Blue Wildebeest
The "poor man's buffalo"
The blue wildebeest, also known as the brindled gnu, is one of Africa's most iconic plains game animals. Famous for the spectacular Serengeti migration involving over 1.5 million animals, this tough, tenacious antelope has earned the nickname "poor man's buffalo" for its exceptional resilience and reputation for "eating lead."
Shoulder Height
45 - 57 in (115-145cm)
Weight (Bulls)
365 - 640 lbs
SCI Minimum
70"
Rowland Ward Min
28 1/2"
Identification
- • Dark grey/bluish-grey coat
- • Dark vertical "brindled" stripes
- • Shaggy black mane and beard
- • Parenthesis-shaped horns (both sexes)
- • Bovine appearance with heavy forequarters
Habitat & Range
- • Open grasslands and savanna
- • Woodland edges and plains
- • Central, eastern, and southern Africa
- • Often near permanent water
- • Highly migratory in some regions
Trophy Standards
- • SCI Minimum: 70"
- • SCI Minimum (Bow): 54"
- • Rowland Ward Minimum: 28 1/2"
- • Rowland Ward Record: 36"
- • Horns up to 83cm (33") in bulls
Did You Know?
The Great Wildebeest Migration involves over 1.5 million blue wildebeest traveling between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara annually, making it the largest terrestrial mammal migration on Earth. Newborn calves can stand within 6 minutes of birth and run with the herd within hours, an essential adaptation for survival against predators. Despite their ungainly appearance, wildebeest can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
About Blue Wildebeest
The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), also known as the brindled gnu, is one of Africa's most distinctive and challenging plains game animals. Often called the "poor man's buffalo" by professional hunters, this tenacious antelope has earned a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional toughness and ability to absorb punishment that would fell other animals of similar size.
Physical Characteristics
Blue wildebeest exhibit sexual dimorphism, with bulls being larger and darker than cows. Adult bulls typically measure 170-240cm in head-and-body length, stand 115-145cm at the shoulder, and weigh 165-290kg (365-640 lbs). Cows weigh 140-260kg (310-570 lbs). Their characteristic long black tail measures 60-100cm.
Both sexes possess distinctively curved, parenthesis-shaped horns that extend outward and then curve upward and inward. Bull horns can reach 83cm (33 inches), while cow horns measure 30-40cm (12-16 inches). The horns are thicker at the boss in mature bulls.
Behavior & Habits
Wildebeest are highly gregarious, forming herds that can number in the thousands. They have favourite sleeping spots and are very territorial during the breeding season. Bulls maintain territories that cows pass through during mating season.
Regular water drinkers, wildebeest are often found near permanent water sources. They are preyed upon by lions, hyenas, wild dogs, crocodiles, and cheetahs. Despite their ungainly appearance, they can reach speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) when fleeing predators.
Subspecies
While there are only two species of wildebeest (blue and black), the blue wildebeest has five recognized subspecies:
Southern Blue Wildebeest
(C. t. taurinus) - The typical or brindled form
RW Min: 28 1/2" | SCI Min: 70"
Cookson's Wildebeest
(C. t. cooksoni) - Zambia's Luangwa Valley
RW Min: 26" | SCI Min: 70"
Nyasaland Wildebeest
(C. t. johnstoni) - Johnston's wildebeest
RW Min: 27" | SCI Min: 64"
White-Bearded Wildebeest
(C. t. albojubatus) - The migration subspecies
RW Min: 27" | SCI Min: 68"
Why Hunt Blue Wildebeest?
- One of Africa's most challenging plains game animals due to exceptional toughness
- Iconic African species - part of the legendary Serengeti migration
- Excellent venison highly prized for biltong (dried meat)
- Impressive trophy with distinctive curved horns
- Tests a hunter's marksmanship and shot placement skills
- Readily available and sustainable populations across southern Africa
Hunting Seasons & Prime Regions
Blue wildebeest are among the most widely distributed and readily available plains game species in Africa. They can be hunted year-round in most areas, though certain seasons offer distinct advantages depending on the region.
South Africa
Season: Year-round (April-October optimal)
Best Provinces: Limpopo, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape
Terrain: Bushveld, open plains, mixed woodland
Notes: Most popular destination with excellent trophy quality. Winter months (May-August) concentrate animals around water sources.
Namibia
Season: Year-round (May-November optimal)
Best Areas: Central and northern regions, Etosha periphery
Terrain: Semi-arid savanna, thornveld
Notes: Excellent trophy quality with beautiful scenery. Dry season offers best visibility and water-based hunting.
Botswana
Season: April-September
Best Areas: Southern and Central Kalahari
Terrain: Kalahari sand savanna, open plains
Notes: Challenging hunting in vast wilderness areas. Offers authentic African hunting experience with large herds.
Zimbabwe
Season: April-October
Best Areas: Lowveld conservancies, Matabeleland
Terrain: Mixed bushveld, mopane woodland
Notes: Traditional hunting destination with excellent professional hunters. Value-oriented option with good trophy quality.
Seasonal Considerations
| Season | Conditions | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| April-June (Early Dry) | Cooling temperatures, grass drying | Animals in prime condition post-rains, good visibility increasing |
| July-August (Peak Dry) | Cold mornings, minimal vegetation | Best visibility, animals concentrate at water, prime hunting |
| September-October (Late Dry) | Warming temperatures, dusty | Animals tied to water, predictable movements |
Hunting Techniques
Blue wildebeest hunting requires patience, excellent shot placement, and respect for the animal's legendary toughness. This is not an animal to undergun or shoot carelessly at. The most common hunting methods are outlined below.
Spot & Stalk
The most common and rewarding method for wildebeest hunting. Using elevated vantage points, locate herds and identify trophy bulls. Wildebeest have excellent eyesight and are very alert, requiring careful approach using available cover. Stalking is best done during cooler morning and evening hours when animals are actively grazing.
Waterhole Ambush
Wildebeest are regular drinkers, often visiting water sources during morning and afternoon hours. Setting up blinds near active waterholes can be highly effective, especially during the dry season when water becomes scarce. This method allows careful trophy evaluation before taking the shot.
Walk & Stalk
Traditional African hunting on foot with a professional hunter, tracking fresh spoor to locate herds. This method provides excellent exercise and the most authentic safari experience. It requires good physical fitness and the ability to shoot accurately after exertion.
Vehicle-Based Approach
Using a hunting vehicle to cover ground and locate herds, then dismounting for the final stalk. Wildebeest are somewhat tolerant of vehicles and this allows covering vast areas efficiently. The final approach is always made on foot at distances of 100-300 meters.
Critical Shot Placement
Warning: Wildebeest Are Extremely Tough
Blue wildebeest have a well-deserved reputation for "eating lead." They can run considerable distances even when mortally wounded. Precise shot placement is absolutely essential. Poor shots result in long follow-ups and potentially lost animals. Many hunters shoot HIGH on wildebeest - the heart is lower than expected.
Broadside Shot (Preferred)
Aim at the lower third of the body, directly in line with the front leg. This targets the heart and lower lungs. The common mistake is shooting too high. The heart sits just above the elbow joint - lower than most hunters expect.
Quartering-To Shot
Place the bullet to enter the front of the shoulder and angle back through the vitals. This shot breaks the shoulder and penetrates both lungs, anchoring the animal. Requires heavier bullets with good penetration.
Quartering-Away Shot
Aim to place the bullet through the opposite shoulder. This shot should pass through the vitals and lodge in or exit through the far shoulder. Excellent blood trail typically results.
Frontal Shot (Expert Only)
Aim at the center of the chest where the neck meets the body. This shot requires a powerful rifle and controlled-expansion bullet. Only recommended for experienced hunters with adequate caliber. The .300 magnum or larger is required.
Recommended Equipment
The blue wildebeest's well-earned reputation as the "poor man's buffalo" demands adequate firepower. This is not an animal to undergun. Many experienced hunters recommend using more rifle than you think necessary for this tough antelope.
Rifles & Calibers
Nothing less than .270 Winchester should be considered for wildebeest hunting, and most experienced hunters recommend starting at .308 Winchester with premium 180-grain bullets. The consensus among professional hunters is that it's impossible to use "too much gun" on these exceptionally tough animals.
Minimum Calibers
- • .270 Winchester (150gr premium bullets)
- • .308 Winchester (165-180gr premium)
- • .30-06 Springfield (180gr premium)
Recommended Calibers
- • .300 Winchester Magnum (180-200gr)
- • .300 WSM (180-200gr)
- • .338 Winchester Magnum (225-250gr)
- • 9.3x62mm Mauser (286gr)
- • .375 H&H Magnum (270-300gr)
Pro Tip: Premium Bullets Are Essential
Use premium controlled-expansion bullets like Swift A-Frame, Barnes TSX/TTSX, Nosler Partition, or Hornady DGX. The wildebeest's thick skin and heavy muscles require bullets that penetrate deeply while maintaining weight retention. Avoid rapid-expanding varmint-style bullets.
Optics
Rifle Scope
Quality variable scope 3-9x40 or 4-12x40 covers most situations. Good light transmission is important for dawn/dusk shooting when wildebeest are most active.
Recommended: Leupold, Swarovski, Zeiss
Binoculars
Quality 8x42 or 10x42 binoculars for locating herds and evaluating trophy quality. Judging horn spread and boss development requires careful glassing.
Recommended: 8x42 for stalking, 10x42 for open plains
Bowhunting
Blue wildebeest are legal for bowhunting in South Africa, Namibia, and other African countries with appropriate permits. This is an extreme challenge requiring perfect shot placement and maximum arrow penetration.
- • Minimum draw weight: 70+ lbs recommended
- • Heavy arrows: 500+ grains minimum, 600+ grains preferred
- • Cut-on-contact broadheads with maximum penetration
- • Shot distances: Under 40 yards
- • SCI Minimum (Bow): 54"
Essential Gear
Clothing
- • Neutral earth-tone colors
- • Layered system for temperature changes
- • Quality hunting boots (broken in)
- • Wide-brim hat and sunglasses
- • Warm jacket for morning hunts
Field Gear
- • Quality binoculars
- • Shooting sticks (African style)
- • Rangefinder
- • Daypack with water
- • Sunscreen and lip balm
Personal Items
- • Camera for trophy photos
- • Hunting knife
- • First aid basics
- • Headlamp
- • Personal medications
Hunt Preparation
A successful blue wildebeest hunt requires thorough preparation in several key areas. Your professional hunter will handle logistics, but your personal readiness can make the difference between success and disappointment.
Physical Conditioning
While blue wildebeest hunting isn't as demanding as mountain hunting, reasonable fitness is important. You'll likely walk several miles daily, sometimes over rough terrain. More importantly, you need to be able to shoot accurately after moderate exertion - when your heart is pounding and you're breathing hard.
Cardio Training
- • Walking 3-5 miles several times weekly
- • Include hills and uneven terrain
- • Practice shooting after exercise
Shooting Practice
- • Shooting sticks (sitting, kneeling, standing)
- • Practice at 100-300 meters
- • Shoot in field conditions, not just bench rest
Marksmanship Preparation
Shot Placement Is Everything
Practice placing shots in the lower third of the chest, on the front leg line. Most hunters shoot wildebeest too high. The heart sits just above the elbow - much lower than you might expect. A shot through the center of the shoulder is actually a marginal lung shot that can result in a long tracking job.
Shooting Sticks Proficiency
African hunting relies heavily on shooting sticks. Practice all positions: standing, sitting, kneeling. You need to be able to get steady quickly when an opportunity presents itself. Buy a set of African-style sticks and practice at home.
Field Position Shooting
Practice shooting from realistic field positions at distances from 100-300 meters. Know your maximum effective range - the distance at which you can confidently place a killing shot. Be honest with yourself.
Trophy Judging
Judging wildebeest trophies in the field requires practice. Your professional hunter will help, but understanding what makes a good trophy enhances your experience.
What to Look For
- • Horn width - wider spread is better
- • Boss development - heavy, solid boss indicates maturity
- • Curl pattern - good curl upward and inward
- • Body size - larger, darker bulls are mature
- • Overall condition - healthy coat, good weight
Quick Reference
- • Good trophy: 28" spread
- • Very good: 29-30" spread
- • Excellent: 31"+ spread
- • Record class: 33"+ spread
Administrative Preparation
Documentation
- • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- • Rifle import permit (outfitter arranges)
- • Rifle serial numbers documented
- • Travel insurance with medical evacuation
- • Credit cards and some US dollars
Trophy Handling
- • Discuss mount preferences with outfitter
- • Arrange taxidermy in Africa or at home
- • Understand export/import procedures
- • Budget for trophy fees and shipping
- • Allow 6-12 months for trophy delivery
Professional Hunter Tips
These insights from experienced professional hunters will help you avoid common mistakes and maximize your chances of taking a quality blue wildebeest trophy.
1. Shoot LOW on the Ribcage
"For some reason, hunters regularly shoot high on wildebeest. The heart sits just above the elbow - much lower than most hunters expect. Aim for the lower third of the body, on the front leg line. A shot through the center of the shoulder is actually a marginal lung shot that will result in a long tracking job."
2. Use Enough Gun
"There's a reason we call this animal the 'poor man's buffalo.' I've seen wildebeest take hits that would drop a kudu instantly and keep running. You cannot use too much gun on a blue wildebeest. If you're bringing a .300 magnum for plains game, use it on the wildebeest and your lighter rifle on everything else."
3. Be Prepared to Follow Up
"Even with perfect shot placement, be prepared to put in a second shot. Wildebeest have been known to run 200+ meters with a heart shot. Keep your rifle loaded and watch the animal until it goes down. If it doesn't drop within sight, be ready for a potentially long follow-up."
4. Hunt the Waterholes
"Wildebeest are regular drinkers and have favourite waterholes. During the dry season, this is often the most effective method. They typically water in the morning and again in the late afternoon. A good blind set near a known drinking spot gives you time to properly evaluate trophies."
5. Judge the Boss, Not Just Spread
"Everyone looks at horn spread, but boss development is equally important for trophy scoring. A mature bull will have a heavy, solid boss that appears to almost touch in the middle. Young bulls have a visible gap between the horn bases. Look for that solid, heavy boss combined with good spread."
6. Hunt the Old Bulls
"The best trophies are often solitary old bulls or small bachelor groups. These animals have been pushed out of the breeding herds and tend to be more relaxed but also more experienced. Look for the darker-colored bulls - they're typically more mature with better-developed horns and bosses."
7. Use Premium Bullets
"Standard cup-and-core bullets can fail on wildebeest. Use controlled-expansion premium bullets - Swift A-Frame, Barnes TSX, Nosler Partition. The thick hide and heavy muscle require bullets that penetrate deeply while maintaining their weight. You need the bullet to reach the vitals with authority."
8. The Venison Is Excellent
"Blue wildebeest meat is some of the best venison in Africa. It makes superb biltong (dried meat) and steaks. Don't waste it. Let the camp staff prepare it for you - properly aged wildebeest is excellent table fare. This is an animal worth eating as well as mounting."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Shooting too high on the body
- Using inadequate caliber or bullets
- Not following up immediately
- Underestimating the animal's toughness
- Taking shots beyond effective range
- Shooting at running animals
- Rushing trophy evaluation
- Focusing only on spread, ignoring boss
Ready to Hunt Blue Wildebeest?
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