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Namibia is an exciting, diverse, and challenging destination for African plains game hunts. From small duikers to the mighty kudu, the destination provides hunters with a range of hunting adversaries to test their abilities and skillsets. But nothing compares to the blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), often referred to as the “poor man’s buffalo.” This antelope is a machine and is seen as difficult to hunt, due to the sheer resilience and willpower the animal has, to survive. There are five subspecies of blue wildebeest, including the blue wildebeest or common blue wildebeest (C. t. taurinus) that is found in Namibia and provides hunters with thrilling and exciting wildebeest hunting opportunities! This African plains game antelope has disproportionately large forequarters, a large head, and a broad snout, and both sexes have horns that curve inwards and upwards. The male’s horns are both bigger and thicker at the base. It has a black mane that runs down the back of its neck, with a horse-like tail. Males weigh up to 600 pounds, with females tipping the scales at around 500 pounds. The name “blue” wildebeest is given because of the blue sheen that their coats have, with their coat color varying from blue-gray, to a light-gray and even a shade of gray-brown. The coat has darker vertical lines that run from its neck to behind the rib cage. Namibia is an exceptional destination, offering hunters diverse and varied landscapes and terrain for their hunting pleasure, and with the successful reintroduction of the blue wildebeest to the country, there are many opportunities to enjoy a challenging wildebeest hunting trip. The Zambezi region, with its lush, open grasslands provides the perfect habitat for the blue wildebeest, while the northern area of the country also offers some good hunting options. Bow hunting is a legal hunting method undertaken in Namibia, along with various other popular methods as listed above.
Shot Placement when Blue Wildebeest Hunting
This antelope is known for running great distances once wounded. Even with a good heart shot this animal will run and is known for being resilient and tough. Ensure that your shot placement is correct, allowing for the swift, clean, and humane death of the animal. Take a broadside shot and aim for the bottom third of the animal, vertically in line with the front leg. This will target the vital organs of the heart and lungs.
What Caliber Rifle is used when Blue Wildebeest Hunting?
Wildebeest hunting expeditions are thrilling and exciting hunts that challenge the hunter’s stalking abilities and perseverance, as this antelope is renowned for not only its exceptionally keen senses and wary nature but also its resilience and ability to “eat lead.” No caliber less than a .270 should be considered when hunting wildebeest, but a flat shooting .300 magnum loaded with 200 grains to 220 grains will work well on this African plains game stalwart. A .308 with a bullet weighing 165 grains or more can be used but shot placement remains critical. Should a hunter wish to use a larger rifle, options such as a .338, .375, or a .416 Rigby are also an option. Wildebeest hunting with a bow is legal in Namibia. Speak to your African outfitter for further information.
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