixed herds can contain multiple variants, and trophy fees vary significantly between them.
Excellent First African Trophy
Blesbuck are often recommended for first-time African hunters. They're abundant, reasonably priced, and the open-country hunting teaches skills applicable to other plains game. Don't underestimate them though - they're wary and challenging in their own right.
Expect Long Shots
Open terrain means shots at 150-250 yards are common. Practice at these distances before your hunt and bring a quality rangefinder. Know your bullet's trajectory and don't attempt shots beyond your confident range.
Trophy Standards
SCI Minimums
Rowland Ward
White Blesbuck (SCI Only)
Physical Characteristics
Related Species
Plan Your Hunt
Find outfitters offering blesbuck hunting packages in South Africa's prime hunting regions.
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