Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
King’s wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) is a color variety of the blue wildebeest. The wildebeest, or gnu as it is sometimes referred to, is known as the “poor man’s buffalo” and a popular target when enjoying hunting trips in Africa. The King’s wildebeest is available to hunt in South Africa and often forms part of a large African plains game hunting adventure.
Their habitat includes grassland plains, savannas, open woodlands, and lower mountainous regions, ensuring a variety of landscapes during a game hunting safari. They are more active in the early morning and late afternoon, seeking out shelter during the hotter daylight hours.
These herbivores snack down on grasses and herbs while being actively preyed upon by lions, leopards, and hyenas to mention but a few of their predators. Leopards usually target their calves, while Nile crocodiles seek out the weaker members of the herd as a snack, zoning in on the weaker, older, and sickly members of the herd.
The King’s wildebeest, is a herd animal, gathering in large groups. They are one of the most widely distributed species, as well as the most commonly targeted antelopes for hunters on an Africa plains game hunting safari. They do migrate, which seems to depend on the rainfall pattern and grass available for consumption.
Breeding is roughly 8.5 months, with breeding occurring between March and April. One calf is usually born, and usually reaches independence at around 6 months old.
Name:
Connochaetes taurinus
Male Weight:
551 pounds
Male Shoulder Height:
59 inches
Horns:
Both sexes have horns, the males are slightly larger
Breeding Period:
March-May
Range:
Eastern and Southern Africa
Life span:
20 years
Hunting in the Kings Wildebeest in Africa
When targeting this Africa plains game antelope, look for a large antelope with a muscular build. They have a distinctive hump over their shoulder area and a long shaggy mane. Their coat is bluish gray, with a white shaggy mane and a white beard. Sometimes the light or white coloring extends to a light-colored forehead and snout. Males weigh 550 pounds, with females smaller at 400 pounds. Both sexes have horns, which are long and forward curving. The males’ horns are longer than those of females.
When targeting the King's wildebeest on your game hunting safari, be patient. This species is renowned for its excellent senses, so patience is key when hunting and stalking them. Most King’s wildebeest are targeted through spot-and-stalk or walk-and-stalk hunts.
The challenge commences on this exciting hunting adventure is choosing the correct animal, as both sexes have horns. The male is slightly larger, so choose carefully, taking the animal’s size overall as well as the horn size into consideration. The reward for the African hunting trips is two-fold. Firstly, seeing such an unusual Africa plains game specimen as well as harvesting it to add to your game hunting trophy room!
A King's wildebeest Africa plains game hunting safari should not be conducted with any caliber less than .270. Flat shooting .300 magnums loaded with 200 grains to 220 grains are a good option, while a fast-moving 7mm loaded with 165 grain expanding bullets or a 300-win mag with 180 grains will also work well. The faithful African rifle, the 30.06 loaded with a 180-grain expanding bullet will ensure a successful outcome for your hunting trips in Africa.
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