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Coke’s Hartebeest Hunting In Africa

Coke’s Hartebeest is a Medium-Sized Antelope Often Targeted on Game Hunting Safaris

The Coke’s hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii), also known as the Kongoni, might not be the most widely desired of all the African plains game hunting trophies, but it provides hunters with a great challenge nonetheless. They can be found in their native territories of northern Tanzania, where hunting in the wild is allowed, and through to central Kenya, where hunting is closed. Its conservation status is that of “least concern” as listed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

These migratory creatures herd in groups ranging from 6–20 members. The general herd features a dominant male, females, and their offspring. Males are territorial and will fight to keep their breeding space. These herds are closed to outsiders. Male-only herds exist and can reach up to 35 members.

Coke’s hartebeest mate throughout the year and females gestate for 9–10 months, meaning they can carry a calf while still having offspring to rear. Pregnant females often isolate from the herd, sometimes allowing only the previous calf to accompany them. Females and newborn calves can isolate for up to two weeks after the birth, with the calf being up and about, walking around, within 10 minutes of birth.

Male calves remain with their mother for two years. They may then be chased off by the dominant bull at three years unless they run off before that time.

They inhabit savanna and grassland areas, preferring medium to tall grassland areas. They feed mainly on grasses but consume tubers and fruit for extra water. The availability of food can influence their breeding season.

Strangely enough, the Coke’s Hartebeest falls prey to only a few big game hunting predators. Big cats, including leopards, will prey on the young antelope, but even then, it’s seldom. Only lions are brave enough to tackle an adult Coke’s hartebeest and often come off second best, with the hartebeest using their sharp horns to gauge and injure the attacker.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Alcelaphus Buselaphus Cokii

Weight:
280–370 pounds

Shoulder Height:
Males 46–48 inches

Range:
Northern Tanzania and Central Kenya

Mating Season:
Throughout the year

Life span:
10–12 years

Hunting Coke's Hartebeest

The Coke’s Hartebeest game hunting safaris in Tanzania and Kenya.

Size and Appearance

Look for a medium-sized antelope with a long, narrow face and pointed ears. Both sexes have ridged horns measuring up to 28-inches, a sloping back, and long legs. Their coats are short, reddish-brown, with a white rump and black “tuft” on its tail. The calves are paler in color. Males measure 46–48 inches and 280–370 pounds. Females are only slightly shorter at 44 inches and weighing 255–326 pounds.

Hunting Methods

When hunting Coke’s hartebeest in Africa, remember that they calve and breed at simultaneously. This ensures an abundance of the population. The species has no definitive defense mechanism and lacks the speed and agility to make a fast getaway. Due to their primary territory being open grassland, they need a careful and planned approach, and a hunter needs to keep out of sight until a shot is in range. Bulls are often more difficult to target given their nervous nature, and telling the two sexes apart is difficult, as both have horns, and there isn’t a notable size difference. Walk-and-stalk is the best approach when targeting Coke’s, especially a bull. Sticking close to the tree line for cover and moving in shadows so as not to spook them can be considered the best approach.

Challenges and Rewards

Game hunting in Africa required dedication, tenacity, and endurance. It’s known for its enriching experiences, hunting adventures, and giving big rewards to the fortunate hunters who successfully hunt their prey, such as the Coke’s Hartebeest. A good Coke’s Hartebeest reward trophy from your African hunting safari will be hallmarked by thick horn bases, leading into a deep outward curl, and long horns leading into shiny tips.

Rifles and Requirements

A good caliber flat-shooting rifle is required when hunting Coke’s hartebeest in Africa. When hunting Coke’s hartebeest, often long shots are called for which means the hunter needs to have a rifle fitted with good quality optics. The 300 magnums or any of the other .30 caliber rifles will certainly do the job. A 7mm due to potential long-shots is also a consideration carrying a big punch.