Red Hartebeest Hunting in South Africa

Where to Hunt Red Hartebeest in South Africa

Red hartebeest are hunted across several regions of South Africa, but some of the most characteristic hunts take place in the country's open grasslands, semi-arid interior and Kalahari country. The Free State, Northern Cape and North West all offer suitable habitat, while red hartebeest are also available on established hunting properties elsewhere in the country.

The terrain matters because it dictates how the hunt unfolds. In open grassland, a herd may be visible from a considerable distance, leaving the hunter and Professional Hunter to work out how to cross the intervening ground without being seen. Dry riverbeds, folds in the land and scattered vegetation suddenly become important when there is very little else available to hide an approach.

The Northern Cape and Kalahari can offer a different setting again, with wide horizons and red sand creating country particularly well suited to glassing. Finding hartebeest may not be the hardest part of the hunt. Closing the distance without alerting the herd often is, especially when several animals are watching different directions and the nearest useful cover seems to be exactly where you are not.

The variety available through Hunting in South Africa also makes it possible to choose a hunting area around the wider safari. A hunter interested in red hartebeest, springbok and black wildebeest may favour more open country, while a safari combining hartebeest with kudu and other bushveld species could lead to a completely different region and style of hunting.

The best area is therefore not necessarily the one advertising the largest number of red hartebeest. It is the one that holds mature bulls and provides the type of country in which you want to hunt them.

How Red Hartebeest Are Hunted in South Africa

Red hartebeest hunting is typically based around glassing and spot-and-stalk, particularly in the more open parts of South Africa. Herds can often be located from a distance, giving the Professional Hunter time to identify mature bulls and study the terrain before deciding how to approach.

The difficulty begins once the stalk starts. A herd may have animals facing several directions, and open ground can leave very few options for staying hidden. Small ridges, dry riverbeds and changes in elevation become useful cover, sometimes requiring a longer approach simply to avoid being seen.

Once within range, patience may still be needed to separate the selected bull from the herd. Other animals can stand behind him or cross in front just as a shooting opportunity develops, while an alert herd may move off before the hunter ever gets onto the sticks.

Shots can also be longer than those commonly encountered in thicker bushveld. Being comfortable shooting from sticks and knowing your rifle at realistic distances can make a considerable difference. Do not let the red hartebeest's slightly awkward appearance deceive you. These are tough, resilient antelope, and poor shot placement can quickly turn an open-country stalk into a long follow-up. The excitement of finally getting a clear bull should never replace the need for a carefully placed first shot.

When everything comes together, the hunt has a satisfying simplicity to it: find a good bull, use the country to get close and make the shot before the herd discovers what you are doing.

What Makes a Mature Red Hartebeest Bull?

The horns are usually the first thing that draws attention when judging a red hartebeest bull. Rising from a heavy base before sweeping outward and then turning sharply back, they give an old bull a distinctive profile that is difficult to confuse with any other South African antelope.

Horn length is part of the picture, but maturity should not be judged on length alone. The development of the bases, overall shape of the horns and the animal's body and character all help the Professional Hunter assess a bull. When several hartebeest are standing together, taking time to compare them can reveal differences that were not obvious when the herd was first spotted at distance.

Red hartebeest can also be surprisingly difficult to judge accurately in the field. The unusual curve and angle of the horns can make estimating their true length deceptive, particularly at distance. This is one of those animals where it pays to listen to your Professional Hunter. An experienced PH will look at the entire horn structure, including the bases and overall development, rather than trying to judge a bull on one impressive angle through the binoculars. Mistakes are easily made when a hunter becomes fixated on inches.

That opportunity to judge carefully does not always last. A relaxed herd can quickly become a line of red animals moving across the horizon once something causes concern, and judging horns becomes considerably harder when everything is running. Getting a good look at the bull before beginning the final approach avoids trying to make that decision when the herd is already alert.

A mature red hartebeest may never have the imposing reputation of a kudu or the glamour attached to a sable, but that slightly awkward appearance can be deceptive. A heavy old bull, standing alert in open country with thick, worn horns and the herd beginning to watch the approaching danger, is a very different animal from the one that may have started the safari as simply another name on the list.

Rifle Calibres and Shot Placement for Red Hartebeest

Red hartebeest are often hunted in relatively open country, making a flat-shooting rifle that the hunter knows well a sensible choice. Popular plains game calibres such as the .270, 7mm Remington Magnum, .308, .30-06 and .300 Winchester Magnum are all suitable when paired with a quality hunting bullet.

The ability to place the shot accurately matters more than carrying unnecessary power. Depending on the terrain, a hunter may need to shoot farther than expected, so knowing the rifle's trajectory and being comfortable from shooting sticks at realistic hunting distances is valuable preparation before arriving in South Africa.

Red hartebeest are tough animals, and good shot placement is important. On a broadside animal, the objective is to reach the heart and lungs, while quartering angles require careful consideration of the bullet's path through the animal. Our Medium Antelope Shot Placement Guide provides a more detailed look at shot angles and aiming points for hunters preparing for an African plains game safari.

A well-placed first shot remains the objective. With a red hartebeest, assuming there will be plenty of time for a second simply because the country is open can be a mistake. Once a herd decides to leave, things can happen very quickly.

Planning a Red Hartebeest Hunt in South Africa

Red hartebeest are well suited to a broader South African plains game safari and are often hunted alongside species such as springbok, blesbok, black wildebeest and gemsbok in more open country. In other hunting areas, the same safari may include kudu, impala, zebra and other traditional plains game species, making it relatively easy to build a varied hunt around the region being visited.

Trophy fees are generally more affordable than those associated with premium antelope such as sable or roan, although prices still vary between outfitters and hunting areas. When comparing African Hunting Safari Prices, it is worth looking at the complete package rather than the trophy fee alone, particularly when several species are being combined during the same safari.

Red hartebeest do not necessarily need to be the animal around which the entire trip is planned, but they are worth discussing before the hunt. Confirming availability gives the outfitter an opportunity to select an area that holds good bulls while still providing access to the other species on the list.

Sometimes the animals that were added to the list almost as an afterthought produce the hunts that are remembered most clearly. A mature red hartebeest spotted across a wide stretch of open country, with very little cover between you and him, can very quickly become one of those animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a red hartebeest hunt cost in South Africa?

Red hartebeest are generally more affordable to hunt than premium plains game species such as sable and roan, although trophy fees vary between outfitters and hunting areas. The total safari cost will also depend on daily rates, the length of the hunt and the other species included. Hunters planning a multi-species safari should compare the complete quotation rather than looking at the red hartebeest trophy fee in isolation.

What is the best time to hunt red hartebeest in South Africa?

Red hartebeest can be hunted through much of South Africa's hunting season, with the cooler, drier months providing particularly good conditions for spot-and-stalk hunting. Vegetation may become thinner as the dry season progresses, although the best timing will depend on the region and the other species being hunted during the safari.

What is the best rifle calibre for hunting red hartebeest?

Flat-shooting plains game calibres such as the .270, 7mm Remington Magnum, .308, .30-06 and .300 Winchester Magnum are all suitable choices with quality hunting ammunition. Red hartebeest are tough animals, so hunters should use a rifle they shoot accurately and be prepared for the possibility of longer shots in open country.

Are red hartebeest difficult to hunt?

They can be. Red hartebeest often live in herds in relatively open country, which means several animals may be watching for danger at the same time. Finding the herd can be easier than approaching it, and the lack of cover may require a carefully planned stalk using small changes in terrain to remain hidden. Once alerted, hartebeest can cover ground remarkably quickly.

Can you hunt red hartebeest with a bow?

Yes. Red hartebeest can be bowhunted in South Africa where the outfitter and hunting area accommodate bowhunting. Hunting from a blind overlooking a regularly used water source can be effective, particularly during dry conditions. Hunters should confirm suitable equipment and the expected shooting distance with their outfitter before the safari.

Can I combine red hartebeest with other species in South Africa?

Yes. Red hartebeest are regularly included in multi-species Hunting Trips and can be combined with springbok, blesbok, black wildebeest, gemsbok, kudu and numerous other South African plains game species. The exact combination will depend on the hunting region, so hunters with several priority animals should discuss the complete species list before choosing where the safari will take place.