Black Wildebeest Hunts

Namibia Hunting Safaris

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Black Wildebeest Hunting

As the Dutch colonizers embarked on their expedition to explore the vast terrain of Africa, they encountered a peculiar antelope with a dark-colored and obstinate appearance, reminiscent of their domestic cattle. They bestowed upon it the name Wildebeest. Another name, Gnu, was adopted from one of the native tongues, believed to imitate the distress call of the creature. Today, the black or white-tailed Wildebeest, differentiated from the Blue Wildebeest found in the northern region of the continent, has become a prized target for hunters in South Africa. Furthermore, it has been introduced to game reserves in Namibia and Botswana, establishing its iconic status in the region.

When to Hunt Black Wildebeest

Black Wildebeest hunting opportunities in Africa are commonly available throughout the year, with the exception of the hot months of December to February. Similar to other ungulates, the ideal time to hunt these animals is during their mating season, known as the rut. During this period, male wildebeests showcase themselves on their small mating territories, and engage in combat with other bulls to claim their territory. The rut typically occurs between the months of May and July, and presents an optimal window for hunting these creatures.

Hunting Methods

Wildebeest, a creature that predominantly resides in savannahs, is commonly hunted through the traditional approach of spot-and-stalk. During this technique, the hunter, along with the professional hunter (PH), traverse the area, frequently utilizing vehicles, in the pursuit of locating a herd that houses a desirable bull. Often, the preference is for a smaller group of bachelor wildebeest as opposed to the larger herd often seen on television, as tracking a specific bull in a larger herd may prove to be a daunting task due to the animals' movements.

It's worth noting that the wildebeest is renowned for its resilience and durability, earning it the moniker "a poor man's buffalo," and thus most PHs would recommend a rifle of the 7 mm - .300 Magnum category to effectively hunt it. However, the presence of a hump on the animal's shoulder may lead some hunters to incorrectly aim higher than necessary due to their inexperience with this species.