More About Namibia Gemsbok Hunting

Shot Placement on an Gemsbok Hunt

Gemsboks are not only a picturesque antelope and one of the best African plains game trophies on offer, but they are also exceptionally alert and renowned for their excellent sense of sight, smell, and hearing, with herd members warning each other of any perceived threats or danger. This provides even more of a challenge for the hunter to be able to approach the herd undetected. Shot placement on this large African plains game trophy is critical. Ensure that the animal is, in fact, dead before going to examine their beautiful horns, don’t be caught unaware as a wounded gemsbok is very aggressive and dangerous. This is an exceptionally beautiful trophy, stay away from head or neck shots that can ruin it. The best option for a clean kill would be to target the animal when it is standing broadside and aiming for the vital organs. Measure a third of the way up the front shoulder for your shot, as this will penetrate the heart. A near miss will result in a lung shot, but both shots will provide a humane death for the animal. An important fact to remember is to ignore the hump on the gemsbok’s shoulder when measuring for shot placement.

What Caliber Rifle is Used for Hunting Gemsbok?

A .270 shooting 150 grain with a muzzle velocity of at least 2700 feet per second will suffice. When gemsbok hunting, consider a large caliber rifle. Any .30 caliber loaded with 165 grain to 180, such as a .308, 30,06, or for longer shots a 300-win mag will work well to down the animal, while a .375 with a solid 300-grain bullet is also a preferred option when hunting gemsbok in Namibia.