Trophy Hunting Wildebeest in Africa
The wildebeest, or gnu, is one of the more recognizable antelopes from Africa. TV nature channels and illustrated magazines love to show the striking image of the innumerable herds of these antelope as they charge through rivers and over grasslands on their annual migration. Wildebeest – quite rightly – attracts thousands of wildlife viewers to witness this spectacular sight on safari.
They are also a favorite plains animal to hunt in Africa. In this blog we’ll cover the various species and variants of wildebeest, ranging from the Common Wildebeest to the most exotic, rare Royal Wildebeest, and everything in between.
Huntershill Safaris offers wildebeest hunting safaris that bring you the best of the best. Top professional hunters, trackers, and trophies. Not only do we have healthy herds of black and blue wildebeest to hunt, we also have the unusual Golden wildebeest, the exotic Kings wildebeest, and the very rare, highly sought-after Royal Wildebeest on our farms.
Hunting Wildebeest – What you need to know
Essentially, there are two species of Wildebeest: the Blue Wildebeest (or Common Wildebeest) and the Black Wildebeest. All other wildebeests are variants and mutations of these two.
Let’s explore further.
Blue Wildebeest
Hunting blue wildebeest in South Africa – also known as the brindled gnu – can be thrilling.
A favorite amongst hunters, this large, bearded antelope is often referenced as the ‘poor man’s buffalo’. Male and female blue wildebeest have horns, and are of similar body size and color. If you are specifically looking for a bull, then look for heavier muscled wildebeest, with thicker horn bases and more droop.
Mature bulls can weigh as much as 600 pounds. They also have wider stripes and tend to be darker than young bulls. Hunting blue wildebeest in the open savannah makes them easy enough to spot, but in the bush they prove to be elusive. Ensure your PH is knowledgeable and experienced at hunting gnu.
Hunting information for blue wildebeest
We have several packages that cater to blue wildebeest trophies.
- Savannah hunting package at $7950 is a 10 day hunting safari that includes these trophies: Black Wildebeest, Blue Wildebeest, plus Impala, Springbuck, Warthog, Kudu, Gemsbuck, Red Hartebeest, and Blesbuck
- Individual prices: $750 per blue wildebeest
- Daily PH and hunter rates are $350
Black Wildebeest
As its name suggests, black wildebeest are indeed blackish in color. Their white fluffy tail resembles a horse’s tail and gives it the name “white tailed gnu”. Endemic to South Africa, black wildebeests have been trophy hunted for many years.
A mature male is dark brown and appears black; a juvenile and female are lighter brown, and a newborn calf is fawn (light yellowish tan). Their heads are large with wide nostrils and they have a ridge of stiff black hair on top of their muzzles. A long fringe starts at the forelock and a stiff main runs down the middle of their neck down to their forelegs.
Unlike blue wildebeest, the black wildebeests’ horns grow downwards and forwards, and then curve sharply upwards. Bulls grow to 1.2m in height and can weigh close to 500lbs. Females are 1.15 m in height and weigh over 300lbs.
The majority of black wildebeest activity occurs in the mornings and late afternoons, with rest periods in between. They make a ge-nu-like noise when they sense danger, which is accompanied by a loud snout. Also, they make loud ‘hic’ sounds accompanied by upward jerks of the chin.
Hunting information for black wildebeest
We have several packages that cater to black wildebeest trophies.
- Savannah hunting package at $7950 is a 10 day hunting safari that includes these trophies: Black Wildebeest, Blue Wildebeest, plus Impala, Springbuck, Warthog, Kudu, Gemsbuck, Red Hartebeest, and Blesbuck
- Individual prices for black wildebeest are $750
- Daily rates are $350
- Everything is included in these hunting packages, such as food, accomodation, PH, drinks, etc.
Golden Wildebeest
A beautiful animal and highly sought after by hunters worldwide, the golden wildebeest, or golden gnu as it was called by the Khoi (Hottentot), is an exotic trophy.
Early farmers called them red wildebeest or Vos wildebeest.
Initially, golden wildebeests were rumored to be crosses between black and blue wildebeests, but extensive testing by nature conservation officials proved the claims false. Recessive genes cause the variation in color, similar to that which causes blue eyes in humans.
Golden in color, with dark brown stripes across the chest, they resemble black wildebeest in all aspects, except for their distinctive color. With golden beards and manes, round horns, and pointed ears, they are stocky and ox-like in appearance.
Hunting information for golden wildebeest
We have several packages that cater to blue wildebeest trophies.
- Individual prices for golden wildebeest are $1250
- Daily hunting rates are $350
- Everything is included in these hunting packages, such as food, accomodation, PH, drinks, etc.
Kings Wildebeest
A new, exciting species of wildebeest is the Kings wildebeest! Huntershill Safaris gives you the opportunity to hunt and harvest the rare and unusual South African King’s Wildebeest.
Huntershill Safaris is one of the few destinations in the world where you can hunt the Kings Wildebeest. The Kings Wildebeest has been primarily in breeding herds up until late 2013, and Huntershill Safaris introduced them to our herds recently. The Kings Wildebeest can be hunted all year round in South Africa since there are no seasonal restrictions.
You can hunt the Kings Wildebeest as part of a 7-10 day African Safari hunting package, along with several other savannah trophies. Or you can hunt it exclusively. One of our experienced and licensed Professional Hunters will be your guide on your Kings Wildebeest hunt. No matter your age or experience level, you will have a wonderful time hunting your Kings Wildebeest trophy on our farms.
Kings Wildebeest Trophy Fees
- Kings wildebeest each: $3000
- Trophy Fees are in addition to the daily fees which are part of the all-inclusive hunting package.
Daily fees
- 1 Hunter/ 1 PH – $350 per hunter per day
- 2 Hunters/ 1 PH – $330 per hunter per day
- Bow Hunter/ 1 PH – $350 per hunter per day
- Observer Fees – $120 per person per day
Royal Wildebeest
The Royal Wildebeest – also known as ghost wildebeest – is the most rare color-variant of all the blue wildebeest, with only an estimated 20 – 30 in the world.
It is likely that by the time you are hunting king wildebeest, you have already hunted blue wildebeest, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, and golden wildebeest.
Hunting Royal Wildebeest South Africa
The Royal Wildebeest is a plains game animal. In contrast to the dark colors of the blue wildebeest, the Royal Wildebeest has several striking differences to be known as king of the wildebeest.
Here is what makes royal wildebeest stand apart from blue wildebeest and golden wildebeest
- It has a white tail, mane and beard.
- There is a pinkish coloration in the nasal area, eyes and the inside of the ears.
Interesting Royal Wildebeest Facts
Royal wildebeest are herd animals that prefer safety in numbers. The unique color is due to a recessive gene. Royal wildebeest, blue wildebeest and golden wildebeest can naturally intermingle and reproduce as they are all the same genus. Even though Royal wildebeest are not an endangered species, they are not commonly found on hunting properties.
Royal Wildebeest Trophy Fees
- Royal wildebeest each: $12000
- Trophy Fees are in addition to the daily fees which are part of the all-inclusive hunting package.
Daily fees
- 1 Hunter/ 1 PH – $350 per hunter per day
- 2 Hunters/ 1 PH – $330 per hunter per day
- Bow Hunter/ 1 PH – $350 per hunter per day
- Observer Fees – $120 per person per day
Wildebeest Hunting Considerations
When to hunt wildebeest in South Africa
The best time of day to hunt wildebeest is in the morning while they are grazing. Use a walk-and-stalk method. Wildebeest are an interesting and challenging hunt, as the antelope are highly alert and will run off if they perceive a threat.
This is one tough antelope to hunt. Use anything above .270 caliber and a good 150-grain bullet, such as .300 magnums with 200 or 220-grain bullets. There may well be a need for even larger calibers and heavier bullets when hunting blue wildebeest in bushveld conditions. Bow hunters need to set for large game and bring more than one well-tuned hunting bow with a draw weight of at least 50 lbs or 70 lbs.
Shot placement when hunting wildebeest
Golden Wildebeest is known to be extremely dangerous when it is wounded. Therefore it is strongly recommended to be ready to shoot again immediately after the first shot, if not the animal goes down immediately.
The prominent hump on the shoulder and the mane may often lead to a body shot placed too high. Place the shot about four inches (a hand’s width) above the elbow point when you are taking the side-on shot. The ‘high heart’ shot will take heart and lungs; the animal will likely fall within 50 yards after being hit. Be very cautious if your shot placement wasn’t quite right, as this critter can be extremely dangerous if wounded. A downed wildebeest should be approached from the ‘off’ side with great care, as they have been known to get up and charge when approached from that side.
Wildebeest Shot Placement: Broadside