Trophy Hunting the Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) in South Africa

DESCRIPTION

The Blue Wildebeest, also called the Common Wildebeest, is a large antelope and one of two species of wildebeest. It grows to 115-145 cm shoulder height and attains a body mass of 168-274 kg. Blue Wildebeest range the open plains, bushveld and dry woodlands of Southern and East Africa, realizing a life span in excess of twenty years. Blue Wildebeest are grazing animals that are often sighted in open grasslands or clearings in a savanna. The Blue Wildebeest male is highly territorial using scent markings and other devices to protect his domain. It has a beefy muscular front-heavy appearance with a distinctive robust muzzle; it strides with relatively slender legs and moves gracefully and quietly most of the time, belying the reputation for stampeding in herds; however the stampeding characteristic may sometimes be observed.

Probably the most conspicuous feature of the Blue Wildebeest are the large horns shaped like parentheses, extending outward to the side and then curving up and inward. In the male blue wildebeest the horns can attain a total span of almost 90 cm, while the female's horn width is about half the size of the male. These cow-like horns of both sexes are somewhat broad at the base and are without ridges. The Blue Wildebeest male horns have a boss-like structure joining the two horns. The male is larger than the female with a total body length of up to 2.5 m.

The adult blue wildebeest's color actually varies from a deep slate or bluish gray all the way to light gray or even grayish-brown. The dorsal coat and flanks are slightly lighter in color than the ventral hide and under parts. Dark brown vertical bands of slightly longer hair mark the neck and forequarters, and from a distance lend a perception of skin wrinkling. The manes of both sexes appear long, stiff, thick and jet-black, a color assumed by the tail and face as well.

Blue Wildebeest often graze together with other species such as Plains zebras for purposes of mutual protection. Zebras in particular are beneficial to co-exist with since they mow down highly vegetated areas leaving the wildebeests to eat the newly exposed and more nutritional short grasses, which is what they prefer. A Blue Wildebeest can attain a maximum speed of up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph).

Blue Wildebeest are unusually territorial, adult males occupying their territories for a month or for the entire year. The physical size of territories ranges from one to two hectares. The bulls mark territory boundaries with dung heaps, gland secretions, hoof scent glands and pawing of the earth. When competing over territory, males grunt quite loudly, make a thrusting motion with their horns and perform other displays of aggression.

Males exhibit rivalry when staking out territory and when competing for females. In the actual clashes between males, they face off resting on bent front knees, exchanging horn thrusts for brief periods. Elaborate individual displays are made in the rivalry and courtship process, where males bellow, snort and protrude their horns into the soil. The mating process is thought to begin at the first full moon at the end of the rainy season. Once territory is established, the male attempts to lure or corral the female into his domain. A female may copulate with several different males, visiting several different territories.

Often referred to as the "poor man's buffalo", the wildebeest with its broad flat muzzle and shaggy beard does not win any accolades in the handsome stakes. It does, however have a reputation as being one of the toughest species around. If the hunter does not place his shot well he is in for a long walk with an uncertain outcome.

RIFLE CALIBRE FOR HUNTING BLUEWILDEBEEST

They are fairly large animals and a medium caliber magnum like 7mm or .300's and larger are a good choice with a well placed shot in the shoulder area.

TROPHY ASSESMENT ON HUNTING BLUEWILDEBEEST

The distance they extend beyond the ears and the length of the upward points judges their horns. Their bases are also important and should not be too worn down or fragmented.

CITES

No restrictions on hunting Bluewildebeest

RW minimum score 22 7/8"

SCI minimum score 72"

WHERE TO HUNT BLUEWILDEBEEST

Blue Wildebeest is widely distributed across South Africa and Zimbabwe. Grootpan Hunting Safaris hunt both these areas.