Red Hartebeest Hunting
The Cape Hartebeest - a large, swift antelope with distinctive heart-shaped horns and an underrated trophy that makes for a challenging hunt.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Alcelaphus buselaphus caama
- Native Range
- Southern Africa
- Top Speed
- 70 km/h (43 mph)
- Difficulty
- Moderate-Challenging
Identification
Glossy reddish-brown coat with black markings on legs, tail, and neck blaze. Long, narrow face. Both sexes have heavily ridged, heart-shaped horns.
Habitat
Open savanna, grasslands, semi-desert, and open woodland. Also mountainous terrain. Found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe.
Trophy Standards
SCI Min: 62" (rifle) / 53" (bow). Rowland Ward Min: 23". World Record: 29½". Good trophy: 21"+ horn length.
Did You Know?
The name "hartebeest" comes from the Afrikaans "hertbeest" meaning "deer-like beast." The species name "caama" refers to its former classification. Its horns contribute to its name - viewed from certain angles, they resemble a heart shape. Red hartebeest can reach speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph), making them one of Africa's fastest antelopes and most enduring runners.
About Red Hartebeest Hunting
The red hartebeest, also known as the Cape hartebeest, is a large African antelope with a distinctive appearance - its steeply sloping back, long legs, and elongated face give it a somewhat ungainly look. Don't let this deceive you; they are among Africa's most elegant and athletic antelopes.
Adult bulls weigh 300-400 pounds (137-180 kg) and stand 46-50 inches (117-127 cm) at the shoulder. Both sexes carry heavily ridged horns that project from a large pedicle on top of the head, curving in a distinctive pattern - rising backward and upward, then forward, then backward again, up and out, then in and back.
The red hartebeest is the most colorful of the hartebeest subspecies, with its glossy reddish-brown coat and contrasting black markings. The species has excellent hearing and smell, though their eyesight is relatively poor - something experienced hunters can use to their advantage.
Hartebeest Subspecies
There are seven recognized subspecies of hartebeest across Africa:
- Red/Cape Hartebeest - Southern Africa (most commonly hunted)
- Lichtenstein's Hartebeest - Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique
- Coke's Hartebeest - East Africa (kongoni)
- Lelwel Hartebeest - East/Central Africa
- Western Hartebeest - West Africa
- Swayne's Hartebeest - Ethiopia (endangered)
- Tora Hartebeest - Ethiopia, Eritrea (endangered)
Behavior Patterns
Red hartebeest are primarily diurnal, most active during cooler parts of the day. They are social animals, forming herds of up to 20-30 individuals led by a dominant territorial bull. They're highly vigilant, frequently watching for predators.
Territorial bulls often stand prominently on elevated mounds and mark their territories with dung piles. They are predominantly grazers, feeding selectively on medium-height grassland and showing a preference for fresh re-growth after veld fires or rain.
Hunting Seasons & Regions
South Africa
Red hartebeest can be hunted year-round on private game ranches with exemption permits. Conservation efforts have successfully reintroduced them to many farms and reserves where they had been absent.
Prime Hunting Provinces
- Northern Cape: Excellent populations in Karoo regions
- Free State: Open grassland habitat
- Limpopo: Combined bushveld hunting
- Eastern Cape: Quality safari operations
Namibia
Trophy hunting season runs from February 1 to November 30. Red hartebeest are well-established on private concessions throughout the country.
Botswana & Zimbabwe
Found in suitable habitat in both countries. Hunting is typically available on private concessions with proper permits and quotas.
Best Times to Hunt
- Early Morning: Most active feeding time - best opportunity
- Late Evening: Second period of peak activity
- May-August: Cooler months offer comfortable hunting conditions
- Midday: Often bedded and difficult to approach
Hunting Tip
The half-light of early morning or late evening is ideal for hunting red hartebeest. They often stand and look when disturbed, giving time for a well-placed shot. However, expect long shots when encountered on open plains.
Hunting Techniques
Spot and Stalk
The primary hunting method for red hartebeest. Use quality optics to glass open plains and savanna during peak activity hours. Their distinctive shape makes them easy to identify at distance.
- Their poor eyesight can be exploited - move slowly when not observed
- Excellent hearing means silence is critical during approach
- Use wind direction carefully - their sense of smell is acute
- Territorial bulls on mounds make predictable targets
Ambush/Blind Hunting
Set up near water sources, especially in arid regions. While less water-dependent than some species, they do drink regularly when water is available. Also effective near known grazing areas.
Vehicle-Assisted Hunting
Use a vehicle to cover large areas and spot herds, then dismount for the stalk. Red hartebeest are often less wary of vehicles than foot hunters, allowing closer approach before beginning the final stalk.
Shot Placement - Critical
Shot placement must be 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 organs are positioned lower than many hunters expect. Aim at the crease behind the front leg, about one-third up from the bottom of the chest.
Judging Trophy Quality
Your trophy red hartebeest should have a horn length of approximately 21-22 inches or more. Key features to assess:
- Horn length extending well above the pedicle
- Heavy ridging on the front of the horns
- Good curve pattern with definite "hooks" at tips
- Male skulls are larger with greater horn circumference
- Dark horn coloration indicates maturity
Recommended Equipment
Rifles & Calibers
Red hartebeest are large, tough animals that require adequate caliber selection. While not as heavily built as wildebeest, they deserve respect.
Ideal Calibers
- • .308 Winchester (minimum)
- • .30-06 Springfield
- • .300 Winchester Magnum
- • 7mm Remington Magnum
- • .338 Winchester Magnum
Bullet Selection
- • 150-180 grain bullets
- • Premium bonded or monolithic
- • Controlled expansion designs
- • Good sectional density for penetration
Optics
Open plains hunting demands quality optics for spotting and long-range shooting.
- Riflescope: 3-12x50 or 4-16x50 variable for longer shots
- Binoculars: 10x42 or 10x50 for distance glassing
- Rangefinder: Essential for open country - shots can be 200-350 yards
- Spotting Scope: Helpful for trophy evaluation at distance
Bow Hunting
Challenging but rewarding from blinds near water or feeding areas.
- Minimum 60 lb draw weight recommended
- SCI Bow Minimum: 53"
- Heavy arrow setup for penetration on larger body
- Maximum ethical range: 40 yards
- Fixed blade broadheads preferred for reliability
Field Gear
- Quality shooting sticks - essential for long shots
- Comfortable, broken-in boots for walking
- Neutral-colored hunting clothing
- Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses
- Sunscreen for exposed plains hunting
- Adequate water supply for long stalks
Hunt Preparation
Physical Preparation
Red hartebeest hunting can involve considerable walking over open terrain. Moderate fitness is recommended.
- Walking 5-8 miles per day is typical during active hunting
- Terrain is generally flat to rolling - not technically difficult
- Heat can be significant - hydration is important
- Practice shooting from various positions with sticks
Marksmanship
Long shots are common in red hartebeest habitat. Be prepared.
- • Practice regularly at 200-300 yards from shooting sticks
- • Know your rifle's ballistics and holdover/dial requirements
- • Practice under time pressure - opportunities can be brief
- • Shoot in varying wind conditions
- • Verify zero after travel - always
Trophy Considerations
Red hartebeest are often considered an underrated trophy. Discuss your expectations with your PH.
Documentation & Permits
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Rifle permit arranged through outfitter
- CITES not required (not a protected species)
- Export permits handled by outfitter
- Hunting license included in safari package
Trophy Handling
Red hartebeest make striking shoulder mounts with their distinctive head shape and colorful coat. The unusual horn configuration displays impressively. Life expectancy is 15-19 years, so mature bulls show excellent horn development. Most outfitters provide professional skinning and preparation services.
Pro Tips
Hunt Early and Late
The half-light of early morning and late evening are prime times. Red hartebeest are most active during cooler hours and will often stand and look when disturbed, giving you time for a well-placed shot.
Look for Sentinel Bulls
Territorial bulls often position themselves on prominent mounds or high ground to watch over their territory. These silhouetted animals can be spotted from great distance and offer predictable stalking opportunities.
Exploit Their Poor Eyesight
Red hartebeest have excellent hearing and smell but relatively poor vision. If the wind is right and you move slowly and quietly, you can often approach closer than expected. Freeze when they look your direction.
Expect Long Shots
Open plains habitat means shots at 200-350 yards are not uncommon. Come prepared with a flat-shooting rifle, practice at distance, and don't attempt shots beyond your confident range. A rangefinder is essential equipment.
Underrated Trophy - Don't Miss Out
Many hunters overlook the red hartebeest in favor of more "glamorous" species. This is a mistake. They're challenging to hunt, beautiful trophies, and the unique horn configuration makes for an impressive mount. Add one to your wish list.
Watch for Dung Middens
Territorial bulls mark their territories with distinctive dung piles. Finding these middens indicates you're in a bull's territory, and patient observation of the area may reveal the resident male.
Low Shot Placement
The vital zone on red hartebeest is positioned lower than many hunters expect. Aim at the bottom third of the body directly above the front leg. A "high" hit on the body often misses the vitals entirely.
Trophy Standards
SCI Minimums
Rowland Ward
Physical Characteristics
Hartebeest Subspecies
Related Species
Plan Your Hunt
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